Just over 30 kilometres from Barcelona, in the Vallès Oriental county, Caldes de Montbui is a tourist destination that combines historical charm, thermal well-being and an undeniable commitment to sustainability. With a philosophy rooted in preservation of the environment and visitor satisfaction, this picturesque town offers a unique experience that captivates everyone who discovers it.
Immerse yourself in thermal culture
The first stop in Caldes de Montbui is Thermalia, in the central Plaça de la Font del Lleó. This emblematic space fuses history, culture and well-being and is both a museum and a tourist office. Thermalia invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of thermalism in a seductive and interactive way, with a journey full of intriguing facts from ancient times to the present day. It is important to note that the exhibition spaces meet accessibility criteria.
The museum is also home to art. It reviews the life and work of Manolo Hugué, who was closely linked to the spa town, highlights his friendship with Picasso and offers a wide-ranging collection of works and personal objects of both artists.
In addition, the Caldes Town Council Tourism Office will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the town. The Office has the Biosphere seal and when providing visitors with tourist products and services it takes into account that they must be sustainable. Therefore it can recommend accommodation with environmental and social awareness, hotels with recognised certifications, guided tours of the historical centre that respect the environment, restaurants, sustainable means of transport and so on.
Furthermore, the museum-tourism office shop is home to locally produced, environmentally friendly merchandise related to the town’s culture and heritage.
The town that boils
Caldes de Montbui, with the nickname of 'the town that boils', is one of the most important thermal destinations in Catalonia and has the best preserved Roman baths in the Peninsula, which are open to the public. You can't miss the Font del Lleó spring, where water flows at 74 °C, and the thermal springs of La Canaleta and La Portalera, which are still in operation.
The visit would not be complete without enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-medicinal waters in the town’s various spas and the public El Safareig thermal baths.
On the second Saturday in July, the Escaldàrium is held, a unique festival in which fire, water and live music narrate the legend of the origin of the thermal water, offering a truly impressive spectacle full of dance, rhythm and collective euphoria.
Heritage, nature and gastronomy to be discovered
Caldes de Montbui is also a historical treasure that transports you to the past and is full of unique places to admire, such as the medieval wall, the Romanesque bridge, the Delger museum, and the Codina pharmacy, which dates back to the 19th century and preserves its Modernista decor.
Surrounded by nature, this destination offers various hiking routes for all levels and tastes. Examples include a visit to the archaeological site of Torre Roja, with the remains of an Iberian settlement and incredible views; or the village of Sant Sebastià de Montmajor, a peaceful spot enclosed by mountains where you will find a beautiful and perfectly preserved Romanesque church.
The local gastronomy reflects the rural Catalan tradition and is based on local products such as sausages, pasta, 'mató’ cheese, plums and typical liqueurs, which can be tasted in the town's restaurants, local produce shops or at the gastronomic events that take place throughout the year.
A destination committed to sustainability
In addition to all these attractions, Caldes de Montbui is a sustainable destination, holding the Biosphere seal since 2017. Through its responsible tourism policy, the Town Council strives for continuous improvement in sustainable management in the social, economic and environmental spheres.
They promote the staff training and awareness-raising in the principles of responsible tourism and follow sustainability and efficiency criteria in the use of resources, as well as other initiatives. This takes the form of specific measures such as the installation of solar panels in public facilities and the installation of free charging points for electric vehicles, together with social inclusion initiatives.
As can be seen, Caldes de Montbui is a tourist destination that goes beyond simply offering holidays, its focus is on balancing the visitor's enjoyment with responsible development. If you want an enriching and sustainable experience, look no further, Caldes de Montbui is waiting for you with open arms and its baths at the ready.
