Ourense Old Town and Thermal Baths
Japanese-inspired thermal baths offering a serene, affordable escape with stunning river views, perfect for nighttime relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, stargazing magic
Ourense Old Town and Thermal Baths
Best Time
Fewer crowds, stargazing magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japanese-inspired thermal baths offering a serene, affordable escape with stunning river views, perfect for nighttime relaxation.
"A truly relaxing, affordable experience with great views, despite strict rules."
🚶♀️ Hike to the Springs
Parking is across the river; a 3km hike is required. Pack light or be prepared for the walk!
🤫 Respect the Silence
A very respectful environment for privacy and silence. No photos allowed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Thermal Pools
Overlooking the River Miño
Relax in Japanese-inspired hot springs with stunning river views. A truly unique Galician onsen experience.
Nighttime Soaking
Thermal Baths
Experience the magic of soaking under the stars. Night visits offer fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.
On-site Restaurant
Near the Baths
Enjoy a meal with good food and drink options after your relaxing soak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Hike
Embrace the Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike to the Springs
Parking is across the river; a 3km hike is required. Pack light or be prepared for the walk! +1
🤫 Respect the Silence
A very respectful environment for privacy and silence. No photos allowed. +1
⏰ Efficient Waiting System
Even on busy days, the waiting system is efficient. Grab a bite at the cafe while you wait.
💧 Water Temperature
Water might be less hot than expected, but still enjoyable for relaxation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike to the Springs
Parking is across the river; a 3km hike is required. Pack light or be prepared for the walk! +1
🤫 Respect the Silence
A very respectful environment for privacy and silence. No photos allowed. +1
⏰ Efficient Waiting System
Even on busy days, the waiting system is efficient. Grab a bite at the cafe while you wait.
💧 Water Temperature
Water might be less hot than expected, but still enjoyable for relaxation.
🗣️ English Signage Needed
Some visitors noted a lack of English signs, so be prepared for potential navigation challenges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ourense thermal baths for their relaxing atmosphere, unique Japanese-inspired design, and affordability, especially during nighttime visits under the stars. However, some find the strict rules, including a no-photos policy and specific footwear requirements, to be overly rigid, likening it to a 'concentration camp' experience. The hike from the car park and occasional lack of English signage are also noted points.
"Hike of about 3 kms from car park fully loaded with bike gear to arrive to a scream of NO PHOTOS ALLOWED , no cold water for a shower afterwards only red hot water all around on a plus side ( only plus) the restaurant is ok."
Tony Bigt
"A really relaxing, affordable experience. Parking is across the river (just to note for walking), but the system for waiting on a busy day is efficient. The cafe has great food and drink options and once you are within the baths, it doesn’t feel overwhelming despite how the wait time may make it feel. Absolutely worth it. Plus, the views are great."
Annie Kopack
"Small people power play, with so many trivial rules. Like kid height is on the line, no good, slippers not to their liking, not allowed. Even at restaurant waiter did not allow to push 2 tables together for shared lunch. Overall experience like in German concentration camp, just warm hot springs instead of gas showers. If you have kids above 10y, just go to few hundreds meters nearby public hot springs place."
Augustinas Stirbis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parking is located across the river, requiring a hike of approximately 3 kilometers to reach the thermal springs. Signs on the motorway may not be clear, so plan your route in advance. +1
No, there is no parking directly at the facilities. You'll need to park across the river and walk.
The hike is about 3 kilometers from the car park. It's advisable to pack light if you're carrying gear. +1
While not explicitly mentioned, a taxi would likely drop you near the parking area, still requiring the hike. Confirm drop-off points with your driver.
Information on direct public transport to the baths is limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi to the nearest accessible point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The experience is described as affordable, though specific pricing details are not widely available in the provided reviews.
While not explicitly stated, it's wise to check for booking requirements, especially for popular nighttime slots, to avoid disappointment.
The baths are open late, with some visitors enjoying slots as late as 23:30 to 01:30, making nighttime visits a popular option.
There are strict rules, including height lines for children, suggesting potential age or height restrictions for certain areas.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted in such facilities. The on-site restaurant offers food and drink options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is very respectful, emphasizing privacy and silence. It's designed for relaxation and tranquility.
No, photography is strictly prohibited within the facilities to maintain privacy.
Slippers are required, and specific types may not be allowed, indicating a need to adhere to facility guidelines.
Some visitors found the water to be less hot than expected, but still enjoyable for a relaxing experience.
Some visitors noted a lack of English signage, so it's helpful to be prepared for potential communication barriers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that offers great food and drink options.
The restaurant has strict rules, with one reviewer noting a waiter refused to push tables together, suggesting a rigid approach to seating.
The restaurant is described as 'ok' and offers good food and drink options, but specific cuisine details are not provided. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely not. Photography is strictly forbidden to ensure the privacy and tranquility of all visitors.
The policy is in place to maintain a respectful environment and protect the privacy of guests enjoying the thermal baths.
While photos are not allowed inside, the surrounding landscape and the approach to the baths might offer scenic opportunities before or after your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🌙 Night Owls & Stargazers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ourense Thermal Bath Experience
However, it's crucial to be prepared for the facility's strict rules. A prominent 'no photos allowed' policy is in effect to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, specific footwear requirements and other regulations are enforced, contributing to an experience that some have described as highly structured.
For those seeking a truly special visit, consider booking a nighttime slot. Soaking under the stars offers a magical and less crowded experience, allowing for maximum enjoyment of the thermal waters and the unique ambiance.
Navigating to and Around the Baths
While signs on the motorway are intended to guide visitors, some travelers have found them unclear, leading to initial difficulties in locating the parking area. It's advisable to use GPS or a reliable map application to navigate to the parking spot. Once parked, the hike itself offers scenic views and serves as a gentle prelude to the relaxation that awaits.
Inside the facility, while the overall experience is positive, some visitors have noted a lack of English signage. This might require a bit more attention to understand directions or rules, especially if you're not fluent in Spanish. Despite these minor navigational points, the efficient waiting system and the overall relaxing environment make the journey worthwhile.
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