Baño de la Cochina

## Overview Baño de la Cochina is a free natural hot spring located near the small village of Villasbuenas de Gata in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain. Situated in the rugged and scenic Sierra de Gata region — an area long known for its thermal waters and traditional rural character — this hot spring offers visitors a chance to soak in naturally heated mineral water in a beautifully remote corner of western Spain. The Sierra de Gata area has a long history of thermal bathing, with several natural hot springs scattered across the region. The name "Baño de la Cochina" (roughly translating to "Bath of the Sow") hints at a colorful local origin story, likely rooted in the pastoral traditions of the area. The region's thermal activity is linked to the deep geological fractures in the Iberian Peninsula's ancient granite bedrock, which allow groundwater to circulate to significant depths, absorb geothermal heat, and rise back to the surface as warm or hot springs. As a free, open-access hot spring, Baño de la Cochina provides a rustic and authentic soaking experience — there are no commercial facilities or entry fees. Visitors have historically used the spring for relaxation and informal bathing. ## Directions 1. From the village of **Villasbuenas de Gata** (Cáceres province), head toward the surrounding countryside on local roads. 2. The spring is located at approximately **GPS coordinates 40.1411, -6.6143**. Using a GPS device or smartphone navigation app with these coordinates is strongly recommended, as signage in the area may be limited. 3. Look for informal trails or local paths leading to the spring site. Asking residents in Villasbuenas de Gata for the exact route to "Baño de la Cochina" can be very helpful, as locals are typically familiar with the spring. *Note: Road conditions in the Sierra de Gata can be narrow and winding. A vehicle with reasonable clearance is advisable if the final approach involves unpaved tracks.* ## What to Expect Baño de la Cochina is a natural, undeveloped hot spring in a rural setting typical of the Sierra de Gata landscape — expect rolling hills, granite outcrops, and Mediterranean scrubland. The spring area is informal, without built-up infrastructure such as changing rooms or restrooms. The water is naturally heated by geothermal processes deep beneath the granite bedrock of the region. Water temperatures and flow may vary seasonally. As with many natural hot springs in Extremadura, the mineral content of the water has historically attracted bathers, though no official water quality analysis is available for this listing. The surrounding Sierra de Gata region is worth exploring in its own right, with charming stone villages, hiking trails, and other natural thermal sites nearby. The area is relatively uncrowded and offers a genuine taste of rural Spanish life. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience: bring your own towels, water, and supplies. The spring is best visited during warmer months for comfortable access, though the thermal water can make cooler-season visits appealing as well.