As winter sets in, trips tend to be shorter, making weekend getaways the perfect change of scenery without long journeys. One ideal destination is the charming town of Caldes de Montbui. Just 30 km from Barcelona, it offers the tranquillity of a historic town, where fine dining and thermal waters are among its many attractions.
Nature trails and hot springs to escape the cold
Undoubtedly, one of Caldes de Montbui’s main attractions is its natural environment, featuring hiking trails, lush forests and thermal waters among the hottest in Europe.
Caldes de Montbui's thermal springs, emerging at 74°C from the Font del Lleó, are central to its cultural identity.
This makes a visit to Caldes de Montbui especially appealing in the colder months, when you can admire the natural landscapes in their full splendour and restore your energy by soaking in the soothing warmth of its thermal waters.
The Roman past that gave rise to the thermal town
If you love history, you’ll be intrigued to learn that the Romans were drawn to this area as early as the 2nd century BC, establishing a thermal resort. Today, a pool or caldarium, the town hall and two spas remain remarkably well preserved.
This thermal “hotspot” shaped the settlement of the surrounding area, eventually giving rise to the town we know today.
Caldes de Montbui’s next period of growth came between the 17th and 18th centuries, when several spas were built around the ancient Roman baths. Three of these historic establishments survive to this day: the Broquetas Spa, Vila de Caldes and Termes Victòria.
A feast for the senses... and the palate
Caldes de Montbui's thermal waters were not only used for healing – they also played a role in local cuisine. Residents would use the hot springs to blanch almonds, which were then turned into carquinyolis, a traditional biscuit often enjoyed with coffee.
Perhaps it is this heritage of ingenuity and appreciation for quality that has helped transform the town into a true hub of haute cuisine. As the Repsol Guide notes, Caldes de Montbui boasts a “high density of good restaurants per square metre” and “astonishing” value for money in its eateries.
Among many other things, a must-see on any visit to this town near Barcelona is a stop at the Sanmartí pasta factory, located next to the Baroque-style Church of Santa María. Here, time seems to stand still: the antique machinery and traditional décor reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship and attention to detail.
From vermouth bars and signature restaurants to organic-market cuisine and wine shops offering tastings, Caldes de Montbui puts the pleasure of the palate firmly at the heart of the visitor experience.
Craftsmanship, history and tradition intact
Caldes de Montbui is also home to traditional artisans – leatherworkers, coopers and basket makers – who have long used the town’s warm waters to soften raw materials. As a result, handicrafts are another highlight of the area.
Visiting Caldes de Montbui at Christmas offers a perfect opportunity to pick up gifts and unique items at the annual Christmas market held in the heart of the historic centre.
While exploring, don’t miss the public washhouses of La Portalera and Canaleta, where the water flows at high temperatures, or the Fuente del León (Lion Fountain), whose waters contain a unique mix of chlorine, sodium, lithium, bromine and iodine, believed to have medicinal properties. The Remei hermitage, just a short walk from the town centre, is another must-see.
idealista predicts further housing price rises and less supply in '26
idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta analyses the housing market situation and his forecasts for 2026. The housing situation in Spain at the end of 2025 is clear: a national emergency. The lack of supply has become endemic, but the focus remains on attacking prices from highly ideology-based positions.