Rent a Motorhome in Ourense and Discover Galicia

Discover Ourense: The Thermal Heart of Galicia

Welcome to Ourense, the thermal capital of Galicia and a perfect starting point for your Spanish adventure. When you rent a campervan Ourense, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking a world of rolling green hills, ancient history, and soothing hot springs. Geographically, Ourense is uniquely positioned in the heart of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It's the only landlocked province in the region, nestled in the Miño river valley and surrounded by mountains. This topography creates a microclimate distinct from coastal Galicia, with hotter summers and colder winters, making it a year-round destination.

The history of Ourense is deeply connected to its thermal waters and its strategic location as a crossroads. The Romans were the first to recognize the value of the hot springs, establishing a settlement here they called 'Aquae Aurente' (Waters of Gold). The magnificent Roman Bridge, 'A Ponte Vella', still stands today as a testament to their engineering prowess. Throughout the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a commercial and religious center, though it also faced periods of decline due to wars and plagues. Today, Ourense is a vibrant city with a population of just over 105,000 people. It beautifully blends its rich past with a modern, dynamic present. The decision to rent a motorhome Ourense allows you to dive deep into this history at your own pace.

Ourense's significance extends beyond its history. It's a major hub for the region's wine production, particularly within the Ribeiro denomination of origin. The terraced vineyards clinging to the river valleys are a sight to behold. The city has also been home to notable Spanish writers and intellectuals, contributing to Galicia's rich cultural tapestry. The freedom you get when you rent a campervan Ourense means you can explore these vineyards one day and a historic monastery the next.

Let's talk about the weather and the best time to visit. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are arguably the best seasons. You'll enjoy mild temperatures, lush green landscapes, and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) can be very hot, but it's also the time for many local festivals. Winter (November-February) is cooler and can be rainy, but it's the perfect time to fully appreciate the hot thermal springs, which feel magical on a chilly day. If you plan to rent a 4x4 camper Ourense, you'll be well-equipped to handle any road conditions, whether navigating mountain passes or country lanes. Opting to rent a motorhome Ourense provides the ultimate flexibility to chase the good weather or simply enjoy the cozy comfort of your mobile home if it rains. The journey begins the moment you decide to rent a campervan Ourense, opening up a region of unparalleled beauty and charm. Your Galician road trip awaits, filled with thermal waters, exquisite wine, and ancient stories.

Sights and Activities In and Around Ourense

Once you've arranged to rent a motorhome Ourense, the city and its stunning surroundings are yours to explore. Ourense itself is a treasure trove of sights, perfectly blending ancient history with natural beauty.

The Thermal Route (Ruta Termal del Miño): This is Ourense's star attraction. A beautiful riverside path connects several thermal areas along the banks of the Miño river. You can start at the thermal station of A Chavasqueira, move on to Muíño da Veiga with its old restored mill, and finish at the large thermal fields of Outariz. Some are free, open-air pools, while others offer more structured spa experiences. It's the perfect way to relax after a day of driving your campervan.

Ourense Cathedral (Catedral de San Martiño): Dominating the city skyline, this 12th-century cathedral is a fortress-like structure with a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Don't miss the Portico of Paradise, a stunningly preserved painted portico reminiscent of Santiago de Compostela's, and climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city.

The Old Town (Casco Vello): Get lost in the charming maze of narrow streets and granite-paved squares. The Plaza Mayor is the heart of the old town, a unique sloping square perfect for enjoying a coffee or a glass of local wine. The entire area is brimming with tapas bars and small shops.

The Roman Bridge (A Ponte Vella): A symbol of the city, this magnificent bridge of Roman origin has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Walking across it offers fantastic views of the river and the modern city.

Ribeira Sacra: Just a short drive away from the city, this is an absolute must-see. The 'Sacred Shore' is a breathtaking landscape where the rivers Sil and Miño have carved deep canyons. The steep slopes are covered with terraced vineyards producing heroic wines. When you rent a campervan Ourense, you can take a boat trip through the canyons or drive the scenic roads, stopping at ancient monasteries like Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil or Santa Cristina. For this terrain, you might consider the option to rent a 4x4 camper Ourense for extra confidence on the winding roads.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Ourense

With your keys in hand, your adventure begins! When you rent a motorhome Ourense, you have the freedom to explore Galicia's diverse landscapes. Here are a couple of tour ideas to inspire your journey.

🌿 The Ribeira Sacra Wine & Monastery Route (3-4 Days)

🌊 The Atlantic Coast & Rías Baixas Adventure (4-5 Days)

Returning Your Motorhome Clean in Ourense

Before you return your vehicle from your fantastic trip, it's important to give it a good clean. One of the challenges when you rent a motorhome Ourense is finding a car wash that can accommodate its height. Standard automatic car washes are too low and can damage the roof, air conditioning units, or solar panels.

You need to look for washing stations designed for trucks, buses, or large vehicles. These facilities have the necessary height clearance and powerful jet washes to clean your campervan safely and effectively. It's a small step that ensures a smooth and hassle-free return process.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in or near Ourense:

1. Lavado de Coches Elefante Azul
This is often a reliable choice as many of their locations have high-pressure jet wash bays with open tops, suitable for taller vehicles. They are self-service, giving you full control.
Address: Rúa Seixalbo, 8, 32005 Ourense, Spain

2. Gasolinera Repsol (with Truck Wash)
Many larger petrol stations on the main industrial estates or motorways have dedicated truck washing facilities. These are ideal for a thorough exterior clean.
Address: Polígono Industrial San Cibrao das Viñas, Calle 1, Parcela 19, 32901 San Cibrao das Viñas, Ourense, Spain

3. Estación de Servicio Avia
Check for Avia service stations as they sometimes offer high-bay washing facilities. It's always good to call ahead or check their services online.
Address: Ctra. N-525, km 241, 32911, Ourense, Spain

Always check the height clearance before entering any wash bay, and enjoy the satisfaction of returning your campervan sparkling clean!

How to Get to Ourense for Your Campervan Trip

Getting to Ourense to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially for travelers from English-speaking countries. Here’s how you can reach us.

From the UK & Ireland:
The most convenient way is to fly into one of Galicia's main airports. Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) and Vigo (VGO) are the closest. Airlines like Ryanair and Vueling offer direct flights from London Stansted (STN), London Gatwick (LGW), and Dublin (DUB) to SCQ. From the airport, Ourense is about a 1-hour drive or a comfortable train ride away.

From the USA & Canada:
There are no direct flights to Ourense's nearest airports from North America. The typical route involves a connecting flight. You can fly from major hubs like New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), or Toronto (YYZ) to a major European hub like Madrid (MAD), Lisbon (LIS), or Amsterdam (AMS). From there, you can take a short connecting flight to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) or Vigo (VGO). Alternatively, Spain's high-speed train (AVE) offers a direct, scenic, and very comfortable connection from Madrid's Chamartín station to Ourense in just over 2 hours.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Your journey will be a long-haul flight with one or two stops. Common routes from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) involve connections through major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) or Asia (like Singapore) and then onto a major European city like Madrid, Barcelona or Paris. From there, you'll take a final flight to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) or Vigo (VGO). As with North American travelers, taking the high-speed train from Madrid to Ourense is an excellent and highly recommended alternative for the final leg of your journey.

Once you arrive in Ourense, picking up your campervan is easy, and you'll be on the road in no time. The decision to rent a campervan Ourense is the first step to an incredible Galician experience.