Ourense: a high temperature city

The city of Ourense is not famous just because Minho river, but also for its mineral-medicinal spring waters. Its thermal baths are so important that it is a founding member of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association. So, which ones can we enjoy and get to know?

The city of Ourense is not famous just because Minho river, but also for its mineral-medicinal spring waters. Its thermal baths are so important that it is a founding member of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association. So, which ones can we enjoy and get to know?

• Outariz and Burga de Canedo. Located in Outariz, on the riverside, it is the largest thermal space of the city, formed by two sets of outdoor pools, located in a recreational area. Its waters, which can reach 60ºC, are weakly mineralized, alkaline, fluorinated and silicated. 

• Muíño da Veiga. This set of five pools, as its name suggests, is located at the foot of an old wooden mill. Although the bathing water is around 40ºC, it emanates from 65ºC to 72ºC. The water is weakly mineralized and alkaline.

• A Chavasqueira. These small stone pools are located a few meters from the Millennium Bridge, a representative building of the city and symbol of the entry into the new millennium. This space is also known as Caldas del Obispo, in reference to Cardinal Quevedo, who in the nineteenth century ordered to set them up for the comfort of users and their own use. The temperature of the spring water is above 60ºC.

• Piscina termal de As Burgas. If we mentioned before the bridge as a symbol of the city, As Burgas is another of the most emblematic areas of Ourense. In this place was born the Aquis Auriensis or "Golden Waters", a Roman settlement formed around the spring waters, in the current historic center. It is a pool of about 200 square meters, which allows us to relax while contemplating the history and culture of the city. The water, which emerges at 60ºC, but cools down to 40ºC, is hyperthermal of medium mineralization.

• Fuente de O Tinteiro. It is one of the most appreciated fountains by the neighbors. It is located in a wooden viewpoint built over the river. Therefore, it not only offers all the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-medicinal waters, but also incredible views of nature.

In addition, if we want to enjoy a nice walk, we can venture to do the Minho Thermal Route, about five kilometers long and which connects up to seven thermal spaces: A Chavasqueira, O Tinteiro, Muíño da Veiga, as Termas de Outariz, the pools of Outariz and the Burga de Canedo and tRea’s fountain.

Discover the historic center of the thermal town in our special getaway to the Ribeira Sacra this Friday, don't miss it!