p>31km (19 miles) N of Coimbra; 230km (143 miles) N of Lisbon; 8km (5 miles) SE of Cúria

Luso, a little spa town on the northwestern side of the Buçaco mountains, boasts a mild climate and thermal waters for both drinking and bathing. The radioactive and hypotonic water is low in mineral content. It is said to treat kidney ailments, circulatory problems, and respiratory tract or skin allergies.

The old spa town, Termas do Luso, Rua Álvaro Castelões 9 (tel. 23/193-79-10; www.termasdoluso.com), is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm May to October. The staff here specializes in treating urinary diseases, hypertension, diseases of the respiratory system, and skin diseases.

Besides the health-oriented aspects of the spa, Luso is a resort area that shares many of its facilities with Buçaco, 3.3km (2 miles) away. During the spa season, festivities and sports events are held at the casino, nightclub, and tennis courts, as well as on the lake and at the two pools, one of which is heated. Thermal spa enthusiasts flock here from June to October.