Discover the Magical Thermal Pools and Charming Village of Caldes de Montbui
Caldes de Montbui is a small city north of Barcelona. We discovered it a few years ago because of a delicious restaurant called Fika Brunch.
We were surprised to find that the city center is quite popular due to the thermal pools, ancient Roman ruins, and a huge quarry where people grow community gardens.
Espai Cel Carrer de Barcelona, 10, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona
There are seven pools of various temperatures. Some are small and hot; others are larger, with huge jets and lots of bubbles. One pool is half indoor and half outdoor, which reminded me of my days in the hot pools of New Zealand. The hottest pool is next to a cold pool, so I tried my hand at a cold plunge. I lasted 30 seconds, but Iโll try for 1 minute next time.
The pools themselves are very modern and well-maintained. They feel sophisticated and luxurious, from the changing rooms to the hallways that connect them.
There is also a sauna, some random showers, and bathrooms peppered throughout the pool areas, so you donโt need to return to the changing rooms until youโre done.
I highly recommend this experience as the hot pools are magical, the village is charming, and Fika Brunch is a delicious spot. There are museums and points of interest nearby and a selection of excellent hotels.
Hotel Balneari Termes Victรฒria Carrer de Barcelona, 12 08140 Caldes de Montbui – Barcelona
While you can access the thermal pools for just a few hours, they are under and attached to the Hotel Balneari Termes Victรฒria. This is a beautiful old hotel that seems to have been refurbished in recent years. The rooms and showers are quite clean and have a rustic modern look.
On the first floor, there are some nice rooms one with a piano and large terraces with gorgeous views of the pool and quarry. As well, the breakfast buffet was excellent. There were milk alternatives, fresh fruit, baked goods, cereals, breads etc. For vegetarians, there were eggs and cheeses.
We went for one night, but this town would make a lovely longer getaway. If you like history, thermal pools, spa services, hiking trails, shops, and even a swim in the outdoor pool in warmer weather, Caldes is definitely an option.
Beside the pool, I noticed a tented indoor venue that seemed to be for weddings and special events.
And can I say, this would be an amazing spot for a weekend wedding. The reasonable price per night and all the amenities make this location the perfect choice for a special celebration. The only issue is transportation.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you will have to take a train and then a bus or taxi for an overall trip of about an hour from Barcelona’s city center.
I’m always interested in discovering or creating different types of days outโhiking, language exchanges, meetups, book clubs, classes, or hobbiesโand now dips in the thermal pools! We live outside Barcelona, so it’s only a 25-minute drive for us. If there were a thermal pool club that went regularly over the winter season, I would join in a heartbeat!
Fika Brunch Carrer del Forn, 15, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona
Fika Brunch is such a tasty vegetarian restaurant. They serve the most delicious homefries with three types of vegan sauce. My husband always orders the grilled artichokes, and we all look forward to the selection of vegan cakes. This is definitely a charming spot with nice decor and excellent staff.
Carme –ย Tes, Cafรจs, Xocolates Carrer del Forn, 26, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona
This shop was very cute with all the tea, coffee, chocolate, and gifts you could want. We bought some Costa Rican coffee as we are trying to drink better quality java this year – one of our New Yearโs Resolutions.
La farร ndula Carrer de Font i Boet, 1, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona
Another wonderful shop right across from the Quarry. This shop was filled with all kinds of great gifts, clothes and eco friendly soaps and detergents. I bought a reversible skirt from one of my favorite Barcelona brands and some brightly colored tank tops. If you’re in the Caldes area, be sure to make time to stop in here for some great artisan products.
