Throughout Spain, several areas stand out for offering an alternative to bathing on beaches and lakes thanks to the warmth of their waters and their properties. These are places with thermal water pools, an ideal option to take advantage of their benefits for free.
In ancient times, various civilizations – such as Romans, Greeks and Egyptians – took full advantage of the properties of thermal waters for their own benefit, offering public baths in the largest cities in which any inhabitant could bathe.
However, their use declined in the Middle Ages, when these pools were abandoned until today, which have once again gained importance for their combination of tradition and health, which make them popular destinations for tourism and personal care.
Spain has – distributed throughout its territory – a multitude of these natural spaces, where it is also possible to learn about the traditions and cultures of the surrounding areas. Knowing the location of some of the most notable ones as well as some of their characteristics is essential to planning a trip at any time of the year. These are some of the best hot spring pools in Spain.
Pozas de Arnedillo, in La Rioja
The Arnedillo pools, in the town with the same name, are one of the most notable in the entire Peninsula due to the temperature of their waters, which rise up to 52 and a half degrees. These are free access and are close to the banks of the Cidacos River, which flows into the Ebro River.
The waters are of mining origin and have, among their composition, traces of sodium chloride, calcium sulfate, bromine, and ions of magnesium, iron, silicon and rubidium. In this way, the town – just 62 kilometers from the capital of Rioja – is a good option to enjoy some of the warmest waters on the Peninsula.
Roman baths of Bande, in Galicia
The autonomous community of Galicia is one of those that houses the most hot springs, especially in the province of Ourense. In this way, the Roman natural pools of Bande are one of the most striking both for their history and for their easy access.
This is because, although during times of heavy rain the hot springs overflow, making it impossible to pass through, the most common thing is that the As Conchas dam retains the flow of the Limia River sufficiently, thus allowing you to enjoy these hot water baths. .
In addition to having several bathtubs and swimming pools, the thermal area houses a small natural lake from which water flows – at a temperature of 46 degrees and of medium mineralization. In the same way, the enclave also has a spring used by the Romans and a mansion from the same period, which was used as an inn for travelers who came to the area in ancient times. These Roman calves, open to the open air and free to use, are also close to other archaeological sites from the same period.
Outariz thermal pools, in Galicia
In the same way as those of Bande, the thermal pools of Outariz in Galicia are other great representatives of the quality of Orense thermal waters. The space constituted by both these pools and those of Burga de Canedo encompasses the largest recreational thermal space in the city, also located on the right bank of the Miño River.
Its waters are weakly mineralized, hyperthermal, sodium bicarbonate, fluorinated and sulphurous. In addition, several points on the granite rocks release water at temperatures around 60 degrees.
The Outariz section has a cold water pool and three hot water pools, as well as lockers and toilets so you can enjoy bathing in an orderly and worry-free manner. Furthermore, despite having free access – except for children under 10 years old, who are not allowed entry – capacity is limited, and it will be necessary to come with a swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel.
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