Baños de Montemayor

## Overview Baños de Montemayor is a historic thermal spring village nestled in the Ambroz Valley of northern Cáceres province, Extremadura, Spain. Situated along Avenida de las Termas, the town has been renowned for its hot springs since at least Roman times — the name "Baños" itself means "baths" in Spanish, a testament to centuries of use as a bathing and healing destination. The thermal waters here emerge naturally at elevated temperatures and have historically been valued for their purported therapeutic properties, drawing visitors seeking relief from rheumatic, respiratory, and skin conditions. The springs sit at an elevation along the ancient Vía de la Plata (Silver Route), the Roman road that connected Mérida (Emerita Augusta) to Astorga (Asturica Augusta). Roman travelers and soldiers are believed to have stopped here to bathe in the warm mineral waters, and archaeological remains in the area attest to the long history of thermal activity in this location. Over the centuries, the baths evolved from simple Roman pools into a formal spa complex, and today the Balneario de Baños de Montemayor continues to operate as a modern thermal spa facility. The town of Baños de Montemayor itself is a charming mountain village at roughly 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by chestnut and oak forests in the Sierra de Béjar foothills. The GPS coordinates (40.3196° N, 5.8575° W) place the springs right along the main avenue of the town, making them easily accessible. ## Directions 1. **From Plasencia (approximately 60 km south):** Head north on the **A-66 (Autovía de la Plata)** toward Salamanca. Take the exit for **Baños de Montemayor / N-630**. 2. **From Salamanca (approximately 80 km north):** Head south on the **A-66** and take the exit for **Baños de Montemayor / N-630**. 3. Once on the **N-630**, follow signs into the town of **Baños de Montemayor**. 4. The thermal springs and spa complex are located along **Avenida de las Termas (Av. las Termas, 64)**, the main avenue running through the center of town. Look for signage indicating the Balneario (spa). 5. Parking is available in and around the town center. During peak season (summer and holidays), it may be advisable to arrive early. ## What to Expect Visitors to Baños de Montemayor will find a well-established thermal destination with both historic character and modern amenities. The thermal waters have historically been reported to be warm and mineral-rich, and the town's spa facility offers various bathing and wellness treatments. The surrounding Ambroz Valley is lush and scenic, particularly in autumn when the chestnut forests turn golden — the area is famous for its annual "Otoño Mágico" (Magical Autumn) festival celebrating the fall foliage. The town features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone architecture, and several restaurants serving regional Extremaduran cuisine. The Vía de la Plata hiking and pilgrimage route passes directly through the town, making Baños de Montemayor a popular stop for long-distance walkers heading to Santiago de Compostela. Visitors interested in history can explore remnants of the Roman road and the old quarter of the village. The climate here is continental with mountain influence — summers are warm and dry, while winters can be cool and damp. The thermal waters are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant times to visit the valley. Note that the formal spa facility operates on a schedule and may require reservations, especially during busy periods.