Rocky coast in Spain

General overview of spa resorts in Spain and the methods of therapy used (hydrotherapy, fitness)

When it comes to Spain in a conversation, the first thing that comes to mind is the wide sandy beaches and blue sea under the bright southern sun (by the way, not all the Spanish coast is like this; as an illustration, in the photo on the left is the coast of the Bay of Biscay in the northwest Spain). The next thought is about slightly sweet and tart red wine, a little later - about bullfighting and sweet juicy Spanish oranges and tangerines, perhaps about jamon and cheese. But only a few know what else this wonderful southern European country is rich in - thermal resorts located in almost all its corners.

We have already talked about the most famous spa brand and thermal sanatorium, located near Girona in Catalonia, on the website. You can read about spa pools here: https://mirspa.net/katalog.html. Now we will talk about other Spanish thermal resorts.

More than 50% of the territory of Spain is covered with mountains, hence the very wide geography of Spanish balneological resorts - they are found in almost all provinces of this country, from Galicia and Asturias in the northwest to Murcia and Andalusia in the south and southeast. The composition of rocks, very diverse in origin, determines the same variety of mineral springs flowing in the Spanish mountains - here there are sulfate-hydrocarbonate, and calcium chloride, and magnesium-sulfite, and iron and even radon mineral springs.

The main methods of treatment are, of course, associated with the use of thermal waters. This:

– thermal and mud baths,

– foot and hand baths,

– inhalation and spraying of body parts,

– high pressure and contrast showers

– mud applications and wraps.

Of course, in Spanish balneological sanatoriums there are other traditional physiotherapeutic techniques, such as massages, electro- and magnetic therapy, laser treatment, lymphatic drainage and acupuncture.

Also, great attention is paid here to fitness - in addition to the obligatory gym, equipped to the latest requirements, there are also exercise bikes and treadmills.

In conclusion, it is worth adding that thermal resorts in Spain are usually 4 or 5 star hotels, where staying allows you to enjoy healing spa treatments, completely disconnecting from everyday problems.

Thermal resorts of southern Spain (Andalusia)

Thermal spring in the resort of Lanjaron in Spain

The south of Spain is almost completely occupied by the autonomous community of Andalusia - the largest of the autonomous parts of this state. In turn, Andalusia consists of 8 provinces (analogous to regions) - Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville. And in almost each of these provinces there are thermal resorts, many of which are famous not only in Spain, but throughout Europe.

One of the most famous balneological springs is Lanjaron in the province of Granada. In addition to its six mineral springs, varied in composition and healing effects on the human body, Lanjaron it is also very popular due to its location - at the junction of the Sierra Nevada mountains (the most popular ski resort in Spain is located 80 km away, and the capital of the province is a beautiful ancient city, famous primarily for the Moorish palace of the Alhambra, 50 km away) and the Alpujarra in a picturesque area at an altitude of 670 meters above sea level. Numerous mountain hiking trails allow you to combine spa treatments and fitness with mountain walking.

The six mineral springs of Lanjaron are extremely diverse in their composition and scope of application:

– El Salado – a highly mineralized ferrous-magnesium-calcium-chloride source used for thermal baths and all other spa treatments.

– Salud (Spanish health) 1 and 2 and Kapiya with a low and medium degree of mineralization contain soda, chlorine, bicarbonates and calcium and are used for drinking therapy of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and increasing appetite.

– Cappuccina – bicarbonate-calcium chloride with a high degree of mineralization is also used for internal use to cleanse the body.

Guests are accommodated in a 4-star modern hotel (built in 2012) with all amenities, including a large thermal complex, fitness, medical and physiotherapy centers, equipped to all modern requirements. In particular, in the gym, in addition to traditional equipment, there are also modern orbitracks (elliptical trainers that provide simultaneous exercise for the muscles of the arms and legs), treadmills, rowing trainers and even steppers and vibrating massagers. And staying in Lanjaron among picturesque mountain ranges covered with coniferous forests has a wonderful healing effect on the body.

One has only to add that the slightly mineralized drinking water of Lanjarón, extracted from one of the local sources, is one of the most popular brands in Spain.

(archive) / First time

Please advise! We are going with my sister and two 17 year old teenagers for the first time in Spain. We can't decide on a place. I’ve already broken my head... I even started watching Mallorca. I really want to visit Barcelona, ​​because... I've heard a lot about her. Attractions, like discos, are of no interest. I liked the Costa Brava, but as I read about entering the sea, it’s somehow not right... I’m an average swimmer, and my sister is not very good at all... And on the Costa Dorada, they say, it’s quite shallow. We would like something in between with a beautiful landscape and excursions. Thank you!

