The Caldas de Aregos have existed since the 12th century, when D. Mafalda (1125-1157), Queen of Portugal, ordered a hostel to be built there, a forerunner of the various thermal spas that have followed each other. And, since you are in Aregos, enjoy a boat ride aboard the "Barca d'Aregos" (p. 311), a memory of the secular "barcas de por Deus" [Barges of God], which were created to allow a free connection between the two banks of the river Douro.