Hedionda and the Roman Baths
Situated in the La Hedionda Valley, just behind Manilva, can be found Los Baños Romano la Hedionda, or the Hedionda Roman Baths.
Dating from the 1st century BC it is said that no less a person than Julius Caesar regularly took the waters, and cured himself of a skin complaint, during his period as Governor of Southern Spain in the middle of that century.
The water has a high sulphur content, which is particularly concentrated in the Summer months, turning the waters a milky colour, and the source is a number of springs which originate in the huge limestone ridge of the Sierra Utrera which runs behind the town of Manilva.
The baths are in a lovely spot, and can be very busy at the weekend with picnicers, but on a weekday you can quite often have them to yourself.
The baths original Roman construction can be plainly seen, but a modern roof has been installed as well as a basking area where you can take the sun in between plunges.
Although actually in the municipality of Casares the Roman Baths are actully much closer, and access is from, Manilva.
To get there take the Rio Manilva Road (turn off by the Gran Bar roundabout) follow the road past the new fairground until you come to the Toll Road bridge take the track on your right which takes you underneath the bridge (there is a bathing pool just to your right) follow the track as it bears to the left (don't cross the river) and then turns right (signposted restaurant Los Alamos) follow this track past the restaruant on your right and keep going - the track is suitable for most vehicles providing you take it easy!
Eventually you will come to the small church (Ermito San Adolpho) on an S-bend and a little way from here you will see on the right hand side down in the valley the white dome of the Roman Baths.
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