Olsha... Quote: can you be more specific? There are several in Catalonia thermal resorts with fairly neutral water in which children can swim. Here are a couple... / http://guide.travel.ru/spain/175012.html I was in two this year thermal hotels: Hotel Balneari Prats in the town of Caldes de Malavella and Hotel Balneario Blancafort in La Garriga. For relaxing with children and combining with excursions, the second one is more convenient - there is a large thermal center and 50 minutes by train to Barcelona. There are a couple of hotels in the bins on the Costa Dorada...

There are 49 mineral springs in Catalonia. 16 resorts were built on them, where 90% of vacationers are Catalans. Six thermal resorts are located in Central Catalonia, three on the Costa Brava, two on the Costa Daurada, three on the Costa del Maresme and two in the Pyrenees. The waters of other sources are bottled. The most famous of Catalan drinking mineral waters are named after the source or area where they come from: Font del Regas, Viladrau, Font Vella, Sant Narcis, Aigues de Boi, Aigua de Ribes, Sant Aniol, Malavella.

A RATA-news correspondent, at the invitation of the Catalan Tourist Board, visited three thermal resorts: Caldes de Montbui, La Garriga and Montbrio del Camp.

The beneficial effects of thermal waters have been known since the times of the Roman Empire. Thermal resorts were built on hot healing springs in order to restore the health of august persons and cure the wounds of tired warriors. All Spanish cities founded in thermal water areas in that era are called Caldes, a word derived from the Roman name Aquae Calidae, which means “hot water.” Caldes de Montbui, located in the outskirts of Barcelona, ​​is the oldest resort town in Catalonia. It was founded, naturally, by the Romans, although the Iberian tribes used the local water long before the arrival of the conquerors. In the city's thermal water museum, Thermalia, we were told that in those years there was not even a Roman settlement here as such, but generals and centurions came here from Barcelona to relax. They relaxed and were treated in thermal baths, simultaneously discussing political and commercial issues with their associates, playing sports, having lunch and visiting the library.

The ancient Roman baths, which to this day dominate the architectural appearance of the town, are one of the few in Europe that have survived to this day. The Baths of Montbui are the best preserved structure of their kind in the entire Iberian Peninsula. The caldarium (hot water pool) dates back to the first century BC. The town still has a Roman sauna and baths, but they are hidden on the hotel grounds.

During the "golden age" of hydrotherapy, from the second half of the 19th century until the mid-20th century, Caldes de Montbui was one of the most famous resorts in Europe, with nine elegant hotels equipped with the latest in balneotherapy. Now there are 4 hotels here.

The source of hyperthermal sodium chloride and fluoride water in Caldes de Montbui is known not only for its healing properties: it moisturizes and nourishes the skin, heals respiratory and rheumatic diseases. The spring is famous for its very high temperature, which ranges from 73 to 78 degrees Celsius, but most often lingers at 74 degrees. “This is the hottest spring in Spain and the second hottest in Europe,” the museum says. “This spring is still the hottest self-flowing spring, hotter waters were discovered by drilling 2,000 years later,” the Catalan Tourism Office adds. And it pours out from the stone mouth of a lion in the picturesque Lion Fountain - Font de Lleo, built in 1581 and partially retaining its original appearance.

The area between the fountain and the Roman caldarium is very popular with locals in winter, and not only because of the bars located around it. After all, it is always warm here because of the hot water that collects and slowly seeps to the spring at a depth under the stone pavement. After rain, the area dries completely in three minutes.

There is no public pool with thermal water in the town, but hotels have their own pools. From Monday to Friday, pensioners from Barcelona and other Catalan cities who come here for treatment under social programs usually settle in them. Another cultural and historical landmark of the city dates back to the end of the 19th century. In those years, public laundries were built throughout Spain. In the age of washing machines, the Caldes de Montbui laundry is not only perfectly preserved, but continues to function.

A century later, the tradition has been preserved thanks to the residents of the town: several elderly women come here every weekday to do laundry. The water in the special washing pool is, of course, thermal. As it flows from the source to the laundry, it cools. Ladies put their underwear in water at temperatures of 62 and 50 degrees. Schoolchildren from big cities come here on excursions to learn how to do laundry. Here they encounter things that seem strange to the modern younger generation: large pieces of natural olive soap, brushes for removing stains, graters for rough fabrics, tongs for clothes and wicker baskets for carrying them. By the way, such baskets used to be made right here, in Caldes de Montbui: the vines were soaked in the bed of a hot stream, and then they were woven while sitting on the warm stones of the main square. They even produced huge baskets specifically for sale in the port of Barcelona, ​​located 35 km away.

