10 things to do in Ourense: the thermal city of Galicia

Visiting Galicia? Discover the best things to do in Ourense. Explore its famous hot springs, historic center, and get handy tips for a perfect afternoon.

Ourense: The charming (and scorching hot!) surprise of Galicia

When you think of Galicia in northwestern Spain, you probably think of rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and mild (or sometimes rainy) temperatures. Yet in the middle of this region lies a city that completely defies those expectations: Ourense. During my road trip in Galicia, I was given an extensive tour by a local guide, which allowed me to get to know this fascinating city really well in just one afternoon.

What made Ourense immediately memorable for me was the temperature. We had just finished a nice hike in the nearby Ribeira Sacra at a very pleasant 22 degrees (71°F). However, the closer we got to the center of Ourense, the further the thermometer in the car crept up, eventually ending up at a whopping 35 degrees (95°F). What a bizarre difference! My guide told me that Ourense is one of the hottest places in Spain, and in the summer it regularly hits temperatures even higher than in Andalusia. I didn’t expect that!

Once you get used to the heat a bit, you really discover what a wonderful place this is. Ourense is truly one of those quintessential, charming Spanish towns. You can wander through a maze of narrow streets, hidden squares, and an unexpected staircase here and there. During my visit in June, there was also an extra fun vibe in the air: the streets were fully decorated for a medieval festival. This turned out to be the big Mercado Medieval, which completely takes over the historic center every year at the end of June during the city’s festivities (Fiestas de Ourense). It made for an extra special atmosphere!

In this blog, I share my best tips for a relaxing and surprising afternoon in this unique city.

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The best things to do in Ourense

Even if (like me) you only have an afternoon, you can get a great impression of Ourense. The charming historic center is surprisingly compact, and most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. These are the sights you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Warm up at the thermal springs of As Burgas

Ourense is known as the thermal capital of Spain. Around the city, along the banks of the Miño River, you will find extensive thermal pools where you can relax (often for free). Don’t have time for a long soak during your quick trip? Then make sure to at least stroll past As Burgas.

These are public hot springs right in the middle of the city’s historic center! Water flows from these historic fountains at a scalding 67 degrees Celsius (152°F). I dipped my fingers in for a second just to feel it, and I can tell you: it is incredibly hot!

Praza Maior: the heart of the city

Almost every Spanish city has a main square, but Ourense’s Praza Maior is truly unique. It’s actually one of the few main squares in Europe that is built on a slope! You reach it by wandering through narrow streets, and the square is surrounded on all sides by beautiful arcades and stately historic buildings. At the lower end of the square sits the impressive City Hall. This is the perfect spot to grab a seat at an outdoor café and just relax.

Follow the pilgrims on the Camino Sanabrés

As you stroll through the center, chances are you’ll come across hikers carrying large backpacks and the famous scallop shell. That’s because the Camino Sanabrés, part of the renowned Vía de la Plata pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, runs right through Ourense. It’s a trek that is still very high on my personal bucket list!

Wander the streets and taste fried eel

While walking through the city, I absolutely loved soaking up the atmosphere. Around the cathedral, you’ll find streets like the Rúa dos Fornos, which are packed with tapas bars. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a feast!

During my visit, I grabbed a table at Restaurante Catador, a wonderfully authentic, typical Spanish bar. I tried the anguilas fritas (fried eel), and it was absolutely delicious! If you’re in Ourense, I highly recommend stopping here for a great lunch or a few drinks.

Tip: Visiting Ourense in June? There’s a good chance the city will be completely transformed for the Fiestas de Ourense. During my visit, the streets were already draped in decorations, preparing for the huge medieval market that takes over the historic center at the end of the month. It’s a fantastic event to experience!

The Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana)

Just at the edge of the center, spanning the Miño River, is the Ponte Vella (Old Bridge), better known as the Roman Bridge. I only saw it from the car as we were driving out of town, but it is an incredibly impressive structure. What makes it extra special is that its massive arches still rest on the original Roman foundations. Today, the bridge is completely pedestrianized, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll and a great view of the water.

Discover the surroundings of Ourense

Ourense isn’t just a charming town for an afternoon wander; it’s also a perfect base or stopover during a larger road trip through Galicia. Within no time, you’ll find yourself surrounded by completely different landscapes.

Hiking in the Ribeira Sacra

Just outside Ourense lies the Ribeira Sacra, a spectacular natural area famous for its deep river gorges, ancient monasteries, and terraced vineyards. In the days leading up to my visit to Ourense, I went on some stunning hikes here. It is a true oasis of peace and nature, offering a wonderful contrast to the hustle, bustle (and heat!) of the city.

• Read more: Ribeira Sacra: Spain’s best kept secret in the heart of Galicia

Wander through the gardens of Galician pazos

Galicia is bursting with pazos: stately country houses that you can best compare to French chateaus. Although the houses themselves are often privately owned, you can usually visit the beautiful surrounding gardens for a small fee.

After visiting Ourense, I explored two of these estates: Pazo de Oca (a castle-like property with manicured gardens, ponds, and a labyrinth) and Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla (which feels a bit wilder and more adventurous, featuring an impressive avenue of ancient olive trees). Both estates are located on the Route of the Camellia. Since I visited in June, I only spotted a few blooms, but I’ve been told that if you visit in February or early spring, these gardens transform into a massive, colorful sea of flowers!

Santiago de Compostela: the world-famous capital of Galicia

A visit to Ourense pairs perfectly with a trip to the most famous city in northern Spain: Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of pilgrims arrive here every day to complete their Camino de Santiago. I’ve actually walked the Camino a few times myself, and I still get goosebumps every time I think about it. Even if you’re not a pilgrim, it is incredibly moving to watch the emotional hikers arrive and gather in the square in front of the immense cathedral. Besides that, Santiago is just a magnificent city to explore, packed with so much history!

• Read more: 17 interesting things to do in Santiago de Compostela