A Quick Guide to Visiting Termas de Arnedillo Hot Springs in La Rioja Region Spain
A hidden gem in the La Rioja region is the Termas de Arnedillo (Pozas de Arnedillo). These natural hot springs are found next to the Rio Cidacos in the tiny hamlet of Arnedillo, which is nestled between the Hez and Peñalmonte mountain ranges.
The hot springs of Arnedillo are the main draw to the mountainous village. However, as Arnedillo can be a longer jaunt through the mountains, it’s best to spend the night and appreciate the quiet hiking trails of the area.
This quick guide includes how to reach the Termas de Arnedillo, an overview of what to expect in the hot springs, what to bring to the hot springs, and things to do in Arnedillo. This guide is how to best experience the hot springs in Arnedillo.
This is all you need to know about how to visit the Termas de Arnedillo healing thermal pools.
Table of Contents
- Where are the Termas de Arnedillo?
- Logistics for Visiting the Arnedillo Hot Springs
- Tips for Visiting the Arnedillo Hot Springs
- What to Pack for Visiting the Termas de Arnedillo
- Alternative Thermal Water Options in Arnedillo
- More Things to Do in Arnedillo and Nearby Attractions
- Where to Stay in Arnedillo
- Conclusion | A Quick Guide to Visiting the Arnedillo Hot Spring in La Rioja Region of Spain
Where are the Termas de Arnedillo?
The Arnedillo hot springs are found in the tiny hamlet of Arnedillo Spain. The small village in La Rioja is cut into the rocky mountains and it takes effort to reach the area. Arnedillo is an off the beaten path destination in the La Rioja region.
Arnedillo is part of the Rioja Oriental subregion of the Rioja Wine Region. This is the easternmost subregion of this famous wine growing region. The small hamlet is also included in the stunning Biosphere Reserve of La Rioja which has a unique climate and is home to forests, caves, old dinosaur footprints, and offers plenty of outdoor activities.
The best way to get to Arnedillo is with a car. We included an overnight in Arnedillo while road-tripping through the La Rioja region.
Arnedillo is around an hour south of Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja autonomous region. Another option is to come from the south from Soria, a fantastic historical city in Spain near the ancient Roman city of Numancia. Soria is also an hour from Arnedillo and offers another scenic route and drive through the mountains.
Both routes from the north and south cut through the mountains. While the scenery is stunning, some may feel uncomfortable driving through narrow roads that can be prone to loose stones on the road.
Cars are not allowed through the Old Town of Arnedillo. You must utilize one of the parking lot areas. We parked here, near the Castle. Another option if just visiting the hot springs is this parking lot, which is closer but also comes with a fee.
Logistics for Visiting the Arnedillo Hot Springs
The Termas de Arnedillo are completely free to enjoy! They open at 6 a.m. and close at midnight.
The water source from underground is around a constant 52 ℃ (125 ℉) and flows to the three different pools. If looking at the three pools from the entrance, the one on the right is the hottest with the temperature cooling off as the water flows to the left away from the main source.
The pools sit next to the Cidacos River, so there is a natural cold pool to dip in to cool off.
These are very rustic facilities, but there is an open outdoor shower, water fountain, and benches for changing or putting on shoes. There are wooden benches near the top of the hot springs. Some manmade stone terraces work great for changing and setting personal items on. Be mindful that there are no lockers, changing facilities, or a bathroom.
There are wooden stairs that lead down to the Pozas de Arnedillo. If walking along the river promenade, the concrete path leads directly to the pools. Near the pools are also picnic benches to enjoy a meal or snack. It is prohibited to eat or drink (other than water) in the natural pools.
While these pools are quite rustic, they are mounted handrails installed in the middle pool. Move between the pools via small inserts in the stones. The bottom of the pools are made of smaller stones and there are makeshift places to sit built into the side of each pool.
Termas de Arnedillo | Find it Here: Río Cidacos, Spain | Free to Visit | Hours: Daily: 6:00 – midnight
Benefits of the Mineral Rich Waters of Pozas de Arnedillo
The thermal waters near Arnedillo have been used since Roman times and are said to contain medicinal properties.
The waters flowing to the pools are coming from deep underground. The water filters and moves between sandstone, limestone, and clay, enriching the waters with healing properties and minerals.
The water flowing to the surface contains minerals like sodium, bromate, and calcium sulfates. Iron and magnesium is also found in the water. Many people choose to visit these pools to help treat rheumatic disease and assist with miscellaneous breathing problems. The healing mineral-rich waters are said to help heal skin ailments like muscle contractures and bruises.
With the surrounding natural beauty, it’s an obvious stress reliever to soak in these pools!
One morning while soaking we watched vultures flying above the mountain tops. Enjoying these pools was one of our favorite parts of our Rioja road trip.
Tips for Visiting the Arnedillo Pools
The Termas de Arnedillo are the most popular thing to do in Arnedillo, so they can get busy.
We visited during the winter in January and were surprised how many people were enjoying and soaking in the healing waters! That being said, we found the morning hours busier than the night. My mom and I soaked both under the stars and in the morning after breakfast. Both were equally a neat experience, so try to enjoy them more than once.
During the summer months, I would image these natural pools to be much more busier! The summer is also a lot warmer and there is no shade covering the pools.
