Termas Monfortinho

Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco, Portugal

Location: Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco, Portugal
Water type: bicarbonate
Temperature: 38 °C
pH: 8

Water profile

Thermicity

Neutral

38 °C

LowHigh

Soothing — neither hot nor cold, perfect balance.

Mineralisation

Restorative

LowHigh

Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).

Buoyancy

Standard buoyancy

LowHigh

Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.

BicarbonatesSodiumCalcium

On the border between Portugal and Spain, Termas de Monfortinho sits on the slopes of the Serra de Penha Garcia, beside the Erges river that marks the frontier between the two countries. Its spring, the Fonte Santa, has been known locally for centuries, but it was only in 1907 that the Companhia das Águas da Fonte Santa de Monfortinho was founded by 32 partners to organize the site, driven by physician José Gardete Martins. The first bathhouse only opened in 1940, designed by architect Vasco Pereira de Lacerda Marques.

The Fonte Santa water stands out for its low mineralization and its silica content, among the highest of any Portuguese thermal spring, alongside bicarbonate, sodium, calcium and magnesium. In 2001, architect José Luís Teixeira Pinto led a complete renovation of the baths, modernizing the relaxation areas while preserving the spirit of this historic border site in the Beira Baixa countryside.

Insider tip — Termas Monfortinho sits in the sun-drenched borderland of Castelo Branco near the Spanish frontier, fed by bicarbonate waters historically valued for kidney and urinary tract treatments. The surrounding schist landscape of the Raia region lends the spa a secluded, timeless character. The termas have been welcoming Portuguese and Spanish visitors since the 18th century. Combine a cure stay with excursions to the prehistoric rock art sites scattered across the surrounding hills.

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