Español
English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Nederlands
Português
日本語
中文
Caldas de Reis has water in its name. Hot springs bubble up beneath the town; the Romans used them, and in the 19th century they gave rise to two spa resorts. The «de Reis» comes from the tradition that Alfonso VII was born here.
Today, it’s above all a stop on the Portuguese Way: a small, peaceful town crossed by the Umia, where pilgrims soak their feet in thermal water at the end of the stage. We’ve brought together six places to stay that we hand-pick one by one, from the town centre to the countryside.
How to choose an area
Caldas is easy to explore on foot, so it all depends on how you arrive:
- Thermal centre: around Rúa Real, Praza de Abastos, Fonte das Burgas and the spa resorts. The Way passes through here and there are bars close by, but parking is difficult.
- Umia riverbanks: Carballeira and the botanical garden, with shady walks.
- Villages in the municipality: parishes such as Tivo, with houses that have gardens, seasonal pools and parking. A car is almost essential here.
For one night on the trail, the centre is the most practical choice. For a few days, or with children in summer, a house with a pool outside the town centre is worth considering. On the Caldas de Reis page, you’ll find all the places to stay we’ve selected in the municipality.
Where to stay in Caldas de Reis
We start with the two guesthouses in the centre, then head towards the river and countryside.
Casa Herreria
An outdoor pool, garden and terrace just a short walk from the Umia and the thermal springs—unusual so close to the centre. Bikes are available to rent for exploring the surrounding area. There’s no parking, and it’s best to let them know if you’ll arrive outside the 13:00 to 19:00 window.
Aires do Umia
The most central option: the hot-water laundry is about 120 metres away and the botanical garden just over 200 metres away. The family rooms, with three single beds, work well for a trio of pilgrims. There’s no lift or parking, and breakfast costs extra.
Torre do Rio
A country-style hotel on the banks of the Umia, with gardens, river-view rooms and its own restaurant. A good base for hiking, fishing or cycling, with free parking. Wi-Fi is only available in the shared areas, and the entrance closes at 22:00.
Olivo de Reis
Soundproofed double rooms with mountain views, a seasonal pool, garden and restaurant—ideal for a couple of days’ stay and some walks. It’s the only place in this selection that accepts pets, on request and possibly for an extra charge. Parking is free, but must be reserved.
Tibo - Casal do Conde
A room for two with a terrace and mountain views, set on a property with a garden, patio and seasonal outdoor pool. There’s a shared kitchen and buffet breakfast. It’s suited to couples travelling by car, with free parking; check-in ends at 22:30.
Conde Dúplex - Casal do Conde
A duplex for up to four people with a fully equipped kitchen, patio and pool views, within the same complex as the previous property. A good fit for a family or two couples who want their own space. The pool is only open in season, and parties aren’t allowed.
What to see in Caldas de Reis
The route begins at Fonte das Burgas, built in 1881, with two spouts topped by lion heads, where hot spring water flows out. Next to it is the thermal laundry, where some people soak their feet. Nearby are the two historic spa resorts: Acuña, in a building dating from the early 20th century, and Dávila, with a bamboo grove in its garden. Their waters emerge at around 40 and 45 degrees.
Along the Umia lies Parque-Xardín Botánico y la Carballeira, designated a Picturesque Site and Historic Garden in 1962, with centuries-old oaks and camellias. Pilgrims cross the Roman bridge of Bermaña, with its three arches, on their way to Padrón.
About 2 km away, on the road to Cuntis, the Segade bridge and Segade waterfall make a scenic spot of waterfalls and pools beside the remains of the old «fábrica da luz». For day trips, Pontevedra, Vilagarcía de Arousa and Santiago de Compostela are all less than an hour away by car.
Caldas on the Portuguese Way
Caldas is the end of the stage from Pontevedra and the starting point for the next one, to Padrón; both are about 20 km long. In 2025, the Pilgrim’s Office issued more than 530,000 Compostela certificates, and nearly a third went to pilgrims on the Portuguese Way, including the Central Route and the Coastal Route, which joins it before Caldas.
2027 is a Holy Xacobeo Year, so there will be more pilgrims than usual: book ahead and check the check-in times, as reception closes at 22:00 or earlier at several places to stay.
When to visit Caldas de Reis
Spring and autumn are the best times for walking, with fewer people on the Way. In summer, Carballeira hosts Cultura Quente, a free music festival that has been running since 1998, and the San Roque celebrations take place from 15 to 18 August.
Winter is rainy and quiet, a good time for a spa break in a town where hot water bubbles up from the ground.
Getting there and getting around
Caldas lies between Pontevedra and Santiago, with its own exit on the AP-9 and the N-550 running through it; regional buses between the two cities stop in town. The centre is easy to explore on foot, but you’ll need a car to visit Segade, the villages or the Arousa estuary, and the guesthouses in the centre don’t have parking.
Caldas de Reis is one of the stops in our guide to where to stay in Galicia. If you’re heading south, also see where to stay in Vigo and where to stay in Cangas de Morrazo; if you’re looking for a beach, where to stay in Sanxenxo.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from travellers planning a night or a short break in Caldas de Reis.
Is it better to stay in the centre of Caldas de Reis or on the outskirts?
It depends on how you’re travelling. If you’re walking the Portuguese Way or don’t have a car, the centre is the most convenient option: you can walk to the end of the stage, with Fonte das Burgas, the spa resorts and restaurants just a few minutes away. If you’re driving and want to relax for a few days, houses in nearby villages offer gardens, seasonal pools and free parking, but you’ll need a car to get around.
Can you use the thermal water without staying at a spa resort?
Yes. Fonte das Burgas is an outdoor public spring right in the centre, and beside it is the thermal laundry, where many pilgrims soak their feet at the end of the stage. For full treatments, there are two historic spa resorts, Acuña and Dávila, each with its own springs at around 40 and 45 degrees; it’s worth checking their conditions and opening times in advance.
How many kilometres is it from Caldas de Reis to Santiago along the Way?
There are about 40 km from Caldas to Santiago, which most pilgrims cover in two stages: the first, about 20 km, ends in Padrón, and the second reaches the cathedral. The previous stage from Pontevedra is a similar distance, which is why Caldas is one of the most popular overnight stops on the Portuguese Way.
How do you get to Caldas de Reis without a car?
The easiest option is the regional bus between Pontevedra and Santiago, which stops in town. Caldas doesn’t have a train station: the nearest stations, Portela and Vilagarcía de Arousa, are about 8-9 km away, and you’ll need a taxi from there. The airports in Santiago and Vigo are less than an hour away by road. Once in Caldas, you can explore the centre and Carballeira on foot.
When should you book furthest in advance in Caldas de Reis?
Between May and September, when the Portuguese Way is busiest, and especially in mid-August, during the San Roque celebrations. 2027 is a Holy Xacobeo Year and more pilgrims are expected, so book early if you’re travelling that year. The town is small, and most places to stay are guesthouses with few rooms, which fill up quickly in high season.
