Caldas de Chaves, Thermal spa complex in Chaves, Portugal
Caldas de Chaves is a thermal spa facility in Portugal where hot spring water bubbles up naturally from underground, rich in minerals and bicarbonates. The complex contains bathing pools and treatment rooms where visitors can soak in the warm water or receive specialized therapies based on their needs.
The Romans discovered the healing power of these hot springs in the first century and founded a settlement here called Aquae Flaviae. The site has endured as a place of healing ever since, remaining in almost continuous use through medieval times and into the modern era.
The thermal site holds special meaning for locals who have long turned to its waters for healing, passed down through family traditions of health and wellness care. Visitors today continue this practice, making it an active part of how people in the region approach well-being.
The site welcomes visitors year-round, though it helps to plan ahead and ask about the best times to visit based on your interests. Bring comfortable swimwear and a towel since the warm water feels invigorating and the change in temperature afterward can feel refreshing.
The spring originates from unusually deep underground reservoirs, which explains why the water arrives so hot and under tremendous natural pressure from below. This rare geological setup makes the location stand out among European thermal sites.
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