Ourense is a destination that has it all. You’ll fall in love with the city of bridges for the unique experiences it has to offer: wearing your swimsuit all year round, dining on octopus for Sunday lunch or tapas as you admire the Cathedral towers, and using any excuse to put on fancy dress. If you’re looking for entertainment, Ourense is the perfect place. An example of this are its festivals: Os Maios, Os Magostos and the famous Entroido. In addition, a huge antiques, handicraft and food market takes place on the 7th and 17th of each month in the city.

Staying at a hotel in Ourense during its popular and unique 'Entroido' (Carnival) means guaranteed fun and the opportunity to let your imagination run wild as you choose your costume. 

Yes, fancy dress is compulsory at all times. As is sampling the special delicacies eaten during the festivities, ‘las orejas’, meaning ‘ears’: there’s a sweet version made from eggs and flour; or pigs ears, cooked and seasoned with salt and paprika. 

The Carnival tradition is deep-rooted and has a long history in Ourense. The city’s streets are flooded with colour and an atmosphere of cheeky good humour that characterises this celebration. Want more? In September there’s a summer Carnival too. 

Once again, we insist you go in costume. If you don’t, you may end up having to buy rounds in any bar you enter.

Water is said to be the reason for the earliest settlement in Ourense. That's why guests who stay here should immerse themselves in the town’s water history, in every sense of the word. 

The tour starts at the hot springs of As Burgas, next to Barceló Ourense hotel. From here, visitors follow the green path that snakes through the city along the banks of the river Miño. The Miño Thermal Route is a 5-kilometre pedestrianised trail that offers the opportunity to take a dip surrounded by nature, whether it is winter or summer. It is also the perfect walking, jogging or cycling route. 

In A Chavasqueira, you can choose between a Japanese-inspired setting or taking a dip under the stars. O Tinteiro is a panoramic spring that is very popular among residents, while the Muíño da Veiga hot spring area has four pools to try. The route continues to the Outariz and Burga de Canedo pools and the Reza spring. 

Without a doubt, an ideal spot for enjoying amazing surroundings at any time of year. A must-visit during your Ourense holidays!