Things To Do
in Caldas de Reyes
Caldas de Reis is a small Galician town in the province of Pontevedra known for its thermal springs, riverside setting on the Umia, and its role on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. The town blends Roman and medieval history with a compact historic center of stone houses, churches and a pleasant river promenade. It is a gateway to the Rías Baixas coastal scenery and inland green hills, offering seafood-rich cuisine and Albariño wine close by.
Visitors come for relaxing baths, short cultural walks and as a quiet stopover for pilgrims and road trips across Galicia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the charming town of Caldas de Reyes, known for its thermal springs. After settling into your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll to familiarize yourself with the quaint streets and captivating architecture. Stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee.
Visit the beautiful Church of Santa Maria and admire its stunning interior and surrounding landscape. Afterwards, explore the local markets, where you can find artisanal goods and taste regional delicacies. Take some time to relax at one of the thermal spas and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Ulla River, taking in the tranquil ambiance of the setting sun. Dine at a traditional Spanish restaurant, sampling local dishes such as octopus and empanada. Cap off the night with a soak in the thermal waters under the stars.
Start your day with a guided tour of the historic landmarks in Caldas de Reyes. Visit the ruins of the ancient Roman bridge and learn about the region's rich history dating back to antiquity. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a popular local spot serving traditional Galician fare.
Spend your afternoon at the local museum, where you can delve deeper into the region's cultural heritage and artwork. Wander through the picturesque streets, appreciating the town's unique blend of old and new architecture. Don't forget to try some delicious tapas at a nearby bar while you mingle with the locals.
In the evening, attend a local cultural event or festival if available, immersing yourself in the vibrant community spirit. Savor a dinner of fresh seafood accompanied by local wine at a terrace overlooking the town's main square. Enjoy ice cream from a local gelato shop for dessert as you watch the night unfold.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🍷Glass of wine / beer | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $45-70 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxing thermal baths and a calm riverside atmosphere
- Great access to Galician seafood and Rías Baixas wine country
- Pleasant stop on the Portuguese Camino with authentic local culture
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Limited nightlife and fewer services late at night
- Public transport can be infrequent—having a car helps
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable, especially in shoulder seasons
- "Bos días / Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Moitas grazas / Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Onde está o baño? / ¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Canto custa? / ¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Ánimo! / ¡Buen Camino!" - Good luck / Have a good pilgrimage!
Places to Visit in Caldas de Reyes
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque stone fountains, ironwork and steam rising from historic thermal sources—strong early-morning and late-afternoon light.
Riverside walkways and old stone bridges offer classic reflections, long-exposure water shots and sunrise/sunset compositions.
Narrow stone streets, plazas and traditional Galician architecture—great for street and architectural photography.
Pilgrim paths, worn waymarkers and foot traffic provide candid human-interest photos and seasonal pilgrim portraits.
Short drives reach estuary viewpoints, shellfish beds and coastal vistas ideal for wide-angle landscape shots, especially at low tide.
Food in Caldas de Reyes
Caldas de Reyes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Octopus seasoned with paprika and olive oil—find it at local taverns and pilgrim stops, often served on wooden plates.
Must-Try!
Savory pie filled with tuna, meat or vegetables—available at bakeries and markets for a portable snack.
Cured pork shoulder with turnip greens and potatoes, a traditional winter dish in taverns and family restaurants.
Almond cake with a dusting of powdered sugar—classic dessert found in cafés and pastelerías.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily market stalls and a weekly market: buy fresh fish, local cheeses, bread and seasonal produce—ideal for picnic supplies.
Weekly street market (typical in Galician towns) where vendors sell pastries, empanadas and local handicrafts—great for quick bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting—handshake or two light cheek kisses among acquaintances—is common; use polite phrases (por favor, gracias).
Galician (Galego) and Spanish are spoken—attempting basic phrases is appreciated; be respectful in churches and during religious festivals.
Meals are social events; tapas and sharing are common—wait to be seated in small restaurants and avoid rushing service.
Safety
Tipping in Caldas de Reyes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is discretionary and modest: rounding up the bill, leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service or a few euros for taxi drivers is appreciated but not required.
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash—carry some euros for markets and rural services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and fewer tourists—good for hiking, birdwatching and enjoying outdoor terraces; occasional rain showers.
Warm, pleasant weather with peak tourist activity on sunny weekends; ideal for coastal trips and outdoor dining but book accommodations in advance.
Cooler, crisp air and changing foliage; harvest season for chestnuts and shellfish festivals—expect more rain but excellent seafood and wine events.
Cool and wet with mild daytime temperatures compared with inland Spain; thermal baths are particularly inviting and crowds are low.
Caldas de Reyes at Night
Hiking in Caldas de Reyes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, well-marked Camino stages pass through and around Caldas de Reis—suitable for day hikes and cultural walking.
Easy riverside paths along the Umia for gentle walks and birdwatching, good for all fitness levels.
A short drive away, these hills offer more challenging hikes with coastal viewpoints over the Rías Baixas and Atlantic.
Trail networks around estuaries and headlands for scenic coastal hikes, shellfish-spotting and sunset views.
Airports
How to reach Caldas de Reyes by plane.
Approximately 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; regional flights and good road links—rental cars and taxis available to reach Caldas de Reis.
About 60–75 minutes by car; larger selection of flights and good train/bus connections to Pontevedra and regional lines toward Caldas de Reis.
Around 1.5–2 hours away by car; useful for northern Galicia access with regional flight options.
Further afield (roughly 2.5–3+ hours by car) across the border in Portugal—an option for international connections, especially low-cost carriers, with train/bus routes linking northwestern Spain.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established local residents, many of whom speak Galician and maintain regional customs.
Like many rural Galician towns, the population skews older, with retirees and multi-generational families.
Seasonal influx of pilgrims on the Camino Portugués and tourists visiting for the thermal spas and coastal trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—local teams and enthusiastic community involvement at amateur levels.
Coastal Rías Baixas culture includes rowing clubs, sailing and small-boat activities—popular in nearby estuaries and coastal towns.
Walking and hiking are common, especially on Camino routes and in hillier nearby areas like the Serra do Barbanza.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caldas de Reyes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (empanadas with greens, grilled vegetables, salads, cheeses) but mains are often meat/seafood-based—ask for vegetable-focused dishes or visit cafés for simpler options.
Vegan choices are limited in small towns; supermarkets and markets provide fruit, bread and legumes—ask chefs to adapt dishes and favor vegetarian-friendly cafés or larger nearby towns for more options.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal; communicate needs clearly (in Spanish or Galician) and prefer naturally gluten-free seafood, grilled meats and vegetable dishes; bakeries may have limited GF items.