Termas da Chavasqueira — Restaurant in Ourense

A Tale of Two Visits: From Joy to Disappointment at Ourense's Hot Springs!

Five months ago, we visited the hot springs in Ourense, Spain, and it was nothing short of magical. The atmosphere was lively and joyful—families with young kids playing in the warm waters, the elderly relaxing and smiling, and everyone, regardless of age, enjoying the shared experience of wellness and relaxation. Children would excitedly run from the hot springs down to the cooler river water, their laughter filling the air as they alternated between the warmth and the refreshing chill of the river. It felt like a place where all generations could come together to connect and unwind.

But today, we left with heavy hearts—my wife and youngest in tears—after an experience that couldn't have been more different. What was once a space of shared joy for both young and old has, in the blink of an eye, become an exclusionary and restrictive environment.

The local government, in its wisdom, has put in place a series of baffling new rules that, quite frankly, have turned what used to be a welcoming place for families into something that feels like it's only for the elderly. Now, don't get me wrong, the elderly already have numerous spots around the city that prioritize their needs, and that's fantastic. But this hot springs was unique in offering a space where kids and families could freely enjoy themselves alongside older generations, a true blend of community. That, however, is no longer the case.

One glaring example of the new rules was when my wife was told she could enter the springs, but only after taking a cold shower. "Fair enough," we thought. It's a reasonable request for cleanliness, so she complied, despite the discomfort of showering in the cold air. But after doing so, she was told that wasn’t sufficient—she also needed to have slippers. Now, here's the kicker: the person enforcing the rules knew very well beforehand that my wife didn’t have slippers but let her go through the cold shower anyway. After she was already shivering from the shower, she was left standing there, unable to enter the warm water while being told that she couldn't proceed without proper footwear. No solution was offered; just more restrictions and inconvenience.

At this point, we had no choice but to leave, feeling humiliated, disappointed, and utterly frustrated. The joy we had felt on our previous visit was completely gone, replaced by a sense of injustice and bewilderment.

What’s even more infuriating is that the place used to be so inclusive—a place where young families could gather and children could experience the joy of nature. Now, it’s as if the entire experience has been designed to keep kids away, turning it into something more akin to a quiet retirement spot where rules seem to exist just for the sake of exclusion. This feels like a huge step backward for a place that once fostered community across all ages.

We had such fond memories of this place, but those memories have now been overshadowed by our awful experience today. My advice to families and anyone looking for an inclusive, joyful place to relax? Look elsewhere. This is no longer the warm, welcoming haven it once was. Instead, it's become a place of rules and restrictions, where fun and spontaneity are suffocated by bureaucracy.

This is not the Ourense hot springs we once loved. Avoid it, unless you enjoy being told...

A serene public thermal bath spot located right beside the Miño River. A blend of natural pools and peaceful green spaces, perfect for rest and mild spa therapy.

🛁 Why It’s Worth a Visit

Free access! These small thermal pools are maintained with care and offer a relaxing experience similar to a traditional onsen—no entry fee required .

The waters emerge around 43 °C, ideal for soothing muscles and improving circulation. They’re low-mineralized, sulfurous, fluorinated, and recommended for rheumatic or skin conditions .

🌿 Facilities & Atmosphere

Facilities include changing rooms, lockers, and nearby showers—very clean and straightforward .

Located in a zen-like setting, next to the river and within walking distance from Ourense’s old town and Millennium Bridge .

👌 Visitor Experience

Many describe it as quiet, well-maintained, and clean — ideal for unwinding, especially following a dip in the Miño River’s cooler waters for contrast .

Opens daily; families with kids over 10 are welcome. Age restrictions apply—check ahead if you're bringing younger children .

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Midday tends to be less crowded, but I found early morning or late afternoon offers better tranquility and soft natural light for photos.

If you’re planning a perfect combo experience, pair it with Termas de Outariz or As Burgas, or take the scenic Minho Thermal Route walk through riverside parks and historic baths .

🌟 Summary

Termas da Chavasqueira delivers a genuine and restorative thermal experience—completely free, easy to access, and atmospherically beautiful. It’s a gem for relaxation, local culture, and subtle therapeutic benefits.

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Note that there are 2 Chavesquerria hot springs, a private spa (that was quite nice) that is CLOSED, and a municipal facility run by the fine city of Ourense. This just reopened in last few days (it's Oct 21st) -- I just had a great 90 minute soak. 3 nicely designed rock pools adjacent to the walking path and Mino River. 1 warm, 1 hot and 1 coldish. No changing rooms at this time -- bathers discretely change around the general area.

These are FREE! It's so great that the city's leaders continue this notable gift to its citizens and visitors. These are clean, well managed facilities (there are 2 more larger springs up -- I think! river...) with very personable and professional attendants keeping an eye out.

Also a few pools on the river beach area that aren't...