Hot Springs & Culture: 5 Day Ourense Adventure

Budget travel to Ourense, Spain: experience the hidden gem of Galicia without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the historic city of Ourense and enjoy its thermal hot springs on a limited budget trip. Visit the Ourense Cathedral and the Alameda park for free, and experience local cuisine at affordable prices. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations, and take advantage of public transportation to get around the city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Check into Ourense Centro hotel, a budget option with comfortable rooms
  • Start the day with a stroll through the historic Old Town, with its medieval architecture and charming alleys
  • Visit the magnificent Ourense Cathedral, a peaceful and awe-inspiring destination
  • Stop by the Archaeological Museum to learn about the ancient Galician culture
  • Try some tapas at Bar La Alcoba, a casual spot with great food and drinks
  • Enjoy an evening stroll along the river, taking in the city's beautiful nighttime views
Day 2

Discovering Ourense's Hot Springs

  • Take a day trip to the beautiful Termas de Outariz, a thermal spa with natural hot springs and spectacular views
  • Soak in the hot waters of the pools and natural waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery
  • Try some of the spa's many wellness treatments, from massages to body wraps
  • Take a peaceful nature walk along the nearby trails, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the river and birds
  • Savor some authentic Galician cuisine at O Chiringuito, a cozy restaurant with fresh and delicious seafood
Day 3

Discovering the Surrounding Countryside

  • Take a guided tour of the beautiful Ribeira Sacra region, famous for its ancient monasteries and vineyards
  • Visit the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, a mystical and unique ancient space made of rock
  • Explore the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the Sil River Canyon
  • Try some exquisite local wines at a family-owned winery, tasting the flavors of the fertile Galician soil
  • End the day with a hearty dinner at the rustic and charming Mesón O Bolo, sampling some of the region's best comfort cuisine
Day 4

Cultural Immersions in Ourense

  • Visit the impressive Galician Contemporary Art Museum, home to an amazing collection of contemporary art from across Spain
  • Spend some time at the beautiful Jardín del Posío, a stunning park with beautiful gardens and fountains
  • Stop by the Plaza Mayor, a vibrant hub of local culture and nightlife
  • Watch a high-energy performance at the Teatro Principal, one of Spain's oldest and most renowned theaters
  • Dine at the legendary Casa de La Viuda, a historic spot with wonderful traditional Galician dishes and excellent service
Day 5

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Ourense

  • Take a morning hike through the amazing Cabeza de Manzaneda nature reserve, enjoying some of the most breathtaking natural panoramas in Galicia
  • Enjoy an adrenaline-fueled adventure at the nearby ski resort, from skiing and snowboarding to other snow sports
  • Explore Ourense's lively Uxío Novoneyra Park, known for its incredible natural beauty and wonderful walking trails
  • Try some of the city's best coffee at Cafetería Dávila, a charming spot with rich and delicious coffee varieties
  • End the day with one last special meal at the wonderful O Lar do Galo restaurant, with its cozy and welcoming atmosphere and exceptional traditional dishes.

How to get there

Plane

You can fly to Ourense by landing at Vigo-Peinador Airport, which is approximately 88 km away from the city center. From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Ourense.

Car

You can drive to Ourense from Santiago de Compostela, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Madrid, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Ourense by car.

Train

You can take a train from Madrid to Ourense, which takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The train station in Ourense is called Estación de Ourense-Empalme.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Ourense. However, you can take a ferry from the UK to Spain and then travel by car, bus or train to Ourense.

Bus

You can take a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ourense, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus station in Ourense is called Estación de Autobuses de Ourense.

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