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.
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 center of Ourense, As Burgas are one of the city’s best-known thermal springs. The water emerges at around 67 ºC, and there is a public thermal pool where visitors can enjoy the hot baths free of charge.
Outariz Thermal Baths
The public thermal baths of Outariz are located on the banks of the River Miño and feature several outdoor pools where visitors enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters. The Outariz Baths are especially 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, they are ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the thermal waters with an added touch of comfort and tranquillity.
Outariz Thermal Complex
Inspired by Japanese onsen, the complex offers both indoor and outdoor hot-water pools. Admission costs around €7 and includes access to changing rooms, relaxation areas, and optional services such as massages and treatments.
A Chavasqueira Thermal Baths
The private Chavasqueira complex costs around €7 and offers outdoor pools, relaxation areas, and changing rooms. After a fire that affected part of the structure, some areas are still under restoration, but the complex remains open.
Old Town
Ourense’s Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with monuments and buildings that illustrate the city’s history. Its stone streets and historic architecture guide visitors through different periods of the past.
Cathedral of San Martiño
Built in the 12th century, it is one of the most representative buildings in Ourense (and in Galicia). It features Romanesque and Gothic elements, and its main highlight is the Pórtico do Paraíso, inspired by Santiago de Compostela's Pórtico da Gloria.
Plaza Maior
The Plaza Mayor is the social heart of Ourense. The area is lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants and is a good place to observe local life and enjoy the atmosphere. The square also hosts traditional celebrations and events.
Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge is one of Ourense's main landmarks and one of the oldest structures in the city. Originally built by the Romans and restored over the centuries, it still serves as a crossing over the Miño. Its stone arches offer views of the river and the surrounding hills.
San Francisco Cloister
The San Francisco Cloister, dating from the 14th century, is a notable example of mendicant Gothic architecture in Galicia. It features two levels of arcades and often hosts exhibitions from the Archaeological Museum.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Ourense reflects the diversity of Galician gastronomy and the use of local ingredients. The city offers traditional dishes as well as options connected to the region's well-known wines.
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 area 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
In November, Ourense celebrates the Magosto, one of the city's most traditional festivals. Families and groups of friends gather to roast chestnuts over open fires, accompanied by wine and traditional music.
Halloween / Samaín
At the end of October, Ourense celebrates Samaín and Halloween with parades, decorations, and activities for all ages. The city centre hosts workshops and a night event. Here you can see our experience celebrating Halloween in the city.
Entroido (The Galician Carnival)
Celebrated between February and March, Entroido is one of Ourense's most characteristic and lively festivals. With ancient origins, it has survived historical bans and is known for its humour and playful subversion. Wearing a costume is essential; those who don't often end up "buying a round" in the local bars. The festival is also known for its traditional dish, orejas, which can be sweet (made with eggs and flour) or savoury, prepared with pig's ear seasoned with salt and paprika. For those who enjoy carnival celebrations, the city also hosts a Summer Entroido in September, bringing the festive spirit back during the warmer months.
Ourense offers a variety of experiences within a compact area. Its public and paid thermal baths make it easy to plan a relaxing visit without long distances. The historic centre concentrates the main points of interest and allows for an efficient route through the city. Local ingredients shape the gastronomy, which includes tapas-style options and wines from the Ribeira Sacra, helping visitors discover Galician flavours in a simple way. Traditional festivals take place throughout the year and provide direct contact with local customs. All of this makes Ourense an easy destination to plan and a suitable choice for a short getaway in Galicia.
