The thermal days out closest to Madrid are two spa complexes, not open-air springs. Thermas de Griñón is a 3,200 m² spa on the road from Torrejón de la Calzada, where 3 hours of pools, saunas and an ice fountain cost 39 euros. It lies 33 km south of Puerta del Sol. Castilla Termal Olmedo, in Valladolid province, is 146 km away, about 1 h 50 min by car. Its mineral-medicinal water fills a thermal pool from 38 euros and a 90-minute contrast circuit for 49 euros.
Which thermal spa near Madrid should you choose? For an afternoon, Thermas de Griñón: 3 hours for 39 euros, about 35 minutes from Sol. For real mineral water or with a toddler, Castilla Termal Olmedo, which has no minimum age. Both require booking, and Griñón only takes bookings by phone on 918 103 526.
Two rules settle most decisions. Griñón refuses children under 8 or shorter than 1.10 metres. It also charges 5 euros per person for each 15 minutes you stay past your exit time.
Griñón or Olmedo?
Griñón is a leisure spa rather than a spring. It has a large central pool, a glass lake, a flotarium, jacuzzis, a footbath and the Thermas Romanas, four themed pools named after the Mediterranean, the Cantabrian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Dead Sea. A Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath complete it. Olmedo is the classic balneario. Its Patio Mudéjar circuit alternates pools at 38 and 20 degrees with a hammam at 42 degrees and 100 % humidity.
Thermas de Griñón prices and hours
| Ticket | Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 12-entry pass | 420 euros | Transferable |
| 6-entry pass | 220 euros | Transferable |
| Over 65 | 35 euros | 3 hours |
| 2-hour pass | 33 euros | Starts at 19:00 weekdays, 20:00 Saturday, 13:00 Sunday |
| Morning entry | 33 euros | Monday to Thursday, not holidays, in before 12:00 |
| General entry | 39 euros | 3 hours, changing time included |
From Monday to Friday it opens 10:00 to 21:00, and Saturday is the long day, 9:30 to 22:00. On Sundays the Balneario closes at 15:00, so a 3-hour visit must begin by noon. Lockers take 1-euro coins, which keeps your wallet and phone safe while you swim. Changing rooms are mixed, with private cubicles.
Getting there from Madrid
Neither spa sets out a bus or train route on its website, so treat both as driving trips. A car is easy for Griñón, about 35 minutes from the centre without traffic, but Madrid’s low-emission rules apply when you leave and come back.
Those rules are covered in renting a car in Madrid. If you pick up a hire car at the airport after a morning flight, Griñón still fits the same afternoon. Olmedo means close to four hours of driving in a day, so it pairs better with a night away; weekend trips from Madrid has ideas.
What you may not like
Griñón is not a natural spring, whatever the name suggests. Olmedo is a long round trip for a short soak. At Olmedo, the Balneario charges non-guests a 40-euro deposit for the robe and towel, kept only if they are not returned. Cancelling a treatment less than 24 hours before costs 50 %.
If you would rather stay in the city: the best spa in Madrid, the Arab baths, day trips from Madrid and Madrid with kids.
Thermal spa questions
Are there natural hot springs near Madrid?
The closest thermal day out is a spa, not an open-air spring: Thermas de Griñón, 33 km from Puerta del Sol, with ozonised water rather than spring water. Castilla Termal Olmedo, 146 km away, does use mineral-medicinal water.
Can I reach Thermas de Griñón without a car?
Neither spa sets out a public transport route on its website, so plan on driving or a taxi. Griñón is about 35 minutes from Sol without traffic. Remember Madrid’s low-emission zones if you rent a car.
Can children go to thermal spas near Madrid?
At Castilla Termal Olmedo, yes, at any age: children up to 12 pay from 32 euros and under-3s need swim nappies. Thermas de Griñón does not admit children under 8 or under 1.10 metres, and allows at most three children per adult.
What is the cheapest way into Thermas de Griñón?
The morning entry, Monday to Thursday except holidays and before 12:00, costs 33 euros for 3 hours. A 2-hour pass is also 33 euros, with fixed start times. Over-65s pay 35 euros, and a 12-entry pass works out at 35 euros a visit.
Do I need a swim cap at Thermas de Griñón?
Yes. A swim cap is compulsory for the whole circuit and shower caps are not accepted. The spa sells caps for 3 euros and rents towels for 3 euros. Latex slippers come with the ticket.
Near Madrid, the thermal day out is a drive: choose by the age of your youngest and the hours you will spend on the road.