As Burgas are hot springs set into the granite of the old town of Ourense in Galicia. The site groups several springs commonly called Burga do Medio, Burga de Arriba and Burga de Abaixo; Burga do Medio is noted for being infused with gas.
The waters gush from rock at near-boiling temperatures and have long been compared with those of Carlsbad; flow is substantial, measured historically at about 80 imp gal/min (roughly 6,100 ml/s). A new thermal pool in Burga do Medio, designed by Galician architect César Portela, was inaugurated in 2010 and sits alongside the older public fountains.
Visiting As Burgas feels urban and intimate: the springs are incorporated into plazas and streets of the old quarter rather than a distant spa resort, so you encounter steam, mineral-smoothed stone and local daily life at close quarters. The setting makes it easy to combine a short stop at the springs with exploring nearby historic streets and monuments.
- Burga do Medio: The central, gas-infused spring where the modern thermal pool was installed in 2010 and where steam and mineral-rich water are most visible.
- Burga de Arriba: A higher spring in the group that feeds decorative fountains and is part of the compact cluster of thermal outlets in the old town.
- Burga de Abaixo: The lower spring of the trio, integrated into the streetscape and traditionally used by residents.
- Ourense Cathedral and old town: Nearby historic streets and Ourense Cathedral can be combined with a walk around the springs for a fuller sense of the city.
- Ponte Vella and riverside: The medieval bridges and riverbanks are a short walk from the springs and make a pleasant route before or after visiting As Burgas.
Nearby Attractions to As Burgas#
Best Time to Visit As Burgas#
The springs can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with season; cooler, wetter months make the hot waters feel most appealing while summer is warmer and drier.
Weather & Climate near As Burgas#
As Burgas's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1582 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 12° | 7° | 196 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 14° | 9° | 175 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.4h |
| March | Good | 5° - 17° | 11° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.1h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 21° | 31 mm | some cloud | 65% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.8h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 30° | 22° | 44 mm | some cloud | 63% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Very Good | 13° - 27° | 20° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 1.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 170 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 16° | 12° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 13° | 9° | 233 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 1.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
How to Get to As Burgas#
The springs are in the historic centre of Ourense city, so once in town As Burgas are an easy walk from the main squares and shopping streets.
Ourense is served by long-distance trains and by regional roads; major airports for international travellers are at Santiago de Compostela and Vigo, from which you can continue by train, bus or car and then reach the springs on foot or by a short taxi from the town’s stations.
Tips for Visiting As Burgas#
- The springs sit in pedestrian streets and small plazas, so wear shoes that handle wet surfaces and steam on the pavement.
- Check local information for access to the thermal pool at Burga do Medio, including opening days and any booking requirements.
- Visit in cooler weather or in the morning for the most atmospheric views of steam rising from the fountains.
- Combine a stop at As Burgas with nearby attractions in the old town to make efficient use of the short visit.
