Caldas de Reis: Camino, Thermal Tradition and Cultural Heritage

Pilgrimage Route

The Camino Portugués passes through the municipality of Caldas de Reis. The stage from Caldas de Reis to Padrón is 18.8 kilometres long, is considered moderately difficult and is estimated to take four hours and 45 minutes. The Ponte de Bermaña is regarded as one of the municipality of Caldas de Reis's main attractions. When planning a hiking stage, checking current information on trail conditions and the route is part of the usual preparation.

Another connection to the Way of Saint James is the Ponte da Baxe. The bridge is a civil heritage site in Caldas de Reis and is located on the Camiño Portugués da costa as well as on the Portuguese Way of Saint James, the Cammino Portoghese.

Thermal Tradition

The fonte das burgas is a fountain dating from 1881 and connected with the thermal tradition of Caldas de Reis. Its two outlets are decorated with lion heads. The year it was built, its connection with the thermal tradition and its design featuring the two lion heads give the fountain a clearly recognisable historical character. For a historic site, it may be advisable to check current opening or visiting hours before travelling, provided such times are relevant to the planned visit.

Culture and History

The Igrexa de Santa María de Caldas de Reis was rebuilt in the Romanesque style in several stages. Its oldest part is a rectangular Romanesque apse area with elaborately carved capitals. The main portal also retains a distinctive detail: it dates from the late 12th century, and a lamb is carved into its tympanum.

The Igrexa de Santo Tomás de Caldas de Reis also bears witness to the history of the town. It was built using remains of the Torre de Doña Urraca. Thus, the churches bring together Romanesque building phases, sculptural details and reused parts of a tower.

Nature and Landscape

The Carballeira de Caldas de Reis consists of more than 200 centuries-old oak trees arranged in rows. The park and carballeira complex was also designated a Paraje Pintoresco in 1962, meaning a particularly picturesque landscape area.

Further Destinations

The wider regional area around Caldas de Reis contains several destinations with different focal points. Pazo de Rubiáns is a palace, the Museo do Ferrocarril is a museum and Serra do Xiabre is a mountain. Playa Vilagarcía and Praia Canelas are also located in this wider regional area; both are classified as beaches.

The wider regional area around Caldas de Reis also contains the Mirador Faro das Luas viewpoint, Castelo da Lua castle and Dispara Xestión Cultural museum.

Further Places

Other places in the same broader context include Ponte Caldelas, Simes, O Freixo, Covelo, Vilagarcia De Arousa, San Bieito, Picoto and Eidián.

For the broader travel overview: Pontevedra.