Explore Ourense
Your perfect trip to Spain
Ourense is the city of water and fire. It sits in a valley that traps the heat, making it the “Frying Pan of Galicia,” but it is blessed with natural hot springs (Termas) that bubble up right in the city center. It smells of sulfur, steam, and boiling octopus. Ironically, this inland city eats the best octopus in Galicia (Pulpo A Feira), a tradition from the days when monks imported it dried.
The As Burgas fountain pours water at 67°C in the middle of the old town. You can touch the water (carefully) and feel the heat of the earth. The Roman Bridge spans the Miño river, majestic and pedestrianized. Ourense feels distinct from the coast—it is greener, hotter, and more mysterious.
The ritual here is the Termas run. You walk or take the bath train along the river, stopping at various hot pools (Japanese style, wild style) to soak. To enjoy Ourense, soak in the Outariz baths at night under the stars, then eat octopus on a wooden plate.
The perfect plan for Ourense:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Hot Springs
- Morning: As Burgas. See the hot fountain in the center. Visit the Thermal Interpretation Centre.
- Afternoon: Take the train to Outariz Thermal Station. Japanese style baths. Relax. Or try the free pools next to it. Lunch: Picnic by the river.
- Evening: Return to center. Ourense Cathedral. The Portico del Paraiso is like Santiago’s but with color.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Bridges & Octopus
- Morning: Roman Bridge (Ponte Vella). Walk across it. Visit the Cloister of San Francisco.
- Afternoon: Plaza Mayor. The floor slopes! Lunch: A Nosa Terra or any Pulpería. Order Pulpo and Oreja (pig ear).
- Evening: Wines area (Vinos). Tapas crawl near the cathedral.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Canyon (Day Trip)
- Morning: Drive to Ribeira Sacra. The Sil Canyon. Heroic viticulture (wine on steep slopes). Boat trip.
Weather
Spring/Autumn: Best. Warm enough to walk, cool enough to bathe.
Summer: Unbearable heat (40°C). Baths are too hot.
Winter: Rain. But baths are amazing in the cold rain.
Local Customs
1. Baths: Bring flip-flops, towel, and padlock. Some are free, some paid (cheap). Shower before entering.
2. Octopus: Eat it at a specialist Pulpería. It’s served with paprika, oil, salt, and cachelos (potatoes).
3. Trains: The “Tren de las Termas” takes you to the river baths from the Plaza Mayor.
History & Culture
Roman origin (Aquae Urentes – Burning Waters). They built the bridge and the baths. It was a key crossing point of the Miño. The Cathedral was built in the 12th century and looks like a fortress.
Getting Around & Safety
Bath Train: Essential.
Walking: Center is walkable.
Info for Nomads
Relaxing, cheap. The baths are a great perk.
Workation Vibe
Good wifi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the baths hygienic? +
Yes, the water flows constantly. They are cleaned regularly.
Why octopus inland? +
Monks in Ourense owned land on the coast. Rent was paid in octopus (dried). They perfected the recipe.
Is it safe? +
Yes.