Last updated: September 2026
Caldes de Malavella is one of Catalonia’s best-kept secrets — an inland spa town in the Girona province where natural thermal springs have bubbled to the surface since the first century BC. The Romans were the first to recognise the curative properties of these hot mineralised waters, and today the town is home to several of Spain’s finest balneari (spa hotels), drawing visitors seeking relaxation, wellness breaks and a quieter alternative to the bustling Costa Brava coast.
Situated around 30 kilometres inland from the Costa Brava and just 20 kilometres south of Girona city, Caldes de Malavella occupies a convenient position for exploring the wider region. The beaches of Lloret de Mar and Blanes are within easy reach by car, the ancient ruins at Empúries are an hour away, and the medieval city of Girona — one of the most beautiful in Spain — is less than 25 minutes by road or rail. This makes Caldes an unusually versatile base for a Spanish holiday.
| Resort type | Inland spa and wellness town |
|---|---|
| Beach access | 30 min drive to Costa Brava coast |
| Nearest airport | Girona (GRO) — approx. 25 min |
| Best for | Wellness, couples, culture |
| Thermal spas | Three major balneari hotels |
| Nightlife | Low — quiet town atmosphere |
| Average July high | 30 °C |
| Season | Year-round (spa); May–Oct (coast) |
Caldes de Malavella’s identity is built around its thermal springs, which emerge from the ground at temperatures between 56 °C and 78 °C — among the hottest natural springs in Spain. The Romans built the town of Aquae Calidae here in the first century BC, and their baths, columns and mosaic floors remain visible in the town’s archaeological zone today. The water emerges rich in sodium, chloride and bicarbonate, traditionally believed to treat respiratory, musculoskeletal and skin conditions.
The Balneari Vichy Catalan is the most famous of the town’s spa hotels and shares its name with the bottled mineral water brand that has been produced here since 1881. The hotel offers a full programme of thermal pool treatments, massage therapies, mud wraps and wellness packages. Its grand Belle Époque building, set in attractive grounds on the edge of town, is a striking destination in its own right and a popular choice for romantic spa breaks from the UK.
The Hotel Balneari Prats is the town’s oldest spa hotel, dating to 1840. It has a more traditional character and a loyal clientele who return year after year for its gentler spa treatments. The Balneari Termes Montbrió, a short drive southeast, completes the trio of major spa facilities in the area. Between them, the three establishments offer a comprehensive range of thermal therapies, from simple soaking pools to medically supervised hydrotherapy programmes.
The town itself retains its distinctive Vichy Catalan mineral water heritage — the brand is known across Spain as one of the country’s premium sparkling waters. Visitors can tour the bottling plant and learn about the history of one of Catalonia’s most recognisable food and drink brands. The bottling facility sits on the edge of town and offers guided visits in summer, combining history with the chance to drink the water fresh from the source.
Beyond the spas, Caldes de Malavella has a charming old quarter with a 12th-century Romanesque church and a small but well-curated municipal museum displaying Roman artefacts found in the town — including tiles, coins, pottery and reconstructed bathing vessels from the original Roman baths. The archaeological zone near the church contains exposed Roman columns and mosaic fragments, giving a tangible sense of how important the town’s springs were in the ancient world.
The surrounding La Selva comarca (county) is a gently rolling landscape of oak and cork-oak woodland ideal for walking and cycling. Several marked trails leave from the edge of town, passing through farmland and forest to nearby villages. Cork harvesting is a traditional industry in the area, and you will often see the distinctive stripped red bark of cork oaks on walks through the countryside.
Day trips from Caldes de Malavella are genuinely excellent. Girona (25 minutes north by car or train) is one of Spain’s most atmospheric medieval cities — its cathedral, Jewish quarter, colourful riverside houses and city walls rank among the finest urban heritage sites in Catalonia. Lloret de Mar and Blanes beaches are 30 minutes east by car, making a day at the sea simple to combine with an evening back at the spa. The theme park PortAventura at Salou is around 55 minutes south and makes an excellent full-day excursion for families.
The town hosts a popular local market on Thursdays, selling fresh produce, flowers, cheese and locally made craft items. The surrounding area is known for quality Catalan food, and several farmhouse restaurants (masies) in the countryside serve long, leisurely lunches of the traditional cuina catalana style — bean stews, roast meats, local cheeses and the honey and nuts of the region.
Caldes de Malavella is served by Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), approximately 20–25 kilometres north — one of the closest airports of any Spanish resort destination. The transfer by taxi takes around 20 minutes and is inexpensive. Ryanair flies to Girona from most major UK regional airports, making access particularly straightforward.
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is around 90 kilometres south and is accessible in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the AP-7 motorway. Barcelona has significantly more UK flight options, particularly during winter months when Girona’s schedule is reduced, making it a useful alternative for off-season breaks.
