One of my favorite things to do in Granada is just relax. In addition to the beautiful history, free tapas and amazing wine, there are several great spots to go to simply recharge your batteries. They’re called hammams and are basically different pools and saunas. You can also get a massage while there too. Granada’s arab baths are an experience you don’t want to miss out on.
In Granada, there’s one big hammam that is the most famous. However what many people don’t know is that it’s one of several places you can go. They all have different prices, so you can opt for a less expensive one if you’re on a budget. Being who I am, this blog was was an excuse to try them all out myself. So slowly but surely, I went to all the different arab baths in Granada. So here we go.
1. Hammam al Andalus
This is likely the most famous one in Granada. It’s located right in the center of the city, so it’s easy to walk to if you’re also staying at an airbnb, hotel or hostel in the center of the city.
I went to this one a little over a year ago with my friend Karla. You of course wear your own bathing suit. They give you towels and if I remember correctly flip flops as well. It was 30 euros when I went, but according to their website the price for the baths is now 35 euros. You can also add an a massage or other services for a bit more. The Hammam al Andalus also has locations in Málaga, Madrid and Córdoba in case you’re visiting these cities instead and still want to treat yourself.
This hammam had a series of hot, warm and cold pools. They only let a certain amount of people in the place at a time and tell people to talk quietly if they’re loud. I love that as my intention of going to a hammam is to relax.
2. Baños de Elvira
This one was the most affordable of them all. It’s only 20 euros to experience the baths. However when I went, I immediately saw why it’s less expensive. It’s simply smaller than the Hammam al Andalus.
I went with three friends of mine and had an absolute blast. There was a nice sauna, a big warm bath and a cool bath. You’re supposed to dip in the cold bath and then go to the hot one. I hadn’t quite worked up the courage to do this yet.
You will want to make a reservation at this one. Make sure to check out their website here.
3. Aljibe de San Miguel
These baths are in the middle as far as price and quality. They were 26 euros. They also offered massages for a bit more. I did find that there were more baths than the Baños de Elvira, but there wasn’t a sauna which was kind of a bummer. It was here that I really tried the dipping into the cold thing. I find that I just have to force myself to do it.
Here’s their website.
4. Balneario de Lanjarón
This one is not in the city center of Granada. In fact, it’s a good hour away. However if you fancy a getaway to the mountains, this is a perfect thing to add to your itinerary.
I went about a month ago to the thermal baths. It was 25 euros and it included a luke-warm pool, a hot pool, a cold pool and a sauna. It was definitely a relaxing thing to add to my solo trip away.
Go treat yourself to one of Granada’s arab baths
A weekend in Granada should absolutely include a trip to one of these places. You deserve to treat yourself!
Have you ever been to a spa in Europe? What was it like?
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