Forget the exorbitant prices and stuffy indoor spaces. If you enjoy relaxing in an open-air thermal paradise without breaking the bank, there’s a destination waiting for you just across the border. Less than a two-hour drive from Porto, the Prexigueiro Thermal Baths attract visitors not only for the bucolic scenery they offer but also for the high water temperatures —which can reach 41 degrees.
Located in Prexigueiro, just 5 km from the Galician town of Ribadavia (province of Ourense), the concept and aesthetic of this thermal retreat are inspired by Japan. Forget the world outside and get ready to relieve stress, improve your nervous system, and even your skin just by stepping into these very special waters. The best part? The thermal baths are surrounded by a dense forest and sit alongside a river, taking relaxation to a whole new level.
What will you find?
If you’re an anime fan, for a moment it’s as if you’ve been transported to the serene universe of the films by Japanese genius Hayao Miyazaki. However , there are no Totoros or other impressive creatures here. In fact, the magic lies elsewhere; just close your eyes and let yourself be carried away bythe warmth of the waters and the surrounding atmosphere. But for greater relaxation and disconnection, avoid visiting the Prexigueiro Thermal Baths during peak season.
In this Japanese-inspired setting just a short drive away, you can enjoy a circuit featuring five hot water pools, which metaphorically evoke the “Kumano Kodo”—the famous Japanese pilgrimage route.
In addition, there is a spa and cold-water pools; to maximize the beneficial effects of these waters, it is recommended to occasionally alternate between the hot and cold pools. There are also various types of massages and therapeutic and aesthetic treatments.
Helpful tips
The Prexigueiro Thermal Baths are open year-round and are closed on Mondays, welcoming the public on the following days and times: Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
As for prices, don’t be alarmed: enjoying the thermal circuit at this paradise costs just €6.95 (single admission), while seniors and children between the ages of five and eight pay €6.30.
How to get there from Porto?
To reach this “Galician Japan,” the fastest and most convenient way is by car, a trip of about two hours. One of the best routes from Porto is to take the A3 toward Braga and cross the border at Valença. Then, take the A-52 (Autovía das Rías Baixas) toward Ourense and exit onto the 252 (Ribadavia), following the signs for Prexigueiro.
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