A completely preserved antique laundry is a unique case in Catalonia. The residents of the town have partially preserved their former way of life. The historical appearance of the town has been preserved in many other buildings: residential buildings, hotels, the medieval city wall and the Church of St. Mary.

Now Caldes de Montbui has 17 thousand inhabitants and annually, according to museum statistics, serves more than 28 thousand tourists. There are even more people visiting hydropathic clinics. However, the local hot water is enough not only for medicinal and cultural purposes. The water is collected in special reservoirs and used to water gardens - plants grow better on healing minerals. Local white beans are especially famous.

The next point of our trip was the resort of La Garriga, 25 km from Barcelona. It, like most thermal areas of Catalonia, is located along a straight line that can be drawn on a map from Tarragona to Girona. This is a line of deep tectonic fault in the earth’s crust, along which water heated in the depths rises under pressure to the surface, along the way becoming saturated with rock minerals.

The healing waters of La Garriga are thermal (56°C) sodium chloride waters containing silicon, fluorine and lithium. According to gerontologists, silicon is a powerful geroprotector, and its beneficial effect on the skin has long been used in the cosmetics industry. The hotels of the small resort town have many beauty and anti-stress programs. The waters are effective for joint pain, which probably explains their popularity since Roman times. The revival of the resort began in the middle of the 15th century, when a hot water clinic was built. Now the King of Spain likes to relax here.

Our group stayed in the thermal center of the cozy Hotel Termes de La Garriga, built in 1874 in an elegant eclectic style and completely renovated in 2004. The small hotel has its own thermal spring. It is hidden from prying eyes in the courtyard among flowers and green grass. Here you can sunbathe on a sun lounger by the thermal pool, lie on warm stone trestle beds heated by hot water, walk on stones in a cold plunge pool and drink herbal infusion in the cafe on the terrace.

Everything here retains the spirit of a fashionable resort of the 19th century, but the level of comfort and equipment of the medical center corresponds to modern SPA hotels. After visiting the indoor thermal pool and sauna, you can go to the treatment rooms.

In addition to the usual procedures: stone therapy, aromatic and vacuum massage, Vichy and Charcot showers, various baths, etc., the latest methods of cosmetic and aesthetic medicine are used here. For example, a rejuvenating gold face mask. The cost of this procedure is 139 euros.

The third resort of our trip, Montbrio del Camp, is located in the Costa Durada region. The modern-style Termes Montbrio Spa, Ressort & Park hotel with a luxurious park of tropical plants is connected by a covered passage to the Aquatonic thermal center.

Here you can not only relax in a pool with sodium chloride water, rich in bicarbonate and sulfate ions, calcium, magnesium, lithium and potassium water, but also go through all the wellness “circles”: from Roman steam rooms and saunas to Jacuzzis, hydromassage cascades and jets, and in fabulous interiors. Small pools, which receive hot water directly from the source, are hidden in a man-made cave labyrinth. Having warmed up thoroughly, you can cross the hanging bridge to the cold plunge pool, where you can walk on stone pebbles and stand under the icy stream of an underground waterfall.

The extensive hotel park is also full of fabulous landscapes: streams, fountains, waterfalls, antique-style buildings and paths lined with mosaics of sea stones.

The attraction of the park is the monument to the dowser who found the underground source. The park also has a beach, although it is located 6 km from the sea.

Three more are in the Costa del Maresme area, two others are on the Costa Daurada, and a couple more resorts are located in the Pyrenees. Water extracted from mineral springs is bottled. The most famous names of Cactlon mineral water, named after the area from which it was extracted: Viladrau, Sant Narcis, Font del Regas, Aigues de Boi, Sant Aniol, Aigua de Ribes, Malavella.

There are 128 thermal springs in Spain, of which 49 are in Catalonia. 6 thermal spas are located in Central Catalonia, 2 in the Pyrenees, 3 on the Costa Brava, 3 on the Costa de Barcelona-Maresme and 2 on the Costa Daurade. In the foothills of northeastern Catalonia are the main sources of various mineral waters in Spain. The most famous of them is Vichy Catalan (since 1881).

