Lago Thermal ~ Alhama de Aragón

## Overview Lago Thermal, located in the small spa town of Alhama de Aragón in the province of Zaragoza, Spain, is one of Europe's most remarkable natural thermal features — a geothermally heated lake fed by underground hot springs. Situated along the Jalón River valley at approximately 41.294°N, 1.899°W, this thermal lake is notable for maintaining warm water temperatures year-round, historically reported to range between 28°C and 34°C (82–93°F), making it one of the few naturally heated lakes on the European continent. Alhama de Aragón has been renowned for its thermal waters since antiquity. The town's name itself derives from the Arabic *al-ḥamma*, meaning "hot spring" or "thermal bath," reflecting its long history as a destination for balneotherapy dating back to the Moorish period of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans are also believed to have utilized the thermal waters in this area, and the tradition of bathing in these mineral-rich springs has continued for centuries. The thermal activity in the region is linked to deep geological faults in the Iberian System mountain range, which allow groundwater to circulate to significant depths, become heated by the Earth's geothermal gradient, and rise back to the surface enriched with dissolved minerals. The lake and its surrounding thermal facilities have long attracted visitors seeking the reputed therapeutic benefits of the warm, mineral-laden waters. Several historic spa hotels and bathhouses have operated in Alhama de Aragón over the years, with the thermal lake serving as a centerpiece of the town's identity and tourism. ## Directions 1. From Zaragoza, head southwest on the **A-2 motorway** (Autovía del Nordeste) toward Madrid. 2. After approximately 110 km (about 1 hour of driving), take the exit for **Alhama de Aragón**. 3. Follow signs into the town center. The Lago Termal (Thermal Lake) is located on the southern edge of town, near the historic spa establishments along the Jalón River. 4. GPS coordinates: **41.2938, -1.8990**. Parking is available in the town; look for signage directing you to the lake and spa area. *Note: Alhama de Aragón is also accessible by train on the Madrid–Zaragoza rail line, with a station in town.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Lago Thermal will find a unique natural lake with visibly warm water, often with steam rising from the surface during cooler months. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation nourished by the warm microclimate the thermal waters create. The setting is peaceful and scenic, nestled in the Jalón River valley with the arid hills of Aragón in the background. Access to the thermal lake may be managed by nearby spa facilities — some historic balnearios (spa hotels) in Alhama de Aragón offer bathing access to the lake or to adjacent thermal pools as part of their services. It is advisable to check locally whether open public access to the lake is available or whether entry is through one of the spa establishments. The water has historically been valued for its mineral content and warmth, and visitors have reported that it feels soothing and pleasant for bathing. As with all natural thermal springs, water temperatures and conditions can vary. The town itself is charming and compact, with a handful of restaurants, cafés, and accommodation options catering to spa visitors. Alhama de Aragón tends to be quieter than Spain's more famous tourist destinations, offering a relaxed and authentic experience. The thermal lake is particularly atmospheric in autumn and winter, when mist rises dramatically from the warm water into the cool air.