Ourense, the City of Thermal Baths and Galician Traditions
Ourense, located in the heart of Galicia, is a city full of charm and authenticity. Famous for its outdoor thermal baths and rich cultural heritage, Ourense attracts visitors looking for relaxation and a unique experience of Galician culture.
Beyond its thermal waters, the city boasts a well-preserved Old Town, vibrant traditional celebrations, and delicious cuisine. Combining nature, history, and tradition, Ourense is an ideal destination for those who want to explore a lesser-known side of Spain, away from the main tourist routes.
The City of Thermal Baths in Galicia
Ourense is widely known for its thermal waters, which have become one of the city’s main attractions. With temperatures reaching up to 60ºC and therapeutic properties valued for centuries, Ourense’s thermal baths offer visitors a unique relaxation experience deeply rooted in Galician culture. The city has both public, free thermal baths, which can be enjoyed outdoors, and paid thermal complexes with more complete facilities.
Free Outdoor Thermal Baths
Ourense’s free thermal baths are very popular among both locals and visitors, especially during the colder months. Located outdoors and surrounded by a mix of urban and natural landscapes, these spots provide an authentic and accessible experience. Some of the most well-known include:
As Burgas
Located in the centre of Ourense, As Burgas is one of the city’s most famous thermal baths. In addition to the hot springs, where water emerges at around 67ºC, a public thermal pool allows visitors to relax for free in warm waters. As Burgas offers a unique experience, blending the urban atmosphere with the charm of natural hot springs.
Outariz Thermal Baths
The public thermal baths of Outariz are situated along the banks of the River Miño, offering a relaxing experience in nature. This free thermal area features several outdoor hot pools, where both locals and visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the waters. Outariz Thermal Baths are particularly popular during the colder months.
Paid Thermal Baths: Comfort and Facilities
For those looking for a more structured environment with extra comfort, Ourense also offers paid thermal bath options. These complexes provide relaxation areas, changing rooms, and additional services such as massages and treatments. With affordable prices starting at around €7, paid thermal baths are ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the thermal waters with an added touch of comfort and tranquillity.
Outariz Thermal Complex
Inspired by traditional Japanese onsens, the Outariz Thermal Complex is a paid facility offering a more structured experience. With several hot water pools, both indoor and outdoor, this complex is perfect for those seeking comfort and tranquillity. Entry costs around €7, providing access to changing rooms, relaxation areas, and additional services such as massages and beauty treatments.
A Chavasqueira Thermal Baths
A Chavasqueira (Chavasqueira Privada) offers a Japanese-style setting designed for relaxation. With an entry fee starting at €7, the complex features outdoor pools, rest areas, and changing facilities. After a fire damaged part of the structure, some areas are still under restoration, but it remains a well-maintained and inviting space.
Old Town
The Old Town of Ourense is compact and charming, perfect for exploring on foot and filled with monuments and buildings that tell the city’s history. Its cobblestone streets and historic architecture take visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Some of the city’s main landmarks include the imposing Cathedral of San Martiño, the Roman Bridge, and the lively Praza Maior.
Cathedral of San Martiño
Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of San Martiño is one of Ourense’s architectural gems. Blending Romanesque and Gothic elements, the cathedral impresses with its medieval design and the intricate Pórtico do Paraíso, a sculpted masterpiece inspired by the famous Pórtico da Gloria in Santiago de Compostela. A symbol of faith and culture, this is one of the most important monuments in Galicia.
Praza Maior
The Praza Maior is the social heart of Ourense, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by historic buildings, the square is home to cafés, bars, and restaurants that bring life to the area both day and night. It is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and experience daily life in Ourense. The Praza Maior also hosts traditional events and celebrations, reinforcing its role as one of the city’s most important public spaces.
Roman Bridge
Also known as Ponte Maior, the Roman Bridge is one of Ourense’s most iconic landmarks and one of the city’s oldest structures. Originally built by the Romans, the bridge has been restored over the centuries, preserving its historical and functional significance. With its stone arches spanning the River Miño, the Roman Bridge offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains
San Francisco Cloister
The San Francisco Cloister is one of Ourense’s architectural treasures, standing out for its unique Gothic style. Originally part of a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the cloister features decorative arches and detailed columns that reflect the city’s rich history. Surrounded by gardens, this peaceful space is perfect for a quiet break while exploring the Old Town. A must-visit for lovers of medieval architecture.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Ourense reflects the richness and authenticity of Galician gastronomy, with dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The city offers a culinary experience that ranges from traditional recipes to renowned wines, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the best of Galicia.
Typical food
Among the most popular specialities is pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), prepared with paprika and olive oil—one of the region’s most iconic dishes. Other favourites include empanada galega, filled with seafood, meat, or vegetables, and a wide variety of fresh seafood, reflecting Galicia’s strong maritime tradition and commitment to using local ingredients.
Wines of the Ribeira Sacra
Ourense’s proximity to the Ribeira Sacra wine region gives visitors the chance to sample high-quality wines. This area is particularly known for its full-bodied red wines, made from grapes grown on the steep slopes of the Sil and Miño rivers. The artisanal production and unique terroir make these wines a special experience for wine lovers, who can savour Galicia’s authentic flavours in every glass.
Where to Eat
In Ourense, the Os Viños district in the Old Town is home to the highest concentration of bars and restaurants. This network of streets, starting from Praza do Ferro and ending near the Cathedral, is the city’s top spot for tapeo (the local tapas tradition), where residents and visitors gather—especially on weekend nights.
The tradition is to try a different snack in each bar, making for a culinary tour of the area: one pincho, one bar. While sit-down restaurants with à la carte menus have grown in number, the authentic way to experience Ourense’s food culture is still tasting small bites while standing at the bar.
Local Traditions and Festivities
Ourense is a city that keeps its traditions alive, celebrating festivals that fill the streets with colour and energy throughout the year. With a rich cultural heritage, these events highlight the city’s deep connection to Galician culture, captivating both locals and visitors.
Magosto and Saint Martin’s Day
Celebrated in November, Magosto is one of Ourense’s most cherished festivals. During this celebration, locals gather to roast chestnuts over open fires, accompanied by wine and traditional music. The festivities also include folk dances and songs, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Halloween / Samaín
At the end of October, Ourense celebrates Samaín/Halloween, transforming the city with spooky decorations, costumes, and parades that blend Celtic mysticism with the modern Halloween spirit. In recent years, the city has started hosting a major celebration. We visited Ourense during Halloween this year—want to know how it was?
Entroido (The Galician Carnival)
Held between February and March, Entroido is one of Ourense’s most traditional and irreverent festivals. With ancient origins, this carnival celebration has survived historical bans and is characterised by humour and playful subversion. During Entroido, wearing a costume is a must—those who don’t dress up risk having to buy drinks at the local bars! The festival is also known for its traditional dish, orejas, which can be either sweet (made with eggs and flour) or savoury, prepared with pig’s ear, salt, and paprika. For carnival enthusiasts, the city also hosts a Summer Entroido in September, bringing back the festive spirit in the height of summer.
Ourense é uma cidade que combina o encanto das águas termais, uma rica herança histórica, sabores autênticos da Galícia e festividades vibrantes que mantêm vivas suas tradições. Seja para relaxar nas termas, explorar o centro histórico ou participar das celebrações locais, Ourense oferece uma experiência única e autêntica na Galícia. É um destino que encanta e surpreende, perfeito para quem busca vivenciar a cultura galega de maneira intensa e inesquecível.