The beneficial and restorative effects of thermal waters have been known since the times of the Roman Empire. Royalty and tired soldiers wounded during the war bathed in the mineral water of the springs. The cities that were founded during that era in the thermal water zone were called Caldes, which translated from Roman meant “hot water” (Aquae Calidae).

The oldest thermal resort town in Catalonia is Caldes de Montbui, which is located in the vicinity of Barcelona. The city was founded by the Romans, although the Iberian tribes knew about the healing properties of the local mineral water long before them.

There is a Thermalia museum in the city, where we were told that there was, in fact, no Roman settlement, but honorary generals and centurions came from Barcelona to refresh themselves in the thermal springs, where they could hold meetings with their comrades to discuss political, strategic, economic and many others issues of national importance.

The ancient Roman baths have still retained their epoch-making appearance, and have survived to this day in their fabulous appearance, embodying the architectural style of that era. On the Iberian Peninsula, the best preserved baths of Montbui.

The hot water pool, called the Caldarium, dates back to the first century AD. A Roman sauna and several baths have also been preserved on the premises of local hotels.

During the Golden Age, from the 19th century to the mid-20th century, Caldes de Montbui was the most popular thermal resort in all of Europe. There were 10 hotels equipped with the latest technology for bathing procedures and bathing.

The water from the Caldes de Montbui source is enriched with fluorine and sodium and is known not only for its positive effect of moisturizing the skin, the preventive property of all respiratory diseases, but also for its high temperature. The museum told us that this is the hottest spring in Spain and the second in all of Europe. Its temperature ranges from 73 to 78 degrees, most often staying at 74.

The source originates in the Lion Fountain, which was built back in 1581 and still partially preserves the architecture of that time.

The area between the fountain and the spring is very popular among locals and tourists, not only because there are many bars and entertainment venues, but also because it is always warm here, thanks to the hot spring flowing into the general stream under the pavement. Even after heavy rain, the moisture in the area evaporates within a few minutes.

The Montbrio del Camp resort on the Costa Daurada has been famous for its thermal springs since Roman times. The hotel's SPA center offers more than 100 different procedures in 20 wellness programs that restore not only health, but also youth. There is also a unique Aquatonik complex with an area of ​​more than 1000 sq.m (with water slides, artificial waterfalls of thermal springs with a temperature difference from +17 to +36C.

There is no general swimming pool with thermal waters in the city, but there are many of them in various hotels, which pensioners from Catalonia visit on weekends to recuperate their bodies according to a special program.

The city has another historical value. During this era, public laundries were rapidly built throughout Spain, one of which, dating back to the 19th century, has survived to this day and continues to operate.

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The laundry often hosts tours for schoolchildren, who are amazed to see some of the items not typically found in a regular machine wash: a bar of olive soap, a brush, clothes tongs and wicker baskets. The water in the washing pool is thermal, but is subject to cooling to 50-60 degrees.

Speaking of wicker baskets, it is worth noting that they used to be made right here in Caldes de Montbui by soaking grapevines in a hot spring, after which the vines were woven while sitting on the hot stones of the square. The baskets were often made for sale in the port of Barcelona, ​​which is located 35 kilometers from the city.

The city was architecturally conserved. This can be seen not only in the example of a laundry, but also in the example of the preserved architecture of houses, hotels, and churches.

Today, the town of Caldes de Montbuy is home to about 17 thousand residents, who annually serve 28 thousand tourists from different countries, and there are even more people who want to swim in the healing spring. Water is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for irrigating agricultural land, due to which plants grow better on them.

The famous white beans are especially popular here.

La Garriga is famous for its healing waters, rich in sodium, fluorine, silicon and lithium. Gerontologists believe that silicon has amazing effects on the skin and has long been used in the cosmetics industry. Local hotels have many rejuvenating and anti-stress programs.

Healing springs also help with joint pain, apparently, which is why Roman soldiers loved it so much. The revival of this resort began in the 15th century, when the first hospital was built here on a healing spring. The King of Spain himself loves to relax and receive treatment in these parts.

The resorts Caldes d'Estrac, Caldes de Montbui, La Garriga have been known since the times of the Roman Empire. In Caldes d'Estrac there is the Termas Romanas Museum, the best preserved among all the baths in Spain with a fountain of hot thermal water +76C (Font del Lleo). The first thermal hospital was built here in 1794. In thermal pools and for balneotherapy, thermal (+39C) chloride-hydrocarbonate-sulfate-sodium water of medium mineralization is used.

