Just a few kilometers away from the city of Viseu, São Pedro do Sul is a centre for wellness tourism which benefits from a rich natural heritage – mountains, hills, valleys and rivers, anchoring elements of the region – which offers unparalleled conditions for an invigorating holiday rich in experiences.
The magic of its waters, with unique properties in Europe, is complemented with the elegance of its medical and wellness facilities, allied with the benefits and pleasures of nature at its purest, exuberant landscapes, providing unforgettable sights, ideal for the pursuit of healthy lifestyles and active or nature tourism.
Extensive ruins of the Roman baths (1st century AD) may still be seen in the town, being the most importatn testimony of São Pedro’s long tradition of thermalism.
The history of the town is linked to theKing of Portugal Afonso Henriques, who in 1152, acknowdledging the growing fame and importance of the mineral springs, granted it the status of municipality as a spa resort. He himself came to visit the springs for health – then called “Caldas Lafonenses” – where he recovered from a broken leg injured in battle. Another king, Manuel I, ordered in 1515 the construction of the new “Caldas de Lafões” Royal Hospital, which replaced the old baths, thus increasing the importance of the spa town.
In 1884 a new thermal complex was built, replacing the 300 years-old Royal Hospital. Before long, Queen Amélia also visited the spa, in 1894, to put and end to some health problems that tormented her. Because of the success of her visit, a royal decree declared that the bath should be called after her, and so remains today. The character and time of Queen Amèlia is revisited every year with special events at the eponymous thermal complex.
The arrival of São Pedro do Sul Spa and Hydrotherapy Centre to an era of Medical & Wellness Tourism, with all the new requirements of a diversified public, demands an increasing sophistication in the products and services that it offers: a modern and professional management that pays attention to the new trends of this market segment and is also ready to respond to its enormous potential, creating
São Pedro do Sul thermal springs are favoured by the great active fault of Verín (Spain) – Régua – Penacova making possible to conduct flows from great distances and depths. Besides the ancient spring, known since Roman times, there are several thermal wells in the area supplying, by arthesianism, hot mineral water with temperatures between 67ºC and 68.7ºC. The water is used not only at the bathouses, but also for the production of cosmetics and geothermic uses, heating non-mineral waters for domestic use.
São Pedro do Sul Thermal Baths leads the health and wellness market in Portugal, with modern top-level facilities with the latests equipments and a staff team of highly qualified professionals, offering sophisticated and varied treatments. It is specialized in the cure of respiratory and rheumatologic diseases, due to the mineralogical properties of the waters, and also offers a wide range of spa treatments.
