Zona Termal do Muíño da Veiga

Zona Termal do Muíño da Veiga is a free open-air thermal bathing area on the banks of the Miño River, in Ourense, Galicia.

Where exactly is it?

The site sits about 5 km from downtown Ourense, along the Paseo Termal — a riverside thermal walking route that locals and visitors use to move between the city's various hot-spring spots. It is one of several free, council-run thermal areas in Ourense, alongside Burga de Canedo in Outariz and A Chavasqueira. The name comes from an old wooden watermill that once stood on the site; a restored version of that mill still stands right next to the pools today.

What does the pool complex look like?

The bathing area is made up of five pools of different sizes. The largest measures roughly 200 m², a second one around 130 m², and two smaller pools cover 55 m² and 45 m² respectively. There's also a separate cold-water pool for contrast bathing — alternating between hot and cold water, a common ritual at Galicia's open-air thermal sites.

How hot is the water?

The spring water emerges from the ground at 65-72°C, close to boiling point. Before it reaches the bathing pools it's cooled down to a comfortable 40°C or so — warm enough to loosen muscles without scalding the skin. The water is lightly mineralized with a bicarbonate-sodium composition, a profile traditionally associated with soothing, relaxing effects in balneotherapy.

Do you have to pay to get in?

No. Zona Termal do Muíño da Veiga is public and completely free to use, like most of the thermal areas scattered around Ourense — a city known for having an unusually dense concentration of natural hot springs right in and around its center. On-site facilities include changing rooms with lockers and toilets, so visitors can settle in for a while without having to head back into town.

Who is this spot best suited for?

It appeals mostly to people after a natural, outdoor soak rather than a spa-hotel experience — the setting is riverside and green, with none of the polish of an indoor thermal complex. Regulars from Ourense drop by often, while visitors tend to combine it with a stroll along the Paseo Termal or a day exploring the city. It's especially popular in autumn and winter, when the contrast between cold air and hot water is most noticeable.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Zona Termal do Muíño da Veiga free? Yes, entry is free — it's one of several public thermal areas in Ourense that don't charge admission.

How far is it from central Ourense? The complex is about 5 km from the city center, reached via the Paseo Termal route that follows the Miño riverbank.

How hot is the water in the pools? Spring water comes out at 65-72°C but is cooled to around 40°C in the bathing pools. A separate cold-water pool is available for contrast bathing.

Where does the name Muíño da Veiga come from? It's named after an old wooden watermill that once stood on the spot; its restored structure still stands beside the pools today.