"For centuries, pilgrims have crossed the northern landscapes of Spain, also known as Green Spain, following the Camino de Santiago toward the shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. Today, as walking tourism evolves, a growing number of walkers are embracing the idea of the Wellness Camino, combining the challenge of the route with restorative stops in the region's thermal baths and spas."
"Northern Spain's relationship with thermal water runs deep. The Romans were the first to harness the area's natural hot springs, building bathhouses around mineral-rich waters said to relieve rheumatism, respiratory problems and fatigue. Over the centuries, these balnearios became more than places of healing, they evolved into social spaces where communities gathered to relax and connect. Across Green Spain, this ancient tradition has now been revived and elevated to new, more modern heights."
Pilgrims have long traversed Green Spain toward Santiago de Compostela, and many walkers now pair the Camino with restorative thermal-bath stops to create a Wellness Camino. The region's thermal tradition dates to Roman bathhouses built around mineral-rich hot springs believed to relieve rheumatism, respiratory ailments and fatigue. Over time balnearios became social centers for relaxation and community. Contemporary spa networks like Balnearios de Galicia and Balnearios del Norte de España curate routes that integrate hydrotherapy, thermal circuits and holistic treatments with Camino itineraries. Caldas de Reis, meaning 'Hot Waters of the Kings', lies on the Camino Portugués and offers magnesium- and calcium-rich springs, the Fonte das Burgas, restored Roman baths and hydrotherapy for walkers.
Read at Elite Traveler
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]