Living in Ourense: Complete Guide 2026

Introduction to Ourense

Ourense is Galicia's thermal capital and one of the cities with the highest quality of life in northwestern Spain. With approximately 105,000 inhabitants, it is the second most populated city in inland Galicia and offers a perfect balance between complete urban services and a privileged natural environment dominated by the Miño River.

What makes Ourense unique are its thermal waters. The city has multiple natural hot springs emerging at temperatures between 60°C and 73°C, some free and outdoors. This thermal wealth, known since Roman times (the city was called Aquis Auriensis), makes Ourense a unique destination for wellness and health.

Location and transport

• Madrid: Direct AVE in 2h30 (Ourense-Empalme station)
• Santiago de Compostela: 100 km (45 min via AP-9)
• A Coruña: 155 km (1h20)
• Vigo: 90 km (1h)
• Lugo: 100 km (1h10)
• Portugal (border): 60 km
• Vigo-Peinador Airport: 90 km

The AVE connection is perhaps Ourense's greatest logistical advantage. In just 2 hours 30 minutes you reach Madrid, allowing business or leisure trips to the capital with comfort unthinkable from other Galician cities.

Thermal waters

Free outdoor thermal baths

• Termas da Burga (Outariz): Natural hot pools (45-60°C) by the Miño River. Free access. Includes hydromassage area.
• Termas de Chavasqueira: Japanese-style outdoor thermal pools. Water at 45-60°C. Free access.
• Muiño da Veiga: Thermal spring next to a restored old mill. Water at 67°C.
• Pozas de Tinteiro: Small natural pools in the Miño riverbed.

Spas and balnearios

• Balneario de Laias: 4-star hotel-spa with complete thermal treatments
• Spa Aquis Originis: In the city center, wellness treatments

Old town and heritage

Ourense's old town is one of the best preserved in Galicia:

• Ponte Vella (Roman Bridge): 399-meter medieval bridge over the Miño, symbol of the city
• Cathedral of San Martiño: Late Romanesque and Gothic, with the Pórtico del Paraíso and the revered Santo Cristo
• Plaza Mayor: Porticoed and lively, heart of the city

Services

The Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense (CHUOU) is the reference hospital with all specialties.

• Universidade de Vigo (Ourense Campus): Education, Tourism, Business, IT, Translation
• Multiple secondary schools, vocational training, language school

Real estate market

Investment opportunities

• Old town apartments: High holiday rental demand for thermal and wine tourism. Entry from 60,000€.
• Renovation: Traditional houses in surrounding towns at very low prices with great potential.
• Thermal tourism: Accommodation linked to health and wellness tourism, a growing segment.

Gastronomy and wine

Ourense is a gastronomic paradise in the heart of Ribeiro wine country, one of Spain's oldest wine designations of origin.

• Ribeiro wines: Exceptional whites (Treixadura, Godello) and growing reds (Mencía). Wineries are visitable 20-30 minutes from the city.
• Galician octopus: Among the best fair-style pulpo in Galicia
• Caldeiro ourensano: Traditional meat stew with potatoes
• Lacón con grelos: A classic of Ourense cuisine

The tapas zone in the old town streets offers extraordinary quality at very reasonable prices. A pincho and a glass of Ribeiro is the quintessential Ourense ritual.

Lifestyle

• Miño River: Riverside walk, kayaking, fishing, boat trips
• Ribeira Sacra: 30-45 minutes away, Sil canyons and Romanesque monasteries
• Serra do Xurés: Natural park bordering Portugal, 40 minutes away
• Ribeiro Wine Route: Winery visits and vineyard landscapes

Festivals

• Entroido (Carnival): The most important in Galicia, with traditional characters in surrounding villages
• Festa do Ribeiro: Wine festival in Ribadavia in spring
• Ourense Film Festival: In November

Conclusion

Ourense is a hidden gem that combines like no other Galician city accessibility (AVE to Madrid), health (free thermal waters), gastronomy (Ribeiro), and affordable prices. For foreigners seeking a Galician base with excellent Madrid connection, retirees who value thermal wellness, or investors seeing the potential of inland tourism, Ourense deserves serious consideration. Contact Cristina Vázquez to discover the best properties in Ourense and its province.