Visit our thermal villages and find out why they are a fountain of wellness

The therapeutic benefits of spas and thermal baths have been well known since the days of Ancient Rome. In fact, some of today’s longest-standing spas were reconstructed out of the ancient thermal centres built by the Romans. The therapeutic effects are many and wide-ranging, for example helping to relieve occasional or chronic pain, aiding the digestive system, treating a number of skin conditions, helping to cleanse the lungs of air pollutants and playing a part in fighting off stress and mental burnout. That’s why today’s post is all about highlighting the importance of thermal tourism and showing what makes it such an appealing option for tourists of all ages, any time of the year.

Catalonia is home to plenty of spas where you can discover the true meaning of wellness thanks to their professional massages, body and facial treatments and specific spa therapy programmes. A number of Catalan towns have even turned thermal and mineral-medicinal water into a way of life. These include Caldes d’Estrac, Caldes de Malavella, Caldes de Montbui, La Garriga, Sant Climent Sescebes, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Santa Coloma de Farners. They all have thermal centres that you can enjoy while also discovering their cultural heritage, exploring their natural environment, taking part in leisure activities and eating delicious food.

The twelve spa towns located across Catalonia, namely 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 come together to form the Association of Spa Towns of Catalonia, which works to highlight the value and character of their mineral-medicinal waters, promote the tourism and thermal resources they have to offer, and create a platform or advocacy group to defend the interests of this key sector in areas such as health and tourism.

If you’re in the mood for some relaxing, wellness-filled tourism, we urge you to pay a visit to some of the top spa towns in Girona, such as Caldes de Malavella, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Santa Coloma de Farners. Ever been to them? Read on to find out what they have to offer in the way of rest and relaxation.

Caldes de Malavella has a strong relationship with thermal and mineral-medicinal waters. This is because it’s home to three locations where thermal water springs up at an average temperature of between 56 and 60°C: Puig de les Ànimes, Puig de Sant Grau (site of the Roman baths monument) and Puig de les Moleres.

Its streets, squares and gardens are brimming with heritage, a testament to the historical legacy forged from the close ties between this water and the people who have lived there: the thermal springs, the spas, the Modernisme-style houses, the promenades… not to mention the AQUAE museum centre, which explains how this miraculous water is formed and why it is so important.

The thermal water of Caldes de Malavella has healing properties and can be used to treat rheumatic ailments, indigestion, hepatitis, broken bones and other injuries. It’s also good for regulating digestive, urinary and circulatory system disorders. People can follow these treatments at the town’s spas or public springs. Otherwise, they can bring their treatment home by purchasing and drinking thermal water from one of the four bottling plants.

Another must-visit destination is Sant Hilari Sacalm. It’s said to be impossible to go thirsty in this «town of a hundred springs«, all of which supply mineral-medicinal water. Some of them are very well known, such as the Picant spring, the Gurb spring, the Vella spring, the Serrat spring and the Ferro spring. You’ll be amazed by the captivating charm of the area’s natural environment (there’s so much to discover!) and the exceptional character of the town, which will welcome you with open arms. Discover unique places and traditions and uncover the peaceful treasures that await in the protective forests of the Guilleries mountain range.

Finally, the spotlight turns to Santa Coloma de Farners, which is not only the actual capital of La Selva, but also the bona fide water capital of Girona. Streams and brooks, pools, wellsprings and thermal baths… Here, water can be enjoyed in many different ways. Start your day with a drink in the Sant Salvador or Picant spring. Fill up your bottle before heading up to the Farners castle. When it’s time for a break, enjoy a soak in the medicinal water of the town’s thermal baths. And, finally, how about an overnight stay at a spa resort?

Don’t put this off! It’s time to listen to your body and indulge in the wellness of thermal water and its therapeutic benefits for the mind and body. Come and experience water like never before!