The cozy Termes de La Garriga hotel has a thermal center, which was built back in 1874 and underwent a complete renovation in 2004. The thermal spring is hidden from view in the thickets of the courtyard. Each hotel visitor can sunbathe on sun loungers, sit on hot stones and drink a cup of herbal tea in the cafe next to the terrace.

Despite the fact that the spirit of the 19th century reigns in the hotel, in terms of technical equipment it is not inferior to any large and famous spa hotel. There are also treatment rooms here, which are usually visited after swimming in the pool or spending time in the sauna.

The latest methods in the field of cosmetology and medicine are developed and applied here, along with aromatherapy, stone therapy, vacuum massage, Vichy and Charcot showers and all kinds of bath procedures. For example, they make a rejuvenating face mask made of pure gold, which costs 139 euros per procedure.

In the Costa Durada region there is another equally famous resort, Montbrio del Camp, with a luxurious park, the Ressort & Park and Termes Montbrio Spa hotels, connected to the central Aquatonic park.

The pools are filled with sodium chloride water, with sulfate and bicarbonate ions, magnesium, calcium, lithium and other useful elements.

Here you can not only soak in such healing pools, but also try for yourself what Roman steam rooms and hydromassages are like - all framed by a beautiful interior. Water accumulates in a man-made labyrinth of hot pools, after getting out of which you can walk along a path and get into a plunge pool of ice-cold water, enjoying the coolness.

The park is also a bright sight: paths, bright mosaics on the floor, fountains, springs, streams and waterfalls, stylized as antique.

The attraction of the park is the monument to the dowser who discovered the first hot spring, as well as the beach, which is located six kilometers from the sea.

All information about the most famous resorts in Catalonia can be found on the website www.gencat.net/turistex_nou/home_ang.htm.

Balneario de Arteixo, Galicia (foto: balneariodearteixo.es)

Let's start from the northwestern coast, where the harsh and beautiful Atlantic Ocean rolls its waves onto the peninsula. First, let's look at the balneological resort of Arteixo (Spanish: Arteixo) in the Galician province of A Coruña (Spanish: A Coruña).

Iglecia de Arteixo, Galicia (photo: pinterest)

Balneario de Arteixo (Spanish: Balneario de Arteixo) is a thermal resort and spa hotel located on the banks of the river in the Galician town of Artecho. Arteixo has been known for over 200 years. It is hidden in a wonderful valley, surrounded by green groves, where everything breathes peace and tranquility. You can get to the ocean shore, located three kilometers away, along the river, along a shady alley, through a park and through an ancient mossy bridge and an ancient church. Wonderful walk! What diseases are treated at Arteixo? Skin and orthopedic, rheumatism, respiratory and digestive diseases, as well as the nervous system.

The hotel has been carefully restored to preserve the historical atmosphere and original stone walls. The Balneario de Arteixo boasts warm and cheerful decor and large windows throughout the hotel that offer plenty of natural light.

Balneario de Arteixo, Galicia (photo: pinterest)

The spa hotel offers traditional treatments with natural hot thermal springs and various types of massage, including: Thai massage, anti-stress and sports programs. All this is included in the accommodation program. In addition, the hotel has a beautiful garden located along the river bank where you can take a stroll. It is worth noting that the hotel is located not far from the beaches.

The hotel also has a café and restaurant. In addition, the rating of this place is the best in the Galician city of Artecho. The spa hotel Balneario de Artechio has 26 rooms, which it is advisable to book well before the start of the desired accommodation season, otherwise there is a possibility of no vacancies.

Thermal spa in Galicia:health resort Balneario de Carballo

Hotel de Balneario de Carballo (foto: balneariodecarballo.es)

There, in Galicia, just eight kilometers from the delightful sandy beach of El Razo (Spanish: El Razo), in the very center of the city of Carballo (Spanish: Carballo), there is another balneological sanatorium. “The Old Baths of Carballo” (Spanish: Baños Viejos de Carballo), and the spa hotel itself is called Balneario de Carballo (Spanish: Balneario de Carballo). The Razo area (Spanish: Razo) is considered one of the largest sandy areas in Galicia. Its beach has a blue flag.

Balneario de Carballo

The Galician Old Baths of Carablio have been used for healing purposes for more than 2 thousand years: Roman legionnaires loved to pamper their wounded bodies in the local pools. The town of Carballo is quiet and calm. The Anyons River (Spanish: Anllóns) flows through the city to the ocean, along which both locals and tourists like to walk. How green and beautiful it is here! And if you drive a little, then right next to the blue ocean you will find the white sands of El Razo Beach, famous for its purity and enchanting scenery, and picturesque lagoons that fill the coastal lowlands with salt marshes.

