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Galician Bathing Trail
6 Nights/ 7 Days
From £1,695 per person*
Santiago → Ribeira Sacra → Ourense → Lugo/Pontevedra → Mondariz
A restorative journey through northwest Spain, where thermal waters flow from Roman ruins to riverside pools. This itinerary weaves together ancient spa traditions, lush river valleys, and local wine culture—perfect for travellers seeking deep relaxation with a strong sense of place
Santiago
Santiago, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago, hums with pilgrim energy and spiritual resonance. Cobbled lanes wind between baroque churches and cloistered squares, all converging on the magnificent cathedral where the Apostle’s relics rest. The city balances reverence with vibrancy: market stalls brim with seafood, cafés spill into arcaded plazas, and evenings are alive with Galician wine and guitar. As a starting point, Santiago is both a cultural anchor and a place of renewal.
Ribeira Sacra
Where the rivers Miño and Sil carve deep canyons through terraced vineyards, Ribeira Sacra feels like a hidden sanctuary. Romanesque monasteries cling to cliffs, reminders of centuries of monastic life, while today the slopes are striped with vines producing some of Galicia’s most distinctive wines. A boat ride through the canyon reveals dramatic rock faces and hidden chapels, while evenings bring rustic feasts paired with local Mencía reds. This is Galicia’s sacred river valley — contemplative, scenic, and rich in flavour.
Ourense
Known as the “thermal capital” of Galicia, Ourense is a city where hot springs shape everyday life. Along the banks of the Miño, riverside bath complexes steam in the open air, free for locals and travellers alike. The historic centre, with its arcaded Praza Maior and Roman bridge, adds depth to the soaking experience. Between springs, wander past tapas bars serving pulpo a la gallega and empanadas, or slip into a spa for a more refined thermal ritual.
Lugo & Pontevedra
Lugo, encircled by its intact Roman walls, feels timeless — a city where ancient history is walked daily. Its tapas culture is famously generous, with plates offered free with every drink, while the cathedral and squares give quiet spaces to pause. Pontevedra, by contrast, has a maritime charm: a car-free old town of granite lanes, lively plazas, and links to the Galician coast. Depending on the route chosen, both cities provide cultural depth and a rhythm of life that is warm and authentic.
Mondariz
Once hailed as Spain’s great spa town, Mondariz remains a jewel of European bathing heritage. The grand Balneario de Mondariz, founded in the 19th century, continues to welcome guests into its domed thermal halls and elegant gardens. Mineral-rich waters flow into both historic pools and modern hydrotherapy circuits, while the surrounding countryside offers walking trails and fresh air. Staying here is to step into Galicia’s golden age of spa culture, where restoration and history intertwine.
Day 1. Arrival in Santiago
Arrive in Santiago de Compostela and check into your boutique hotel — such as the Parador de Santiago, a former pilgrim’s hospice now reborn as a luxurious heritage stay. In the afternoon, explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and its iconic cathedral, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. As evening falls, unwind with a thermal spa session at Hotel Spa Relais & Châteaux A Quinta da Auga, surrounded by tranquil gardens and gentle Galician charm.
Day 2. Ribeira Sacra – Hot Springs, Nature & Wine
Venture into the Ribeira Sacra region, a land of canyon-cut landscapes and terraced vineyards. Begin your day with a soak at the serene thermal baths of Augas Santas Golf & Spa Resort, where mineral waters bubble beneath ancient oak trees. In the afternoon, cruise through the dramatic Sil River Canyon by catamaran, then visit a local winery to sample native Mencía and Godello wines. Return to Santiago in the evening, refreshed and restored.
Day 3. Onward to Ourense – Thermal Capital of Galicia
After breakfast, transfer to Ourense — a city shaped by its hot springs and Roman past. Settle into a centrally located hotel like Barceló Ourense for a four-night stay. Spend your afternoon relaxing in the riverside Pozas de Outariz, a collection of open-air thermal pools by the Miño River. Later, stroll through the historic Old Town before dining in one of the city’s traditional taverns, perhaps finishing with a soak at the lantern-lit Termas de Chavasqueira.
Day 4. Lugo, Roman Walls and Healing Waters
Take a day trip to Lugo, where the only fully intact Roman walls in the world still embrace the Old Town. Walk the ancient ramparts and delve into Lugo’s medieval lanes before indulging in a spa session at the Termas Romanas, blending ancient healing traditions with modern wellness. Return to Ourense in the evening for dinner and rest
Day 5. Pontevedra & Caldas de Reis
Head west to explore the historic city of Pontevedra, where pedestrian lanes, Gothic churches, and lively plazas await. Continue to the spa town of Caldas de Reis, known since Roman times for its natural thermal springs. Soak in the restorative waters at the Termas de Caldas, then meander through the surrounding parklands before returning to Ourense for a quiet evening.
Day 6. Mondariz Balneario
Spend your final full day at Mondariz Balneario, Galicia’s most famous spa town. Immerse yourself in the Celtic Hydrotherapy Circuit at Balneario de Mondariz, a luxurious thermal centre with flowing pools, mineral-rich waters, and historic charm. Afterwards, explore the elegant village, stopping by the Fonte de Gándara and strolling through lush gardens. Return to Ourense in the evening for one last soak and a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 7. Departure from Santiago de Compostela
Check out of your hotel and make your way back to Santiago de Compostela. Depending on your flight time, you may want to browse local shops for Galician ceramics, herbal liqueurs, or bottles of wine from the Ribeira Sacra before your departure — bringing a taste of relaxation home with you.
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Our hot-spring holidays are entirely bespoke. We start by listening closely to your wishes, then craft a personalised itinerary just for you, fine-tuning every detail.
Your thermal journey. Your rhythms. Your way.
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