Ourense
Via de la Plata
Camino Sanabrés
Ourense’s everlasting tourist attraction is its natural thermal spas. It is said that the Romans settled here because of the warm waters, though more likely is the strategic location along the Río Miño and the gold within it.
The spas are still open to the public, some are free and others are not. Surprisingly, the free ones are the best but come prepared in a proper bathing suit or expect to be turned away. The ones closest to the city center are the Termas Chavasqueira, across the river and to the west.
If all of that sounds like too much trouble (it's not, go for it) just stick to the old town. Not too big, not too small, it is easily seen in a short afternoon.
The Cathedral here, one of 5 in Galicia, retains a polychromatic portico.
Just beyond the río the camino again splits. Here again the arrows leave a bit to be desired, there is only one set of arrows to indicate the split. They are painted on the sidewalk and are fading.
Here is how to find the way:
Once over the Río Miño keep to the right side of the road and head uphill. You will pass 4 streets: Rúas Ribeira de Canedo, Mercado, Ramón y Cajal, and Vicente Risco). As you near the fifth (a much larger intersection) keep an eye to the ground for the arrows. From this junction, the camino either continues straight (the LEFT route) or it turns right (the RIGHT route). Both routes merge in Casas Novas.
RIGHT ROUTE - 18.9km
From the right-hand turn at the split, this route follows the N-525 uphill for about 1km. Follow on the right side of the road to see the arrows. At the gas station, the camino veers right and begins to climb steeply up to Cudeiro.
LEFT ROUTE - 17.6km
From the split continue straight up the hill, and keep to the right-hand side. The road passes the train station (on your right, bar) and follows the road to Quinitela.
Accommodation in Ourense
| Albergue de peregrinos de Ourense 10€ 42 |
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| Albergue Grelo Hostel 15*€ 32 |
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| Albergue Augas Quentes 18€ 36 Booking.com |
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