Eco Hoteles en Ourense
Soak in ancient thermal springs, cross one of Spain's most dramatic medieval bridges, and discover Ribeiro wine country
Por Qué Alojarse en Ourense?
Ourense is Galicia's thermal capital — a city built on hot springs that have been bubbling at 65°C since Roman times. At its heart sits As Burgas, a thermal fountain complex in the historic centre where locals fill water bottles with mineral-rich waters and travellers soak their feet after a day of walking. It's one of the few cities in Europe where thermal springs flow freely and publicly right in the city centre.
The Ponte Vella (Old Bridge) has spanned the Miño River since the 1st century AD. Its dramatic central arch — rebuilt in the 13th century — remains one of Spain's most photographed medieval bridges. Crossing it at sunset, when the river glows gold and the hills rise green on both banks, is one of the essential Ourense experiences.
The Ourense Cathedral (12th–13th century) houses the Pórtico del Paraíso, a painted Romanesque-Gothic portal that rivals the better-known Portico of Glory in Santiago de Compostela — but without the queues. The cathedral's treasury and the cloister of San Francisco (14th century, with its 63 carved arches) are equally rewarding.
Ourense is surrounded by the Ribeiro wine region, one of Spain's oldest Denominaciones de Origen, dating to the 12th century. Vineyards climb the terraced hills along the Miño and Avia rivers, and wine-tasting bodegas in Ribadavia, Leiro, and Beade welcome visitors year-round.
The city is a key stop on the Camino Sanabrés (Via de la Plata), the pilgrimage route that cuts north from Andalusia through Extremadura and into Galicia. Pilgrims refuel at the tapas bars of the old town before heading into the chestnut forests toward Santiago.
Unlike coastal Galician cities that can feel damp and grey, Ourense sits inland in a valley, giving it warmer summers and more sunshine hours. The Miño's riverside thermal pools — A Chavasqueira, Outariz, O Tinteiro — form a chain of free, steamy soak spots along the riverbank. Add exceptional value for money compared to Santiago or A Coruña, and Ourense makes a compelling base for exploring inland Galicia.
De un Vistazo
Cómo Aprovechar Ourense
Ourense is connected by AVE high-speed train from Madrid (around 4 hours via Zamora), putting it within reach of a weekend break from the capital. Regiónal trains link Ourense to Santiago de Compostela and Vigo in about 1.5 hours, and to A Coruña in just over 2 hours. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the historic centre, or a short taxi ride.
The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The cathedral, As Burgas, Plaza Mayor, and the tapas streets form a walkable triangle. The medieval quarter slopes gently down toward the Miño, and the climb back up is part of the city's rhythm — stop at a café in Plaza de la Magdalena for a Ribeiro and watch the world go by.
The thermal areas along the Miño — A Chavasqueira, Outariz, O Tinteiro — are a pleasant 30–40 minute walk from the centre along the riverside promenade. Alternatively, the Tren das Termas (Thermal Train) runs a tourist service connecting the city centre to the riverside pools on weekends and holidays, a quirky and convenient way to hop between hot springs.
The Ribeira Sacra canyon — the "Galician fjords" — is just 30 minutes south by car. Catamaran tours through the Sil River canyon (about 45 minutes) depart from several pontoons and offer dramatic views of terraced vineyards plunging into the water, with the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil perched above. This area has been shortlisted for UNESCO World Heritage status.
For wine lovers, the Ribeiro wine route threads through the villages of Ribadavia (with its beautifully preserved Jewish quarter), Leiro, and Beade. Most bodegas offer tastings by appointment, and the Ribeiro Interpretation Centre in Ribadavia provides an excellent introduction to the region's 800-year winemaking tradition.
Dónde Alojarse — Neighbourhoods
Hotels in Ourense
Qué Hacer en Ourense
Recommended Rutas
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Preguntas Frecuentes
What are Ourense's thermal springs like?
Ourense is known as the 'thermal capital of Galicia' — it has the second-highest concentration of thermal springs in Europe after Budapest. The As Burgas fountain in the old town has been gushing 67°C mineral water since Roman times. The free thermal pools along the Miño River (A Chavasqueira, Muíño da Veiga, Outariz) offer open-air bathing year-round, with water temperatures of 38–65°C. It's one of the city's most distinctive and relaxing experiences — soaking in geothermal pools looking over the Miño valley.
How old is Ourense's Roman bridge?
The Ponte Vella (Old Bridge) was originally built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD, making it over 2,000 years old. It was reconstructed in the 13th century but retains its Roman foundations and central arch. The bridge spans 370 metres across the Miño River with seven arches and a distinctive pointed profile. It's one of Spain's most impressive Roman bridges and was the city's sole river crossing until 1918.
What is Ourense's cathedral known for?
The Cathedral of San Martín (12th–13th century) is one of Galicia's most important Romanesque-Gothic transitional buildings. Its Pórtico del Paraíso (Portal of Paradise) is a direct artistic descendant of Santiago's Portico of Glory, with vividly coloured medieval sculptures restored to their original polychromy. The cathedral museum houses the Tesoro de San Rosendo and a fine collection of medieval liturgical objects. Don't miss the Santo Cristo chapel with its venerated 14th-century crucifix.
Is Ourense a good base for the Ribeira Sacra?
Ourense is the best base for exploring the Ribeira Sacra wine region — the spectacular canyon landscape of the Sil and Miño rivers is just 20–40 minutes away. From Ourense you can easily reach the catamaran trips through the Sil canyon, the monasteries of Santo Estevo and Santa Cristina, and the viewpoint-rich drive from Parada de Sil to Castro Caldelas. The city combines thermal springs, tapas culture, and excellent accommodation with quick access to one of Spain's most dramatic wine landscapes.
How do I book eco-hotels in Ourense through IMPT?
Book through ecohotels-impt.com to access over 8 million hotels worldwide including 500+ properties in and around Ourense. Every IMPT booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂, prices match Booking.com exactly, and you earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens. New users receive EUR5 free credit on their first stay. Choose from thermal hotels near As Burgas, riverside accommodation along the Miño, or rural stays in the Ribeira Sacra wine country.