b>Publicly Accessible Hot Spring in Almeria Province
Within the Almeria region, an entire hot spring is completely free for anyone to use. It’s nestled in a lush environment full of trees and green foliage. Nearby, a selection of restaurants and bars cater to visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the public.
- Location: Almeria Province
- Accessibility: Free to all visitors
- Surroundings: Trees, greenery, restaurants, bars
Highlights
Enjoy a natural hot spring paired with nearby dining options, all fully open to the public.
A free hot spring
Discover Balsa de Cela Thermal Springs
Prime Location
Positioned 3.5 km north of Tijola, Balsa de Cela lies on the edge of Lucar municipality, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitor Highlight
- Natural Thermal Pool attracts both locals and tourists.
- Serves as a municipal pool with nearby bars and restaurants.
- Surrounded by beautiful scenery, enhancing the overall experience.
Experience Summary
• Free access to the thermal spring
• Ideal for relaxation and recreation
• Amenities include bars, restaurants, and scenic backdrop
Located in the province of Almeria
Hot Springs near Tijola and Lucar
Location and How to Find Them
On the way from Tijola to the village of Cela, a clearly marked sign leads straight to the fountain known as La Fuenta. The road is well signposted, making the hot springs easy to locate.
Natural Flow and Temperatures
- The spring releases water continuously at a flow of 42 litres per second.
- Water temperature stays comfortably between 22 °C and 24 °C, varying slightly with the season.
Spas and Surroundings
The spring has created a reservoir shaped like a pool, called Balsa de Cela. The body is split, with one half belonging to Tijola and the other to Lucar.
Celebrations on Saint John Night
According to MyAlmeria, the thermal pools are the perfect destination for Saint John Night. On that evening:
- Visitors from many places gather, lighting bonfires and savoring sardines.
- Music fills the air, and at midnight, dozens of people share a refreshing bathe.
A large, open pool
Reservoir Overview
The reservoir occupies a 50 by 50 meter square, with water depths ranging from half a meter to two metres. It has undergone several upgrades and expansions over time, the most recent enhancement taking place in 1996.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 50 × 50 metres
- Depth: 0.5 – 2 metres
- Recent Upgrade: 1996
- Pool Floor: Rocky surface
- Adjacent Lawn: Meticulously maintained
- Visitor Activity: Laying towels, reclining, sunbathing
Visitor Experience
On the well-kept lawn beside the rocky pool floor, many people lay out towels and recline to soak in the sun. The lawn’s meticulous maintenance ensures a pleasant setting for sunbathing and relaxation.
Beneficial to all
The Cela Spring Fuels Three Neighboring Towns
How the Waters Reach Each Municipality
The spring’s rich loam nourishes the surrounding landscape, and its waters find their way to the communities of Tijola, Lucar and Armuña.
Municipalities Benefiting from the Spring’s Flow
- Tijola – receives a portion of the spring’s nourishing stream.
- Lucar – obtains a segment of the water’s distributive system.
- Armuña – gains a share of the spring’s vital moisture.
Rich in History
The Cela Hot Springs
Historical Usage
The springs were traditionally a cattle watering spot and were mentioned by Romans when speaking of the “richness of the hot springs of the then Tagilitana Republic” according to the Andalucia tourism site.
Medicinal Properties
The Cela spring is reputed to have healing effects for a variety of ailments. Locals of Tijola and the surrounding region regularly bathe here for its restorative benefits.
Local and Tourist Popularity
- Residents of Tijola favor this bathing spot for its therapeutic qualities.
- During the summer months the springs attract many tourists, making it a bustling destination.