At this thermal resort, in the Old Baths of Carballo, many things are treated: arthrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, post-traumatic consequences of fractures and sprains, all kinds of respiratory and skin diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, stress, insomnia, liver, kidneys and so on.

Balneario de Carballo (photo: balneariodecarballo.es)

Properties of mineral water from the Carballo thermal spring

Carballo mineral water is classified as a medicinal mineral water, containing sodium bicarbonate, impregnated with sulfur of low mineralization. It occurs at a temperature of 42 C. The source was recognized as one of the best in Europe by the Water Court of Paris at the end of the 19th century, and was declared for public use in 1928.

Carballo mineral water has a high content of sulfur and sodium bicarbonate, although there are other important components, but to a lesser extent: such as chlorine, fluoride and so on. The water is colorless and clear, but may turn greenish to a large extent. Due to the high sulfur content, this water has a “rotten egg” smell.

Medicinal mineral water from the Carballo thermal spa is suitable not only for therapeutic treatment, but also for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Main indications for using the Carballo mineral spring:

• Musculoskeletal diseases: degenerative rheumatic diseases (degenerative osteoarthritis), inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing, induced ankylosis), metabolic gout, joints (fibromyalgia, tendonitis).
• Non-Rheumatic cases: long-term effects of fractures, dislocations, bone deformities and so on.
• Respiratory diseases: upper respiratory tract (sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and others); lower respiratory tract (asthma)
• Skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.)
• Digestive system diseases
• Diseases of the nervous system and cardiovascular system

In addition to these indications, there are others: such as slowing down the aging process, relaxation and anti-stress procedures, gynecological processes, surgical diseases, liver diseases, metabolic disorders, urinary tract and dentistry.

Balneario de Carballo (Photo: Balneariodecarballo.es)

General contraindications for the use of Carballo thermal water:

• Pregnancy
• Active neoplasia
• Coronary heart disease: less than 4-6 months or less than 2-4 months
• Angina pectoris
• Advanced chronic heart failure
• Acute symptom processes (eg, status asthmaticus)
• Infectious diseases
• Advanced chronic processes

Balneario de Carballo, Galicia

History of the thermal resort of Balneario de Carballo

In 1716, local residents of the city of Carballo noticed some strange phenomena in the place where the spa hotel is now located. They started digging and found an ancient stone pool with an underground spring. It was a thermal spring hidden by centuries of history. Soon after the completion of the work, local residents began to use this pool for its intended purpose. Over time, having discovered the miraculous properties of water for themselves, locals began to use the thermal spring more rationally - mainly for medical purposes.

According to the description of historians, in 1764, the properties of medicinal water were discovered quite quickly. The bather, who repeatedly entered the holes with thermal water, felt relief from his long-standing ailments. Somewhat later, several buildings were organized in this place, which were used for the military and as a shelter for the poor. In 1817, the springs were acquired by Count Torre Penela (Spanish: Torre Penela) and operated privately until the end of the century. Finally, a house was built on a Galician thermal spring.

In 1928, government officials decided that the miraculous water should be made available for public use. And in 1930, this house was already an excellent bathhouse available to local Galicians, and a new attraction in the geography of the General Kingdom of Galicia, the province of La Coruña. Thus, a thermal resort was created - the sanatorium of Balneario de Carballo.

Today, the complex consists of two hotels and a spa center with all advanced technologies, which are under the control of the director of the medical center and a team of his assistants. In 2007, the Galician spa center Balneario de Carballo received high praise for its quality. Since then, and taking into account the quality policy of the center, the managers of the thermal resort of Balneario de Carballo have been working to constantly improve their services.

Balneological resort in Cantabria:health resort Balneario de Lierganes

Balneario de Lierganes, Cantabria (photo: pinterest)

Now let's move to the province neighboring Galicia - Cantabria, where 17 kilometers from the Bay of Santander, in one of the green mountain valleys, there is a balneological sanatorium and the historical and monumental complex of Lierganes (Spanish: Liérganes).

Already in 1670, a professor at the University of Alcala, Don Alonso Monter (Spanish: Don Alonso Limón Monter), openly speaks of a “Holy Spring” in the Cantabrian region of Liegranes, which has great merits. There is also historical evidence that at the end of the seventeenth century, the water from the Liegranes thermal spring was used by a number of patients who were miraculously healed.

