Hidden Thermal Spring in Spain – Font Salada near Oliva

On our way back from Spain to Germany we discovered a place that felt like a real hidden gem.

Near the town of Oliva in the Spanish province of Valencia there is a natural thermal spring called Font Salada. The spring lies at the edge of the natural park Marjal de Pego-Oliva, a beautiful wetland landscape between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

What makes this place special is that the spring forms a small stone basin that is completely free and publicly accessible. There is no entrance fee, no spa infrastructure and no ticket office. Anyone can simply come here and enjoy the water.

^{I am sitting by the pool (left), on February 18, 2026.}

I visited the spring on 18 February during our return journey through Spain and decided to go for a swim. While the Mediterranean Sea nearby was still quite cold in winter, the water of the spring felt surprisingly pleasant.

The reason is that Font Salada is a natural thermal spring. The water temperature stays around 21–23 °C throughout the entire year, which makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing swim even in winter.

^{I wear swim shoes because of the stones at the bottom.}

The water itself is very clear because it comes from underground limestone aquifers in the surrounding mountains. Rainwater slowly filters through the rock layers, becomes mineralized and finally emerges here at the surface. The water also has a slight natural salinity, which is where the name “Salada” comes from.

The spring has been known for centuries and was already used during the Moorish period for irrigation and water supply. The stone basin that exists today was built much later by the municipality of Oliva together with local irrigation communities to protect the source and make it accessible.

Today Font Salada remains a simple but beautiful place where locals, cyclists and travelers stop for a swim or just relax at the water.

For me it was definitely a great discovery and a true hidden spot in Spain.

Greetings from
@germansailor

Photos: own work

[//]:# (!steematlas 38.92095543 lat -0.13386155 long A hidden thermal spring near Oliva (Valencia, Spain). The stone basin is freely accessible and the water stays around 21–23 °C all year. A perfect place for a relaxing swim, even in winter. d3scr)