Hot Springs in Spain

Hot springs in Spain range from free riverside pools, called pozas, in Ourense, Arnedillo and Alhama de Granada to historic spas, or balnearios, from the Pyrenees to Andalusia. We list 16, on a map, with which are free and what the spas offer.

Last checked
Area de Servicios y Pozas de Outariz. Ourense
Photo: Roberto Chamoso G, CC BY-SA 3.0 es

Hot springs in Spain: key facts

Ourense in Galicia is Spain's hot spring city, with free pools along the Miño River, and many towns have a balneario dating back to Roman times.

Best season
All year; free pools are calmer on weekdays
Local words
Termas, balneario, pozas
Listed here
16 hot springs in 9 regions
Roman baths
Alange, Archena
Swimwear
Required; caps at many spas
Free pools
Ourense, Arnedillo, Alhama de Granada, La Hermida
Hot spring city
Ourense

Are there hot springs in Spain?

Yes. Spain has free hot pools along rivers in Ourense, Arnedillo, La Hermida and Alhama de Granada, and historic spas, or balnearios, from Panticosa in the Pyrenees to Archena in Murcia.

Ourense, in Galicia, has the most: free riverside pools such as Chavasqueira and Muíño da Veiga, plus Japanese-style thermal baths at Outariz. Several spas, like Alange near Mérida, still use Roman baths.

Best hot springs in Spain

The hot springs most visitors plan a trip around, free and paid.

  • Natural

    Pozas da Chavasqueira

    Ourense, Galicia

    Free outdoor thermal pools on the Miño River in the city of Ourense.

  • Thermal baths

    Termas de Outariz

    Ourense, Galicia

    Japanese-inspired thermal baths with many pools on the river.

  • Natural

    Pozas de Arnedillo

    Arnedillo, La Rioja

    Free thermal pools on the Cidacos River, open day and night.

  • Natural

    Pozas de Alhama de Granada

    Alhama de Granada, Andalusia

    Free natural hot pools on the river, below the historic spa.

  • Natural

    Termas de La Hermida

    La Hermida, Cantabria

    Free natural pools in a gorge where hot springs meet the river.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Panticosa

    Panticosa, Aragon

    A high Pyrenean spa by a mountain lake.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Alange

    Alange, Extremadura

    A spa near Mérida with Roman domed baths.

  • Natural

    Baños de Zújar

    Zújar, Andalusia

    A turquoise warm pool on the shore of a reservoir in Granada province.

Hot springs in Spain map

The map shows all 16 hot springs we cover in Spain. Zoom in on the larger map for more detail.

Natural Spa (balneario) Thermal baths

Famous hot springs in Spain

All 16 hot springs we list in Spain, A to Z.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Alange, Spain

    Thermal spa near Mérida with Roman domed baths still standing.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Archena, Spain

    Thermal complex in the Ricote valley with a very hot spring, historic baths and hotels.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Lanjarón, Spain

    Historic spa in the Alpujarras with mineral pools; a swim cap is required.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Panticosa, Spain

    Pyrenean spa at about 1,636 m with a thermal circuit and hotels by a mountain lake.

  • Spa

    Balneario de Puente Viesgo, Spain

    Spa with warm sodium springs, thermal pools and a thermal circuit, near the Monte Castillo caves.

  • Spa

    Balneario Termas Pallares, Spain

    Spa built around a warm thermal lake, with hotels.

  • Natural

    Baños de Zújar, Spain

    Turquoise warm pool on the shore of the Negratín reservoir, with a small entry fee.

  • Natural

    Fuente de los Baños, Spain

    Warm spring in a river gorge near Montanejos, about 25°C all year, with a swimming area.

  • Natural

    La Fontcalda, Spain

    Free warm spring in a river gorge below a hillside sanctuary, with open-air pools.

  • Natural

    Pozas da Chavasqueira, Spain

    Free outdoor thermal pools on the Miño River in Ourense, with hot pools and a cold plunge.

  • Natural

    Pozas de Alhama de Granada, Spain

    Free natural hot pools on the Alhama River, below the historic spa.

  • Natural

    Pozas de Arnedillo, Spain

    Free natural thermal pools on the Cidacos River, open day and night.

  • Natural

    Termas de La Hermida, Spain

    Free natural pools in the Deva River gorge where hot springs mix with cold river water.

  • Thermal baths

    Termas de Outariz, Spain

    Japanese-inspired thermal baths on the Miño River in Ourense, with many pools.

  • Thermal baths

    Termas de Prexigueiro, Spain

    Japanese-style thermal baths near Ribadavia with hot and cold pools of sulphurous water.

  • Natural

    Termas do Muíño da Veiga, Spain

    Free thermal pools on the Miño River beside a restored watermill.

How to visit hot springs in Spain

When to go

All year. Free pools are busiest on summer weekends and holidays; weekdays and cooler months are calmer. Pyrenean spas are lovely in summer and after skiing.

What it costs

The riverside pools are free. Thermal baths such as Outariz charge a small entry fee, and balnearios sell circuits or day passes, often asking for a swim cap.

Getting there

Ourense is on the high-speed rail line from Madrid, and its riverside pools are reached by a tourist train or on foot. Arnedillo is south of Logroño, Alhama de Granada is south-west of Granada, and La Hermida is on the road into the Picos de Europa.

Hot springs in Spain FAQ

Are there free hot springs in Spain?

Yes. Ourense's riverside pools, Arnedillo, La Hermida and Alhama de Granada all have free natural pools.

Which Spanish city has the most hot springs?

Ourense, in Galicia, with several free pools and thermal baths along the Miño River.

Do you need a swim cap at Spanish spas?

Often, yes. Many balnearios require one in the pools.

Are there hot springs near Granada?

Yes. Alhama de Granada has free pools, and Lanjarón and Zújar are within reach.

Hot spring safety and etiquette in Spain

Spanish hot springs are relaxed, with a few customs.

  • No soap in free poolsKeep the water clean.
  • Take your trash homeFree pools have few bins.
  • Bring a swim cap to spasMany balnearios require one.
  • Wear a swimsuitSwimwear is expected at free pools and spas.

Pictures of hot springs in Spain

Photos of Termas de Outariz, Pozas de Alhama de Granada, Termas de La Hermida, Balneario de Panticosa and Balneario de Alange, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.

Sources and verification

This guide was reviewed on . Facts come from the official sources listed below.

Explore more hot springs in Europe

Pick another country in Europe to keep exploring.