Caldas de Reis: a treasure on the Way of St. James
Caldas de Reis is a beautiful thermal village located in the province of Pontevedra. It is known for its thermal waters and natural beauty and is a popular destination both for those looking to enjoy a relaxing thermal bath and for those who want to explore the region.
One of the main attractions of Caldas is its thermal waters which are believed to have healing properties for the body. The town's spa is one of the oldest in Spain and offers a variety of therapeutic and beauty treatments, as well as thermal water pools and jacuzzis.
The beauty of the Umia River in Caldas de Reis
Another attraction in Caldas de Reis is the Umia river, which flows through the village. The river offers beautiful natural scenery and can be explored by canoe or kayak. There are also several hiking and cycling trails to explore the village.
The river Umia forms a natural landscape of waterfalls and pools, the so-called pools and fervenza de Segade. They create a fairytale landscape with beautiful green surroundings and a stone bridge known as the Ponte Segadewhich was restored a few years ago.
Rocky monuments in Caldas de Reis
The crags and cliffs, formed over millions of years by the tireless work of the elements, are a real gem for geology and nature lovers. Witnesses to the passage of time, these rock formations tell us about the ancient geological history of the region, from the most ancient to the most recent periods. A walk around Caldas de Reis would not be complete without admiring these natural monuments, majestic reminders of the strength and beauty of the natural world.
Pedra Filga
In the parish of Santa María de Caldas de Reis, there is a huge rock formation called the Pedra FilgaThe rocks are a group of three rocks that resemble a megalithic monument. To reach them, you have to follow some dirt tracks and walk until you reach them.
Pedra da Grada
As a megalithic monument we find Pedra da GradaA monument of great archaeological and cultural importance dating from the Bronze Age and believed to have been used for funerary and ceremonial rituals. It is believed to have been carved and moved by the prehistoric inhabitants of the area to where it stands today. It is in a natural setting surrounded by woods and meadows, and from there you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Galician landscape.
La Fervenza de Segade, a waterfall at Caldas
We can also go as far as the Fervenza de Segade, an impressive waterfall located on the Umia river, about 6 km from Caldas de Reis. It has a height of 20 metres and is surrounded by a forest, which gives it a fresh and pleasant atmosphere all year round. To get there you have to take a short walk along an easy and accessible path. At the waterfall you can enjoy an impressive natural spectacle, with the relaxing sound of falling water. There are also several viewpoints and rest areas in the area.
Routes and hiking:
Mount Xiabre
It is possible to climb the Mount XiabreThe peak of this mountain range gives its name to the mountain range. It covers the municipalities of Vilagarcía de Arousa, Caldas de Reis and Catoira, and from its highest point you can enjoy wonderful views of the regions of Arousa and Caldas, as well as a large part of the Rías Baixas and the Ulla valley.
Ruta da Pedra e da Auga
It is possible to make routes through the Ruta da Pedra e da AugaA 12 km trail that will take you through stunning natural landscapes and historical sites in the area, such as the Monastery of Aciveiro and Pambre Castle.
Where is the treasure of Caldas de Reis?
We cannot fail to mention the treasure from Caldas de Reis, which was discovered in 1940 and is currently housed in the Museum of Pontevedra. It is a collection of gold pieces considered to be one of the most valuable archaeological treasures found on the Iberian Peninsula. It is also known as the Depósito das Silgadas, made up of 41 pieces with a total of 15 kilos of gold weighing more than 20 carats. This treasure, which is still on display today, includes three goldsmith's pieces, three vases and a comb with three semicircles with roots in the Upper Rhine.
Historic buildings to see in Caldas de Reis
In our tour around Caldas de Reis, specifically in the centre of the municipality, there are several historic buildings that can be visited, such as the church of San Andrés de César, the chapel of San Roque and the Roman bridge.
Church of San Andrés de César
The church of San Andrés de César is a 12th century Romanesque church with a bell tower. The chapel of San Roque is dedicated to the patron saint of the village and offers a panoramic view of the area. The Roman bridge is a historic structure from the 1st century and is one of the main points of interest in the village. It is located on the route from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela on the Portuguese Way of St. James. On one side of the bridge is the typical Galician cruceiro.
Botanical Garden
On the other hand, the Botanical Garden is a good option for a quiet walk in a wonderful panorama. It has been declared a Picturesque Site and Historical Garden, and is listed by the Xunta de Galicia as an Asset of Cultural Interest. It has a large collection of plants and tree species and the camellias are particularly noteworthy.
What to eat in Caldas de Reis?
Caldas de Reis also stands out for its gastronomy; the local cuisine is based on fresh produce such as seafood, fish and vegetables. Typical local dishes include Galician-style octopus, empanadas (pies) and lacón con grelos (pork shoulder with turnip tops). In addition, there are plenty of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy the local gastronomy.
We hope you have enjoyed this tour of Caldas de Reis and that you will visit it soon!
Summary
Caldas de Reis, in Pontevedra, is a therapeutic and natural paradise renowned for its ancient spa and healing waters. Highlights include monumental rock formations and the charming Umia river with its Fervenza de Segade waterfall. The area offers unique opportunities for hiking and canoeing.
The village is home to notable historic buildings, such as the church of San Andrés de César and the Roman bridge. Its Botanical Garden is another local treasure, being an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. The local gastronomy is another highlight, with tasty dishes of Galician octopus and lacón con grelos (pork shoulder with turnip tops).
Caldas de Reis is a stop on the route of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese. This incredible journey will take you through beautiful landscapes and places full of history and culture.
Finally, we encourage you to join the many pilgrims who have enjoyed the Portuguese Way of St. James. This trail will take you through stunning Caldas de Reis, where you can enjoy a variety of unique and enriching experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this wonderful adventure!
Are you ready for your adventure in Santiago de Compostela? Don't leave without checking out our detailed guide to The Weather in Santiago de Compostela. You will have at your disposal all the weather information you need to make the most of your trip.
