Caldas da Felgueira: water and well-being

The thermal centre of Caldas da Felgueira, in Nelas, is sought out by many as a therapy, but also as a centre for well-being and leisure provided by its Spa. To the wonder of the water joins the bucolic environment of a village situated of leafy trees on the banks of the Mondego river.   The sulphur waters of Caldas da Felgueira are indicated for respiratory tracts, rheumatism and for the relief of dermatological problems. That is why the spa is sought after by kids and adults alike. Recently remodelled, the building has gained in comfort and thermal equipment, having definitely lost that somewhat balzaquian air that many present. On the contrary, it is a very pleasant space.

In this municipality of Nelas, which is fundamentally known as the heart of the Dão wines, it is not only the gastronomy that matches the nectars that Touriga Nacional and Encruzado allow. The waters are also a hit, particularly in Caldas da Felgueira, where they have medicinal properties.

The waters of Caldas da Felgueira are known since time immemorial. Carbon 14 tests allowed dating the aquifer 13.000 years ago. But only in the 19th century, with the fashion of aquism, the thermal springs were born.

History tells us that, at the very beginning of the 19th century, the first aquatic person to be cured by the medicinal properties of the waters was a priest. José Lourenço not only became known as the first person to be treated in the sulphur waters, but it was also his initiative that Caldas da Felgueira was born. He built there the first house and in 1818 the village already had 13 dwellings and 50 inhabitants.

The thermal waters were their reason for existing and they were increasingly sought after. So much so that already at the end of the century, in 1882, the Companhia das Água Medicinais da Felgueira was born. The rest is a story in all similar to the other Portuguese spas.

After a period of expansion and euphoria – in which the Grande Hotel das Termas was born – it fell into decline. It was already at the end of the 20th century that Caldas da Felgueira regained its dynamism and the buildings started being restored. But, as we know it today, the Caldas da Felgueira Thermal Centre started to come to life in 2007.

Today, the thermal springs and its Grande Hotel are sought after for leisure and for health reasons. The spa has a body of 15 doctors who indicate the treatments to be used and monitor all the patients. A treatment lasts an average of 14 days, often being divided into two periods.

But, besides the showers, apparatus, nebulizations, swimming pool and all the necessary equipment for therapeutic treatments, Caldas da Felgueira also has a fully operational Spa with only one goal in mind: to promote the well-being of those who seek it.

The Vichy bath could not be missing, but there is also the seaweed bath and massages with chocolate or essential oils, exfoliations and anti-aging face treatment.

The village is small and there are still some traditional houses in it. Besides the Grande Hotel das Termas, with restaurant, there is also the aparthotel Pantanha and some local accommodation. There are also places to eat, such as the Moderna restaurant.