Spain is a country with a rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. One of the attractions that Spain offers is its abundance of hot springs, or aguas termales, that are heated by geothermal activity and enriched with minerals. These hot springs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and relaxing benefits, and many of them are still open to the public today. In this guide, we will explore some of the best hot springs in Spain, as well as the spas and balnearios that offer a variety of services and treatments using the thermal waters.
Ourense: The Thermal Capital of Spain
Ourense is a city in the northwest of Spain, in the region of Galicia. It is known as the thermal capital of Spain, as it has more than 200 hot springs along the banks of the Miño River. The water temperature ranges from 24°C to 70°C, and some of the springs have been used since Roman times. Ourense offers both free and paid options for enjoying the hot springs, as well as a thermal bus service that connects the different locations.
Some of the most popular hot springs in Ourense are:
- As Burgas: These are three free outdoor pools in the center of the city, next to a Roman archaeological site. The water temperature is around 65°C, and there is also a fountain where you can drink the water or fill up your bottles. As Burgas is open all year round, from 10:00 to 22:001.
- Pozas de Outariz: These are two sets of pools on opposite sides of the river, connected by a pedestrian bridge. The pools have different temperatures and shapes, and some of them are inspired by Japanese onsen. Pozas de Outariz is free to access, but there is also a private spa with saunas, massages, and two thermal circuits for 5.5 euros per hour1.
- Termas Chavasqueira: This is a private spa with four outdoor pools and two indoor pools, as well as saunas, jacuzzis, and massages. The water temperature is around 41°C, and the spa has a Japanese-style design. Termas Chavasqueira costs 4 euros per hour and a half1. There are also free public pools outside the spa.
Granada: The Land of Alhama
Granada is a province in the south of Spain, in the region of Andalusia. It is famous for its Moorish heritage, especially the Alhambra palace and fortress. Granada also has some of the most spectacular hot springs in Spain, located in the Alhama River valley. The name Alhama comes from the Arabic word for bath, and it reflects the importance of these waters for the ancient civilizations that inhabited this area.
Some of the most remarkable hot springs in Granada are:
- Termas de Alhama: These are natural outdoor pools on the banks of the river, surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations. The water temperature is around 47°C, and it has a high concentration of sulfur and other minerals. Termas de Alhama is free to access, but it can get crowded on weekends and holidays2.
- Balneario de Alhama de Granada: This is a spa complex that uses the thermal waters of Alhama for its treatments and facilities. It has indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, mud baths, massages, and more. Balneario de Alhama de Granada costs 18 euros per day2.
- Zújar Hot Springs: These are natural pools on the shore of Lake Negratín, with stunning views of the mountains and the water. The temperature is around 38°C, and the water has a reddish color due to its iron content. Zújar Hot Springs is free to access2.
Murcia: The Mud Baths of Mar Menor
Murcia is a province in the southeast of Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. It is known for its sunny climate, its beaches, and its orchards. Murcia also has some unique hot springs that are not only hot but also muddy. These mud baths are located in Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon that is separated from the sea by a strip of land called La Manga.
Some of the most interesting hot springs in Murcia are:
- Las Charcas Mud Baths: These are shallow pools on the edge of Mar Menor, where you can cover yourself with black mud that has therapeutic properties for your skin, joints, and muscles. The mud is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine. Las Charcas Mud Baths is free to access, but you have to bring your own towel and water to rinse off3.
- Balneario de Archena: This is a spa resort that uses the thermal waters of Archena, a town near Murcia. The water temperature is around 52°C, and it has a high content of sodium, chlorine, and bicarbonate. Balneario de Archena has several pools, jacuzzis, waterfalls, jets, saunas, steam rooms, massages, and more. Balneario de Archena costs 18 euros per day3.
- Balneario de Fortuna: This is another spa resort that uses the thermal waters of Fortuna, another town near Murcia. The water temperature is around 53°C, and it has a high content of sulfur and fluoride. Balneario de Fortuna has indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, massages, and more. Balneario de Fortuna costs 15 euros per day3.
Other Hot Springs in Spain
There are many other hot springs in Spain that are worth visiting, depending on your preferences and location. Here are some of them:
| Region | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galicia | Roman Caldaria of Bande | These are ancient Roman baths that have been restored and opened to the public. The water temperature is around 40°C, and there are three pools with different depths. | Free1 |
| La Rioja | Pozas de Arnedillo | These are natural outdoor pools on the banks of the Cidacos River, with views of the mountains and the village. The water temperature is around 50°C, and there are three pools with different sizes. | Free3 |
| Castellón | Aigües Termals de Montanejos | These are natural outdoor pools on the banks of the Mijares River, with crystal clear water and a constant temperature of 25°C. There are several pools with different depths and currents. | Free2 |
| Barcelona | Roman Bath of Sant Boi de Llobregat | This is a Roman bath that has been preserved and turned into a museum. The water temperature is around 20°C, and there is one pool with a vaulted ceiling and mosaic floor. | 2 euros4 |
FAQs
- Are there natural hot springs in Spain?
Yes, there are many natural hot springs in Spain, some of which have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. Spain has a rich history of thermal bathing, influenced by the Celts, the Romans and the Arabs. You can find natural hot springs in various regions of Spain, such as Ourense, Granada, Murcia and Galicia123.
- Which country has best hot springs?
This is a subjective question that depends on personal preferences and criteria. However, some of the countries that are well-known for their hot springs include Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Turkey and Costa Rica. These countries have diverse landscapes and climates that offer different types of hot springs, such as volcanic, geothermal, mineral and sulfur.
- Where is the city of Spain known for its natural thermal springs?
One of the cities in Spain that is famous for its natural thermal springs is Ourense, located in the northwest corner of the country. Ourense has the largest concentration of hot springs in Spain, with more than 200 sources of thermal water. The temperature of the water ranges from 24°C to 65°C, and some of the springs have medicinal properties. You can enjoy both free and paid thermal baths along the banks of the Miño River12.
- Do hot springs exist in Europe?
Yes, hot springs exist in Europe and they are very popular among locals and tourists alike. Europe has a long tradition of thermal bathing that dates back to ancient times. Some of the most famous hot spring destinations in Europe include Budapest in Hungary, Bath in England, Baden-Baden in Germany and Aix-les-Bains in France.
Conclusion
Spain is a country with a wealth of hot springs that offer health and wellness benefits, as well as cultural and historical value. Whether you prefer natural or artificial pools, free or paid options, urban or rural settings, you can find a hot spring that suits your taste in Spain. So next time you visit this beautiful country, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and enjoy a relaxing soak in one of its amazing hot springs.