The hot water is best to enjoy in shorter increments. It’s recommended to soak no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time and then take a break. (This can be hard to follow in the winter when the air is cold!)
Make sure to monitor your time as the hot springs have been known to cause people to faint. It’s also important to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
The river is accessible next to the pools and many people “cool off” by taking a dip in the cold River Cidacos. During January, I couldn’t brave the frigid water.
As these pools are quite rustic, make sure to pack the right essentials.
What to Pack for Visiting the Termas de Arnedillo
Besides a swimsuit or swim trunks, here’s what to take to the hot springs
✔ Reusable Water Bottle – the hot water will make you thirsty, especially in the afternoon heat. There is a small fountain to replenish water throughout the day.
✔ Sandals – Sandals come in handy for walking around pools. The surface is mostly rock, so some even wore their sandals into the pool and then removed them when settled. I swear by my Chacos, but I did see some people rocking water shoes.
✔ Small Day Pack – Use a small day pack for valuables and a change of clothing. For backpackers, I love the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil travel day pack when I’m back packing or I use a Osprey Daylite Plus for more stability.
✔ Buff – I wore a buff on my head because it was cool while the sun was behind the mountains. A buff can also protect your head during the intense summer sun.
✔ Bag for wet clothing
✔ Headlamp – If you want to enjoy the hot springs at night, take a headlamp as there is no light source near the pools. A headlamp came in handy when we were trying to store our belongings and again when we were entering and exiting the pools.
✔ Small Euros – For utilizing the paid parking lot or enjoying a beverage at a nearby cafe or bar
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Alternative Hot Spring Options in Arnedillo
If looking to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal waters in Arnedillo in a more spa-like setting, the Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo Hotel offers rooms and spa packages. The outdoor pool is fed by the natural springs and they offer an outdoor pool and an indoor circuit.
Even if you aren’t staying at the Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo, you can access day packages. The spa also offers services like massages, beauty treatments, and mud treatments.
Another way to experience the mineral waters is to visit the Piscinas Municipales de Arnedillo. These municipal pools come with a fee and also offer a restaurant.
Piscinas Municipales de Arnedillo | Find it Here: C. Joaquín Velasco | Admission Fee: €3 | Open: June 7 – Sept 8: 11:00 – 21:00 (changes each year) | Official Village Instagram Account
More Things to Do in Arnedillo & Nearby
While the Termas de Arnedillo are the main draw of the mountain hamlet, there are plenty of things to see in the village of Arnedillo.
I took a morning hike of the Route of the Chapels. The scenic hike passes by three small hermitage sites and showcases the arid and beautiful landscapes. The route also passes by the Mirador del Buitre (Vulture Viewpoint and Visitor Center) and follows a small section of the Cidacos Green Trail that use to be an old railway track.
Do wander near the Arnedillo Castle and walk across the bridge to get there. One of the best views of the hamlet is just up the walkway at the Hermitage of San Andrés y San Blas.
Take a stroll along the pedestrian streets of Arnedillo. There is a lot of charm on the quiet and almost abandoned streets. The old Lavadero near the Visitor Information Center has recently been restored and is worth a peak. These old public washing areas were used to wash clothes and were a communal center for the village.
Nearby, the Las Cuevas del Ajedrezado (Chess Caves) are one of the most famous places to see in the area. These ancient caves were believed to be used as an old hermitage space. Some also believe that it was used for a breeding area for pigeons. To me, the hermitage site makes sense as some of the most ancient cave monasteries are found in La Rioja, like the UNESCO recognized Suso Monastery in San Millán de la Cogolla.
To visit the caves, check in with the Tourist Center in Arnedillo. Tour times are limited and require a reservation. Unfortunately, they were closed when we were visiting during the winter.
Where to Stay in Arnedillo
Arnedillo is a small hamlet, but there are a few options to stay in the village. There are lots of private apartment options.
We stayed at El Mirador del Rio de Arnedillo which had everything we needed. Lovely views, a well stocked kitchen, and a kind host who made sure we were enjoying our time!
➜ Hospedería Las Pedrolas is a highly rated Casa Rural in the heart of town
➜ Hotel Parras and Hotel Marrodan are found across the river from Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Arnedillo La Rioja Spain
Alternatively, some visitors may just wish to day trip from Logroño to Arnedillo. The city of Logroño offers plenty of things to see and do and has a ton of lively tapas bars. Logroño is found on the Camino de Santiago French Way, so at its core it is a historical city with churches, museums, bodegas, and more.
Logroño is also central to nearby attractions in La Rioja and some just may choose to sleep in Logroño to explore all the best places to see in the La Rioja region.
Conclusion | A Quick Guide to Visiting the Termas de Arnedillo in La Rioja Region of Spain
In short, this is a quick guide on how to visit the Termas de Arnedillo, the hidden gem hot springs in La Rioja region of Spain.
This guide includes how to get to the hot springs, tips for visiting the pools, what to do in Arnedillo, and where to sleep in the mountain hamlet.
The Arnedillo hot springs are a perfect way to relax after hiking in the La Rioja region or an ideal place to rest and rejuvenate after wine tasting in the nearby villages.
My mom and I loved our visit the Termas de Arnedillo and was a highlight of our road trip through this underrated region in Spain!
Have you visited the Termas de Arnedillo? What did you think of them and when did you visit? Is there anything that needs updating in this article? Let me know in the comments below!
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