Ourense Holidays: Cathedral, Hot Springs and Galician Culture
Provincia de Ourense · Galicia · Spain · 105,233 residents
Ourense Cathedral
Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Ourense
Museo Catedralicio de Ourense
Convent of San Francisco, Ourense
Q12397298Ourense is a city of around 105,000 people in inland Galicia, sitting at about 146 metres above sea level in the province that shares its name. Its draw is cultural and compact: Ourense Cathedral, the Museo Arqueológico Provincial and the Museo Catedralicio all lie within roughly 100 metres of one another, with the Convent of San Francisco a short stroll away. Close to the centre, the Burga de Abaixo hot spring adds something unexpected to a city break. Summers here are warm and remarkably dry, while autumn and winter bring heavy Atlantic rain. With Santiago de Compostela airport about 48 miles away and direct flights from the United Kingdom, it makes an easy base for exploring this corner of Galicia.
Why go
- Ourense Cathedral and two museums sit within about 100 metres of each other in the centre.
- The Burga de Abaixo hot spring lies only around 0.2 miles from the cathedral.
- Santiago de Compostela airport, with direct UK flights, is roughly 68 minutes away by car.
Top sights in Ourense
Cathedral, Museums and Hot Springs
Ourense Cathedral is the city's best-known sight and the natural starting point, standing right in the historic centre. Beside it, the Museo Catedralicio de Ourense and the Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Ourense, the latter listed as a cultural property, are both within about 100 metres, so a morning can take in all three without much walking. The Convent of San Francisco, a monastery around 0.2 miles from the centre, rounds out the religious and historical heritage.
For something different, the Burga de Abaixo hot spring is about 0.2 miles from the cathedral and suits a relaxed hour, particularly for couples. A little further out, roughly a mile away, Ramiro Castle is a former medieval episcopal castle worth the short trip for those keen on history.
Tours and tickets for Ourense can be booked directly on this page, where you will find booking cards for the available activities.
Tours & tickets in Ourense
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Ourense can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Ourense
Choosing a Base in Ourense
Ourense is inland, so this is a city stay rather than a beach holiday. Staying near the cathedral puts the museums, the Convent of San Francisco and the Burga de Abaixo hot spring all within a few minutes on foot, which is the most practical choice for a short break focused on culture.
With a population of over 100,000, the city has the everyday life of a provincial capital, while the smaller towns around it offer quieter alternatives if you plan to explore by car. The page shows live hotel prices so you can compare options around the centre and beyond.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Ourense and the villages around it is a hire car from Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), about 1 h 8 min away.
Best time to visit Ourense
When to Visit Ourense
- 13°CJan191 mm
- 15°CFeb79 mm
- 16°CMar169 mm
- 21°CApr75 mm
- 22°CMay121 mm
- 26°CJun79 mm
- 29°CJul11 mm
- 31°CAug4 mm
- 25°CSept99 mm
- 22°COct271 mm
- 18°CNov145 mm
- 13°CDec97 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
July is the most pleasant month, with highs around 29°C, just 11 mm of rain and only about three rainy days. August is the hottest and driest, reaching around 31°C with barely any rain, so expect genuine heat in the city centre at midday.
The wettest period runs through autumn and winter: October is the rainiest month with around 271 mm across 17 days, and January and March are also very wet. Winter highs sit around 13°C. Spring brings mild temperatures, with April reaching about 21°C, though showers remain frequent. As Ourense is not on the coast, there is no sea temperature to consider.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 5°C | 191 mm | 6 h |
| Feb | 15°C | 5°C | 79 mm | 8 h |
| Mar | 16°C | 7°C | 169 mm | 7 h |
| Apr | 21°C | 9°C | 75 mm | 11 h |
| May | 22°C | 11°C | 121 mm | 11 h |
| Jun | 26°C | 15°C | 79 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 29°C | 16°C | 11 mm | 14 h |
| Aug | 31°C | 17°C | 4 mm | 12 h |
| Sept | 25°C | 14°C | 99 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 22°C | 13°C | 271 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 18°C | 10°C | 145 mm | 6 h |
| Dec | 13°C | 5°C | 97 mm | 6 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Getting to Ourense from the UK
Santiago de Compostela is the nearest airport, about 48 miles away and roughly 68 minutes by car, with direct flights from the United Kingdom. A Coruña airport, also served directly from the UK, is around 71 miles away, about an hour and 40 minutes' drive. Asturias airport has direct UK flights too, though it is further at roughly 126 miles, close to three hours by road.
If you prefer to drive the whole way, the journey from Calais takes around 17 and a half hours of driving, so most people would split it over two or more days. Car hire from any of the airports gives the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding towns.
By air
- Santiago de Compostela (SCQ)48 miles, about 1 h 8 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- A Coruña (LCG)71 miles, about 1 h 42 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Asturias (OVD)126 miles, about 2 h 58 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 17 h 28 min without stops.
Ourense is good for
Around Ourense
Day Trips Around Ourense
Allariz is the closest option, about 11 miles away, with Lobios around 17 miles to the south. Monforte de Lemos, a town of nearly 20,000 people, and the small hilltop-style settlement of Castro Caldelas are both roughly 22 miles away and pair well for a day out.
Further afield, Lalín lies around 25 miles away, Baltar about 28 miles, Quiroga around 32 miles and Castro roughly 33 miles. All are within easy reach by car for a return trip the same day.
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Tips from Robin
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Pack for rain outside the summer months: October brings around 17 rainy days, and even spring sees frequent showers, so a waterproof is sensible from autumn through to June.
In July and August the city sits inland, away from coastal breezes, and temperatures climb to around 30°C, so plan museum visits for the middle of the day and save the walk to Ramiro Castle for the morning or evening. The main sights are so close together that you will not need a car in the centre, but hiring one makes the surrounding towns far easier to reach.
Questions people ask
What is the nearest airport to Ourense from the UK?
Santiago de Compostela airport is the nearest, about 48 miles away and around 68 minutes by car. It has direct flights from the United Kingdom. A Coruña airport, roughly 71 miles away, is another direct option.
Does Ourense have a beach?
No, Ourense is an inland city and not on the coast. Its appeal is cultural, centred on the cathedral, its museums and the Convent of San Francisco, with the Burga de Abaixo hot spring close to the centre.
What is the best month to visit Ourense?
July offers the best conditions, with highs of around 29°C, very little rain and only about three rainy days. August is hotter at around 31°C and even drier, while October is the wettest month of the year.
Can you visit hot springs in Ourense?
Yes. The Burga de Abaixo hot spring is about 0.2 miles from the cathedral, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in the historic centre. It is a pleasant, unhurried stop, particularly for couples.
How long does it take to drive to Ourense from Calais?
The drive from Calais takes around 17 and a half hours behind the wheel, so it is best spread over at least two days. Flying to Santiago de Compostela and hiring a car is considerably quicker.
What are the main sights in Ourense?
Ourense Cathedral is the headline sight, with the Museo Catedralicio and the Museo Arqueológico Provincial within about 100 metres. The Convent of San Francisco is nearby, and Ramiro Castle, a former medieval episcopal castle, is roughly a mile away.