Costa Brava’s spa towns: thermal waters past and present

The Costa Brava’s spa towns combine thermal waters, rich history, and modern wellness for the ultimate retreat.

Get the spa treatment on the Costa Brava. Photo by Sasmita

The Costa Brava is celebrated for its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. Less well known, but equally fascinating, is its connection to thermal waters and the spa towns that have drawn visitors for centuries.

For generations, the mineral-rich springs of the Costa Brava have been renowned for their restorative properties. Towns like Caldes de Malavella and Santa Coloma de Farners continue to welcome wellness seekers to their spas, while other towns, such as Banyoles and Vilajuïga, preserve the legacy of spa culture through their history.

In this article, we’ll explore the Costa Brava’s spa towns, where modern wellness practices meet ancient traditions. From active spa retreats to echoes of a bygone era, these destinations invite visitors to slow down and experience the healing power of nature.

The tradition of thermal waters in Costa Brava

Thermal waters have long been a defining feature of the Costa Brava’s inland towns. These mineral-rich springs, heated by geological activity deep within the earth, have been tapped for their therapeutic properties for centuries.

The Romans were among the first to recognise the value of these waters, constructing elaborate bathhouses in towns like Caldes de Malavella. For the Romans, baths were more than a place to cleanse—they were centres of social and cultural life, blending relaxation with public discourse. Evidence of this influence is still visible today in the ruins of ancient Roman baths scattered across the region.

The Roman baths in Caldes de Malavella. Photo by Josep Renalias licenced under CC BY-SA 2.5

In the medieval period, Costa Brava’s thermal springs continued to serve as important centres for health and wellness. Pilgrims and travellers sought refuge in towns like Sant Hilari Sacalm, drawn by the springs’ reputed ability to cure ailments ranging from skin conditions to digestive issues.

By the 19th century, with the rise of European spa culture, the Costa Brava’s spa towns flourished. Facilities expanded to accommodate visitors seeking hydrotherapy and mineral treatments, and grand spa hotels emerged to provide luxurious stays. Towns like Banyoles and Campdorà enjoyed their heyday during this time, becoming destinations for the wealthy and the ailing alike.

Today, while some spa towns continue to thrive, others stand as reminders of a bygone era. What remains consistent is the region’s enduring connection to its natural thermal springs, which continue to captivate visitors with their blend of history and healing.

Spa towns of the Costa Brava

The spa towns of the Costa Brava offer a unique blend of wellness, history, and culture, making them ideal destinations for those seeking relaxation and discovery. Each town has its own charm, shaped by its thermal waters and the traditions that grew around them.

Balneari Vichy Catalan in Caldes de Malavella. Photo by David Leigh

Modern wellness facilities in these towns invite visitors to enjoy hydrotherapy, thermal pools, and soothing massages, while their natural settings provide opportunities for hiking, forest bathing, and quiet reflection. Beyond the spas, the towns themselves are rich in cultural experiences, from exploring Roman bath ruins in Caldes de Malavella to sampling local liqueurs at the Ratafia Fair in Santa Coloma de Farners.

This combination of ancient traditions and contemporary comforts creates an atmosphere where the past and present meet, offering something for every kind of traveller. Here’s a closer look at the Costa Brava’s most notable spa towns.

Caldes de Malavella

A jewel of the Costa Brava’s spa culture, Caldes de Malavella has been renowned for its thermal springs since Roman times. The town’s name itself reflects its heritage, with “caldes” derived from the Latin calidae, meaning “hot waters”.

Visitors to Caldes de Malavella can explore the remains of ancient Roman baths, a testament to the town’s longstanding relationship with thermal waters. These baths once served as places of social gathering and relaxation, shaping the town’s early history.

Today, the tradition continues with modern facilities like Hotel Balneari Vichy Catalan and Balneari Prats, which offer luxurious treatments including hydrotherapy, mineral baths, and massages. The town’s bottling plants, such as Vichy Catalán, further highlight the significance of its mineral-rich waters to the local economy.

Beyond its spas, Caldes de Malavella also invites visitors to immerse themselves in its cultural heritage. From scenic walks through its historical centre to dining on Catalan cuisine at local restaurants, the town provides a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Santa Coloma de Farners

Tucked into the rolling hills of Girona province, Santa Coloma de Farners combines natural beauty with therapeutic traditions. The town is home to the Termes Orion, where visitors can enjoy everything from thermal pools to tailored health treatments. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the setting itself is an invitation to relax.

Wellness in Santa Coloma de Farners extends beyond its spas. The town’s cultural calendar includes the celebrated Ratafia Fair, which highlights Catalonia’s famous herbal liqueur. Visitors can pair their wellness treatments with a taste of local gastronomy and festivities, creating a holistic and immersive experience.

