Termas da Ladeira

## Overview Termas da Ladeira is a beloved public drinking spring located near the town of Ladeira in central Portugal (GPS: 39.609718, -7.860239). The spring is captured by a traditional stone fountain built into the hillside, channeling naturally flowing water that has been cherished by locals for generations. The name "Termas da Ladeira" — roughly translating to "Thermal Baths of the Hillside" — reflects both the spring's origin on the slope above and its long association with therapeutic waters. The water from Termas da Ladeira has been reported to be mildly diuretic and is widely regarded by locals for its healing properties. Visitors and longtime residents describe the water as delicious, with a notably refreshing coolness during the hot Portuguese summers and a pleasant warmth in winter — a characteristic often associated with springs fed from deeper geological sources where the earth moderates the water temperature year-round. This consistent thermal quality is part of what gives the spring its "termas" designation. Locals have been drinking from this spring for decades, and it remains a popular stop for residents filling bottles and jugs with the naturally flowing water. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near the coordinates **39.609718, -7.860239**, in the Ladeira area of central Portugal. 2. Look for a hillside fountain structure designed to capture the spring water flowing down from the slope above. 3. The fountain is publicly accessible and situated along or near a local road — keep an eye out for a traditional stone water spout or basin built into the hillside. *Note: Exact road-level directions are not currently available. Using the GPS coordinates in a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze is recommended to reach the spring.* ## What to Expect At Termas da Ladeira, you'll find a traditional fountain-style capture point where spring water flows freely from the hillside. The setup is typical of many Portuguese public springs — a stone or masonry structure with one or more spouts delivering a steady stream of water into a basin or trough. The water temperature is notably stable throughout the year: refreshingly cool during Portugal's warm summers and comfortably warm during the cooler winter months. This natural temperature regulation is a hallmark of springs sourced from deeper underground aquifers. The spring is well-known in the surrounding community, and you may encounter locals filling containers. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source and is reputed to have mild diuretic qualities, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and independent testing is always advisable. The setting on the hillside offers a pleasant, rustic atmosphere characteristic of rural central Portugal. It's a wonderful stop for anyone exploring the region's natural heritage and traditional water sources.