Exploring Ourense, Spain: A Hidden Gem

Generally speaking, the closer you get to northwest Spain, the fewer foreign tourists you hear, which usually spells fewer crowds and better value for money. This certainly feels true of Ourense – an unassuming Roman spa town in Galicia with a simmering gastronomy scene and a sprinkling of free thermal bathing areas.

When it comes to food, Ourense isn’t on San Sebastian’s level just yet. However, it has two exceptional, fairly-priced Michelin-starred restaurants and more tapas bars than you can shake a stick at. One of the delicacies here is orejas, or boiled pig ears, from Bar Orellas – a local institution. The city lies within a province of the same name, one of Spain’s oldest wine-producing areas, home to four out of five of Galicia’s Denominations of Origin (D.O).

Winegrowing in this part of Spain dates back to the Romans who famously loved a tipple. They formed a large settlement in Ourense over 2,000 years ago – lured here partly due to its abundance of natural thermal springs, which they believed had healing properties. Thermal tourism remains one of the city’s biggest draws. You’ll find natural-looking thermal rock pools scattered on the outskirts of town, mainly along the Miño – Galicia’s longest river. Most are public, allowing locals and visitors to bathe in the mineral-rich waters year-round at no cost.

The Best Hotels in Ourense

Barceló Ourense

The sleekly designed Barceló hotel couldn’t be better placed – it’s almost equidistant between the city’s emblematic Roman-built Ponte Vella bridge and the old town. Design-wise, the four-star hotel’s spacious, ambiently-lit rooms are straightforward – cream and gold décor punctuated by vivid abstract wall hangings and varying egg chairs. Still, the price point is reasonable, and soft mattresses are heavenly.

Address: R. Curros Enríquez, 1, 32003 Ourense, Spain

Cabanas Mirador Cachamiña

Cabanas Mirador Cachamiña offers visitors to the province something more rural. Located a 15-minute drive from downtown Ourense, this scattering of Scandi-feel, wood-clad cabins, enveloped by lush woodlands, overlooks a gorgeous lake connected to the river Lonia. Guests can spend their time hiking, jogging, or using the complimentary bikes to explore the local area.

Address: Aldea Vilar, 135, 32710 Vilar, Ourense, Spain

Pequeña Suite Independiente al Lado Burgas

This compact studio apartment is situated next to Ourense’s most famous thermal area, As Burgas. As locations go, you couldn’t get closer to the action – the best sights, bars, and restaurants in the old town are within a few minutes’ walk. Interior-wise, it’s adorned with white-washed walls, sugary pink decals, and gentle boho furnishings.