However, it was in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that the Liegranes thermal spring received its further development in the history of Cantabria, when the public was concerned with public health issues. The splendor of the Liegranes baths coincides with the moment of great success of medical institutions providing balneotherapy services (Spanish: Balneoterápicos). At the same time, the state encouraged the creation of a number of health bathing establishments in Cantabria. The publication of numerous medical topologies conveys a favorable “climate” in Cantabria, thanks to which the region has gained popularity as a “Healthy” natural area.

Balneario de Lierganes, Cantabria

One of the periods of greatest splendor of the thermal resort of Liegranes dates back to the reign of King Alfonso XIII at the beginning of the twentieth century. For seven years, the king and his family visited the balneological resort of Liegranes - Balneario de Lierganes, taking water with them after their visit. The royal family used the holy spring pool as a health bath. They were granted the exclusive right to use the thermal water of the pool for these purposes.

For many decades, the thermal water pool was used only as a reservoir for healing water. However, it has now been completely restored with modern methods and is available to all clients under the name of the Royal Pool (Spanish: La Piscina del Rey).

Properties of mineral water from the Liegranes thermal spring

Lierganes, Cantabria

Liegranes water is suitable for the treatment of various diseases, as well as for general relaxation, relaxation and rest. The spring has been used by local residents since time immemorial, its public utility was declared as early as 1869.

As a bronchodilator: thermal water is suitable for chronic pathologies and persistent respiratory tracts: rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and asthma. Thanks to its antiseptic and bronchodilator properties, Liegranes mineral water thins secretions and improves the action of the mucous membrane - vascularization.

Balneario de Lierganes, Cantabria

As an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect: Liegranes mineral water has an analgesic and calming effect, and also has a positive effect on the regeneration of articular cartilage. Sulfurous water promotes recovery in rheumatological pathologies.

Liegranes mineral water also has a keratolytic effect, which has been demonstrated in the treatment of psoriasis, lichen planus and skin eczema.

Balneological resort in the Basque Country:health resort Balneario de Cestona

In the Basque Country, just 8 kilometers from the delightful beaches of Zumaia and Zarautz, surrounded by mountains and forests, there is another balneological resort - Balneario de Cestona ).

Balneario de Cestona, Spain

The Balneario de Cestona sanatorium offers various programs not only for the treatment and preventive treatment of diseases, but also for relaxation. Among the programs of the sanatorium are the following:

• Heat programs for relaxation: two-day relaxation programs using Chinese medicine
• Anti-stress program: to reduce stress in three days (to restore lost energy after three days)
• Beauty and silhouette program
• Therapeutic: for example, an express program to improve your back health and relieve tension
• Intensive program to relieve muscle and back tension under the guidance of a medical team
• Individual treatment and classical preventive programs

Indications for use and properties of water from the Tseston thermal spring

Restaurante de hotel de Cestona, España (Photo: Balneariodecestona.es)

Mineral water of Ceston is sulfated with hypothermia and with strong mineralization.

• Suitable for injury recovery. Due to the high salt content, mineral water is ideal for restoring the musculoskeletal system and affected areas, as well as for the prevention of rheumatic diseases.
• Intestinal problems: Water helps fight intestinal ailments and is effective in preventing transitory intestinal problems (such as constipation), as well as liver and gallbladder disorders.
• Diuretic: As a diuretic, Ceston mineral water is suitable for the treatment of kidney stones and other disorders of the excretory system.
• Skin diseases: Mineral water helps in the treatment of dermatitis and other skin diseases such as psoriasis, and also helps fight their relapses.

Balneario Cervantes spa resortin the province of Ciudad Real

Balneario de Cervantes, Ciudad Real (foto: balneariodeservantes.com)

Spa resort - hotel Balneario Cervantes (Spanish: Balneario Cervantes) is located in the city of Santa Cruz de Mudela (Spanish: Santa Cruz de Mudela), province of Ciudad Real in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Castile La Mancha.

Hotel de Cervantes, Ciudad Real

The beautifully decorated 18th-century hotel building offers all modern services and functional amenities. Superior rooms, luxury class. The hotel's thermal pools have mineral springs filled with magnesium, sulfates, calcium and many other beneficial minerals and salts. The Balneario Cervantes resort has its own mud quarry and provides cosmetic mud programs and programs for the treatment of skin diseases.

The Arabian air-conditioned rooms of the ancient spa hotel are like an oasis in the arid plains of La Mancha where it is located. Balneario Cervantes extends over several buildings connected by galleries and corridors that open onto graceful courtyards and gardens full of charm. The hotel has about 100 superior rooms.

