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A tour of the thermal villages, a source of wellness

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A tour of the thermal villages, a source of wellness

For thousands of years, water has been a source of wellness; one of the world’s greatest secrets to healing the body and mind. It was the Greeks and Romans who first used water as a healing agent, and this passion has been passed down through generations right to the present day.

The therapeutic benefits of spas and thermal waters have been known since Ancient Roman times. In fact, some of the world’s oldest spas were rebuilt from ancient thermal baths first constructed by the Romans. As you know, these waters boast numerous and varied therapeutic properties. They are known, for example, to alleviate both acute and chronic pain, improve digestion, treat various skin conditions, aid in cleansing the lungs of environmental pollution, and help to combat stress and mental fatigue. With this in mind, today we want to highlight the importance of thermal tourism and emphasise its year-round appeal for all ages.

Catalonia is home to many spas where you can experience the true meaning of ‘wellness’, offering everything from professional chiromassage therapies to body and facial aesthetics, as well as specialised balneotherapy programmes. Indeed, some Catalan municipalities have even embraced thermal and healing mineral waters as a whole way of life and philosophy, such as Caldes d’Estrac, Caldes de Malavella, Caldes de Montbui, La Garriga, Sant Climent Sescebes, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Santa Coloma de Farners. These towns offer thermal baths that can be combined with exploring their cultural heritage, enjoying the natural surroundings, engaging in leisure activities and savouring exceptional gastronomy.

Catalonia’s 12 thermal municipalities – Caldes de Montbui, Caldes de Malavella, Caldes d’Estrac, El Vendrell, La Garriga, Les, Montbrió del Camp, Naut Aran, Santa Coloma de Farners, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Vallfogona de Riucorb – have joined forces to form the Association of Thermal Towns of Catalonia. This organisation is dedicated to highlighting the character and value of mineral waters, promoting the towns’ tourism appeal and thermal resources, and creating a platform to advocate for the interests of this essential sector in areas such as healthcare and tourism.

If you’re looking to indulge in a relaxing wellness tourism experience, then we invite you to explore some of the most renowned thermal towns in the Girona region, such as Caldes de Malavella, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Santa Coloma de Farners. Do any of these sound familiar? If not, keep reading and don’t miss out on all they have to offer if you’re looking for a restorative break.

Caldes de Malavella is one of the towns most closely linked to thermal and healing mineral waters. It is home to three thermal hot springs, with waters boasting an average temperature of 56-60 °C: Puig de les Ànimes, Puig de Sant Grau (which features the remains of ancient Roman baths), and Puig de les Moleres.

balneari vichy catalan caldes de malavella karel noppe arxiu Imatges ptcbg

Caldes de Malavella. Karel Noppe

The town’s streets, squares and gardens are brimming with a historical heritage shaped by a deep connection to these waters: the thermal fountains, spas, modernista houses, promenades… and the Espacio Aquae museum, which showcases the formation of these miraculous waters and their vital significance.

The thermal waters of Caldes de Malavella possess curative properties effective in treating rheumatic diseases, dyspepsia, hepatitis, fractures and wounds. They are also recommended for regulating digestive, urinary and circulatory disorders. These healing benefits can be experienced by visiting the spas and public fountains, and even taken home with you by purchasing the thermal water from one of the town’s four bottling plants.

balneari vichy catalan caldes de malavella. maria geli i pilar planagumaArxiu Imatges PTCBG

Caldes de Malavella. Maria Geli i Pilar Planaguma

Another destination not to be missed is Sant Hilari Sacalm, where water flows from over a hundred springs in the privileged setting of the Guilleries. Known as “the town of a hundred fountains”, Sant Hilari is home to iconic fountains such as Font Vella, Font d’en Gurb, Font del Ferro and Font Picant. The latter, known for its healing mineral properties, made Sant Hilari one of the country’s most popular summer destinations in the 19th and 20th centuries, attracting prominent figures from the Catalan bourgeoisie and cultural circles who left their mark. Today it boasts a modern spa that caters to contemporary tastes, and draws its water from the famous Font Vella.

Sant Hilari Sacalm scaled

Sant Hilari Sacalm

Another must-visit destination is Santa Coloma de Farners, the capital of the La Selva region, and some might even say the capital of water. Streams, brooks, pools, fountains, hot springs and baths – this town offers a wealth of ways to experience its waters. You can start your day with a restorative drink from the San Salvador or Picant fountains, fill your water bottle before hiking up to Farners Castle, or relax by soaking in the town’s medicinal thermal baths. And why not top the experience off by spending the night at the spa?

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to listen to your body and let the therapeutic benefits of thermal waters – both physical and mental – transport you to a place of true wellness. Are you ready to experience something truly unique, surrounded by healing waters?