By train, Caldes de Malavella is served by the Rodalies R11 line between Maçanet-Massanes and Portbou, with connections to Girona and Barcelona. The train station is a short walk from the spa hotels. Rental car is highly recommended for visitors who want to explore the surrounding coast and countryside during their stay, as local bus services to the beaches are infrequent.
Accommodation in Caldes de Malavella is dominated by the three balneari hotels, each of which includes full board and access to their thermal pools and spa facilities as part of the package. Balneari Vichy Catalan is the most upmarket option, with beautifully restored historic rooms, modern spa suites and excellent Catalan cuisine in its restaurant. Hotel Balneari Prats offers a more traditional and slightly more affordable alternative.
For visitors who want spa access without the cost of full board, several independent hotels and rural guesthouses in the town and surrounding countryside offer bed and breakfast accommodation, with spa-day packages available from the balneari hotels on a visitor basis. This can be a cost-effective way to experience the thermal waters without committing to an extended stay.
Self-catering apartments and holiday homes in the local area are increasingly available through holiday rental platforms and suit families or groups who want a base for exploring the Costa Brava and inland Catalonia. The town’s central location — equidistant between Girona and the coast — makes it an attractive and often overlooked choice for those who want to see more of Catalonia than just the beach.
Search4Sun compares Caldes de Malavella holiday deals from the UK’s leading tour operators, with departures from regional airports across the UK. Whether you are looking for a wellness spa break at one of the historic balneari hotels, a touring base for Girona and the Costa Brava, or a quiet countryside retreat, we can help you compare packages and find the right option at the right price.
Always check your booking is protected by ABTA, holds ATOL certification or carries ABTOT cover — these schemes protect your money if an operator ceases trading before or during your holiday. For a plain-English guide to what each scheme covers, read our holiday protection guide.
For last-minute Caldes de Malavella deals, check LastMinute.com for the latest availability and rates. See also our Blanes holidays and Costa Brava holidays pages for nearby beach resorts.
Caldes de Malavella has a warm, continental-influenced Mediterranean climate that is slightly hotter and drier in summer than the Costa Brava coast — the inland position means sea breezes are less effective at moderating the heat. July and August see average highs of 30–32 °C, which is warm but very comfortable in the shade of the spa hotels’ gardens. The thermal springs are a year-round attraction and the town sees visitors throughout the calendar year.
Spring (April to June) is an excellent time to visit Caldes. Temperatures are pleasant for walking and sightseeing (18–25 °C), the surrounding countryside is lush and green from winter rains, and the town’s restaurants and markets are fully operational without the summer crowds. The Girona area hosts several cultural festivals in spring, and the roads between the town and the coast are far quieter than in July and August.
September and October are also rewarding months, particularly for visitors who want to combine spa time with coastal day trips. The Costa Brava beaches are still warm in September (sea temperature around 24 °C) and the countryside around Caldes takes on attractive golden tones as the season turns. Winter visits are possible and the spa hotels often offer reduced wellness packages from November to March, making a short-break thermal retreat very affordable.
The thermal springs emerge at temperatures of 56–78 °C and are rich in sodium chloride and bicarbonate minerals. The spa hotels channel this water into heated pools, baths and treatment facilities, where it is cooled to comfortable bathing temperatures. The springs have been used medicinally since Roman times and are particularly associated with treatment of joint, respiratory and skin conditions, though most visitors simply enjoy them for relaxation.
Caldes de Malavella is an inland town and has no beach, but the Costa Brava coast is just 30 minutes away by car. Lloret de Mar and Blanes are the closest beach resorts. Many visitors combine a spa base in Caldes with day trips to the sea, giving them the best of both worlds — relaxing spa evenings and lively beach days. It works particularly well for couples who have different priorities on holiday.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is the closest airport, approximately 20 kilometres north and around 20 minutes by taxi. Ryanair operates extensive UK routes to Girona from London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol and other regional airports. Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is around 90 kilometres south and offers more flight options, particularly during winter when the Girona schedule is more limited.
Yes — the balneari hotels in Caldes de Malavella offer spa day packages for non-residents. Balneari Vichy Catalan and Hotel Balneari Prats both have published day visitor rates that include access to thermal pools and selected treatments. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in summer and at weekends. This is a popular option for travellers staying on the Costa Brava who want to experience the thermal waters without changing hotels.
Yes — the famous Vichy Catalan sparkling mineral water brand takes its name from the town and has been bottled here since 1881. The water comes from the same natural thermal springs used by the spa hotels, though it is cooled and carbonated before bottling. The bottling plant on the edge of town offers guided tours in summer, and the mineral water is served throughout the town’s restaurants and hotels.
Caldes de Malavella is also increasingly popular as a short-break destination from Barcelona, which is just 80 kilometres south by motorway — making it easy to combine a day or two of city sightseeing with a longer spa retreat at one of the historic balneari hotels.
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