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.
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Natural
Pozas da Chavasqueira
Ourense, GaliciaFree outdoor thermal pools on the Miño River in the city of Ourense.
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Thermal baths
Termas de Outariz
Ourense, GaliciaJapanese-inspired thermal baths with many pools on the river.
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Natural
Pozas de Arnedillo
Arnedillo, La RiojaFree thermal pools on the Cidacos River, open day and night.
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Natural
Pozas de Alhama de Granada
Alhama de Granada, AndalusiaFree natural hot pools on the river, below the historic spa.
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Natural
Termas de La Hermida
La Hermida, CantabriaFree natural pools in a gorge where hot springs meet the river.
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Spa
Balneario de Panticosa
Panticosa, AragonA high Pyrenean spa by a mountain lake.
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Spa
Balneario de Alange
Alange, ExtremaduraA spa near Mérida with Roman domed baths.
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Natural
Baños de Zújar
Zújar, AndalusiaA 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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Famous hot springs in Spain
All 16 hot springs we list in Spain, A to Z.
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Spa
Balneario de Alange, Spain
Thermal spa near Mérida with Roman domed baths still standing.
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Spa
Balneario de Archena, Spain
Thermal complex in the Ricote valley with a very hot spring, historic baths and hotels.
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Spa
Balneario de Lanjarón, Spain
Historic spa in the Alpujarras with mineral pools; a swim cap is required.
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Spa
Balneario de Panticosa, Spain
Pyrenean spa at about 1,636 m with a thermal circuit and hotels by a mountain lake.
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Spa
Balneario de Puente Viesgo, Spain
Spa with warm sodium springs, thermal pools and a thermal circuit, near the Monte Castillo caves.
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Spa
Balneario Termas Pallares, Spain
Spa built around a warm thermal lake, with hotels.
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Natural
Baños de Zújar, Spain
Turquoise warm pool on the shore of the Negratín reservoir, with a small entry fee.
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Natural
Fuente de los Baños, Spain
Warm spring in a river gorge near Montanejos, about 25°C all year, with a swimming area.
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Natural
La Fontcalda, Spain
Free warm spring in a river gorge below a hillside sanctuary, with open-air pools.
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Natural
Pozas da Chavasqueira, Spain
Free outdoor thermal pools on the Miño River in Ourense, with hot pools and a cold plunge.
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Natural
Pozas de Alhama de Granada, Spain
Free natural hot pools on the Alhama River, below the historic spa.
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Natural
Pozas de Arnedillo, Spain
Free natural thermal pools on the Cidacos River, open day and night.
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Natural
Termas de La Hermida, Spain
Free natural pools in the Deva River gorge where hot springs mix with cold river water.
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Thermal baths
Termas de Outariz, Spain
Japanese-inspired thermal baths on the Miño River in Ourense, with many pools.
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Thermal baths
Termas de Prexigueiro, Spain
Japanese-style thermal baths near Ribadavia with hot and cold pools of sulphurous water.
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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.
- Spain.info (Turespaña) (official tourism site)
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