For those seeking a natural escape, Santa Coloma de Farners offers tranquil hiking trails and outdoor activities in its lush surroundings. Whether soaking in thermal waters or enjoying a scenic walk, the town provides a sense of calm and connection to nature.

Sant Hilari Sacalm

Known as the “Town of a Hundred Springs”, Sant Hilari Sacalm is steeped in hydrotherapy history. Its waters, rich in minerals, have long been praised for their health benefits, drawing visitors seeking rejuvenation and healing.

Balneari Font Picant in Sant Hilari Sacalm. Photo by Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

At the heart of the town’s wellness offerings is the Hotel Balneari Font Vella, a modern sanctuary where guests can experience the therapeutic properties of the springs through thermal baths, saunas, and personalised treatments. However, it was also once home to the historic Balneari Font Picant, which was one of the most famous spas in Spain prior to the Spanish Civil War.

The serene atmosphere of Sant Hilari Sacalm extends to its natural surroundings. The town lies near the Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering visitors the chance to combine wellness routines with outdoor adventures. Hiking trails, forest bathing, and quiet landscapes make Sant Hilari Sacalm an ideal destination for a wellness-focused getaway.

Historical spa towns

While some of Costa Brava’s spa towns continue to thrive, others remain as echoes of a bygone era, where their thermal waters played a vital role in local life. These towns hold fascinating stories of wellness traditions and their cultural significance.

Banyoles: Though now better known for its picturesque lake, Banyoles once hosted a thriving spa culture centred around its Font Pudosa spring. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this natural spring attracted visitors for its reputed medicinal benefits, believed to aid in digestion and skin health.

The lake at Banyoles. Photo by Jordi Guinovart Mas

Today, the spa facilities are no longer active, but traces of its wellness heritage linger in the town’s atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Banyoles, go rowing or hiking in its surroundings, and imagine a time when the Font Pudosa drew people from near and far.

Campdorà: Located on the outskirts of Girona, Campdorà was once home to the Balneari de Campdorà, a spa famed for its carbonated ferruginous waters. These mineral-rich springs were sought after for their purported ability to invigorate and heal.

Although the spa no longer operates, Campdorà remains a peaceful retreat with its pastoral landscapes and proximity to Girona. It’s a reminder of the region’s diverse spa history, which combined natural resources with a quest for well-being.

Vilajuïga: Known for its mineral water springs, Vilajuïga gained fame for bottling its therapeutic waters, which were sold across the region and beyond. Though no longer functioning as a spa town, Vilajuïga’s springs remain a significant part of its identity.

Visitors to Vilajuïga can learn about its history as a wellness destination and enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings, including the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park.

Practical guide for visiting Costa Brava’s spa towns

Visiting Costa Brava’s spa towns offers a mix of relaxation, history, and culture. Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat or simply exploring the region’s heritage, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Best times to visit

The ideal time to explore Costa Brava’s spa towns is during spring or autumn. The mild weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, while the towns are less crowded than in the summer months. Winter is also a good option for a cosy spa experience, especially in places like Caldes de Malavella or Sant Hilari Sacalm, where thermal treatments can warm you during cooler days.

Getting there

Most of Costa Brava’s spa towns are easily accessible from Girona or Barcelona. Girona Airport is the closest hub, and many towns are within a 30-60 minute drive. Public transport options, such as regional buses and trains, connect Girona with towns like Caldes de Malavella and Santa Coloma de Farners. For more remote locations like Sant Hilari Sacalm, driving is often the most convenient choice.

Where to stay

• Caldes de Malavella: Vichy Catalan or Balneari Prats both offer luxurious spa packages.
• Santa Coloma de Farners: Stay at Termes Orion, a charming retreat surrounded by nature.
• Sant Hilari Sacalm: The Hotel Balneari Font Vella is a top choice for a serene, adults-only escape.
• For those visiting historical spa towns, consider nearby boutique hotels or rural accommodations that highlight the region’s natural beauty.

With its mix of active and historical spa towns, Costa Brava offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters or strolling through a town steeped in history, a visit to these destinations promises relaxation and discovery.

A timeless escape

The spa towns of the Costa Brava offer more than just an opportunity to relax—they are gateways to centuries of history, wellness, and culture. From the thriving retreats of Caldes de Malavella, Santa Coloma de Farners, and Sant Hilari Sacalm to the rich legacies of Banyoles, Campdorà, and Vilajuïga, each town reveals its own story shaped by thermal waters.

Unwinding with a massage. Photo by Alan Caishan

Whether you’re drawn by the soothing benefits of modern spas, the allure of Roman ruins, or the tranquil charm of historical sites, the Costa Brava invites you to slow down, reconnect, and experience the restorative power of its natural springs. These spa towns remind us that hydrotherapy is a tradition deeply rooted in the rhythms of this beautiful region.

Tags: Caldes de Malavella, Santa Coloma de Farners, Spa towns, Thermal water