Galicia is known around the world for the Camino de Santiago, yet this green region in north-western Spain has another centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in its identity: thermalism.
Today, Galicia is regarded as one of Spain’s leading thermal destinations. The region is home to more than 300 mineral and thermal springs, whose properties were already appreciated during Roman times.
Its thermal infrastructure remains remarkable today, with 21 thermal resorts representing a significant part of Spain’s balneotherapy offering and welcoming thousands of guests each year for relaxation, recovery and programmes based on natural mineral-medicinal waters.
Water as part of Galicia’s history
Galicia’s thermal heritage is not concentrated in just one destination. Ourense, Mondariz, Laias, Lobios, Arnoia, O Carballiño, Lugo, Guitiriz, Augas Santas, Cuntis, Caldas de Reis and A Toxa are among the places where springs with different mineral compositions, temperatures and histories can be found. Today’s Galician thermal resorts combine natural mineral-medicinal waters with hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, restorative treatments and contemporary Wellness programmes. Thermal wellbeing here is therefore much more than an addition to a holiday. It forms part of Galicia’s culture and identity.
Camino de Santiago and thermal recovery Two of Galicia’s strongest traditions come together particularly naturally: the Camino de Santiago and thermal wellbeing. After an active day on the trail, thermal waters can become a natural continuation of the journey — an opportunity to relax the body, slow down and focus on recovery. This is also the philosophy behind Camino de Santiago Termal: experiencing authentic Galicia through walking, nature, historic towns and local culture, while incorporating thermal recovery and Wellness into the journey. It offers a different perspective on the Camino — not a race to cover kilometres, but a journey where movement is balanced by recovery, experiences by rest, and the trail itself becomes part of personal wellbeing.
Discovering Galicia through water Thermal tourism is now considered one of Galicia’s tourism products with particularly strong international potential, alongside the Camino de Santiago itself. Bringing the two together feels entirely natural.
The Camino allows you to discover Galicia through the journey.
Its thermal waters invite you to stop, recover and experience the region from another perspective.
Galicia is a destination where water, nature, history and Wellness come together as part of one distinctive way of travelling.