The balneological resort hotel offers the following treatment, preventive and rehabilitation services:

La Pisina de Hotel Cervantes, Ciudad Real

Inhalation medicinal waters (due to devices that evaporate beneficial substances and providebeneficial effects on the respiratory tract).

• Essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants mixed with mineral water for facial treatments (essential fatty acids help repair and slow down signs of aging, stretch marks disappear and skin color and scar texture improve).
• Antirheumatic procedures (stimulate the regeneration of circulatory cells and help their recovery)
• Calming, relaxing procedures (anti-stress) help you relax and promote good sleep.
• "Pressure and purification" program (application of mineral water manually with a certain pressure and continuity, especially in the joints. Water temperature, 37º / 38º)
• Oral ingestion of mineral water at a certain time and at a certain pace to obtain therapeutic effects
• Thermal shower program (application of mineral water through a system of semicircular rings with different jets and pressures. Temperature 38º).
• Pilgrim or pebble programs (recommended for the treatment of blood circulation in the legs. When walking along the edges or river pebbles, water flows through jets at different heights, at temperatures from 32 ° / 36 ° in contract with cold water circulation through cold water diffusers).
• Paraffin program (clay mixture for use in certain parts of the body suffering from inflammation due to degenerative joint diseases, pain syndromes associated with bone injuries, rheumatism and arthrosis, as well as neuralgia and some skin diseases. Thermal water temperature 40º).
• Pressotherapy (a device for lymphatic drainage through a special system of air chambers, exerts progressive pressure on the limbs, resolves swelling).

Balneario de España

Before you go to a balneological resort in northern Spain, you need to remember that the north is only good in summer: the rest of the year in northern Spain is quite cold and often rainy. It is surprising that, in contrast to the north, the sun almost always shines on the Mediterranean coast of Spain during the winter season.

History of thermal spas in Spain:Roman and Arabic trace

Balneario Árabe, Spain (photo: pinterest)

Ever since the Roman (pre-Christian) era, on the Iberian Peninsula, savvy Romans decided to build Roman Baths around these healing thermal and mineral mud springs, thus ennobling them. These Roman Baths are called "Thermal Baths" (Spanish: Termas). Roman Baths, or rather what remains of them, can be found in almost every region of Spain. Although some of the Baths have been preserved in good condition and the luxurious walls of these ancient buildings have survived to this day.

Balneario Arabe, Spain

The Roman Baths provided many rooms for baths of different temperatures, massages, physical exercises, and some were even equipped with a library and well-equipped gymnastics rooms. The walls of the Roman baths were elegantly decorated and decorated with paintings and ceramic mosaics. The temperature in the rooms was comfortable for the body, everything was very clean and brightly lit.

It was not for nothing that the Romans built such multi-purpose rooms for medical procedures, because they spent quite a lot of time in the Baths. These were not just places of pleasant washing, leisure or relaxation. Baths for the Romans were a favorite meeting and communication place. However, later, at the insistence of the Catholic Church, the Roman tradition of using the Baths was banned throughout Western Europe, which led to the eradication of the culture of the Roman Baths in general and on the Iberian Peninsula in particular. The Catholic Church considered such places sinful and full of debauchery.

Terma Romano, Spain

The history of the healing springs themselves in Spain goes even deeper - to the first people who appeared on the Iberian Peninsula. The first islanders, observing the animals, realized that some mineral and mud springs were healing. Wounded and sick animals came to them to heal their wounds and rest. Archaeological excavations also prove that the first islanders performed religious rituals in these places.

In many provinces of Spain, ancient Arab medicinal baths have also been preserved. The Arabs, having improved the Roman thermal traditions, used these baths (Thermal Baths) not only for washing, but also for treatment. Moreover, they treated certain diseases - by bathing in thermal, mineral waters and mud baths.

The Arab population of the Iberian Peninsula rebuilt ordinary baths into treatment centers, which were called balneological centers. Al Hama translated from Arabic means Balneological spring or Balneological hospital (Arabic: Al-Hama, Alhama). Even in the names of a number of cities in Spain, their Arabic names have been preserved to this day. For example, Sierra Alhamia (Spanish: Siarra Alhamilla), Alhama de Aragón (Spanish: Alhama de Aragón) or Alhama de Almeria (Spanish: Alhama de Almeria). Today the term "Balneological resort" is no less popular than its similar term - "Thermal resort".

All information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as guidance or recommendations for the use of medicinal thermal springs and water, including if you meet medical conditions.