When we talk about Granada, the first thing that comes to mind is the great Arab culture of the city. The main element that is most cared for in this culture is water, as the Koran says: “The throne of God is in the water at the moment of Creation: He is the one who created the heavens and the earth in six days, having his throne in the water. Living beings are born from it, from which it is inferred that it is prior to creation and the origin of life”.
En este post podrás leer:
What Arab Baths are there in Granada?
The Arab baths are also known as Turkish baths or hammam ( حمام). It is an inheritance of Roman baths that were included in the Islamic culture. They are based on a form of a steam bath for cleansing and relaxing the body. Being a public place, they were used as a place for social gatherings and as a ritual of hygiene.
In Granada, we can find five Arab baths that will surprise you with their architectural beauty. Take some time to relax during your stay in the city!
Hammam Al-Andalus.
After five centuries since its closure, the first Arab bath in Spain was inaugurated in 1998. It is a 13th century building at the foot of the Alhambra, behind the church of Santa Ana. Situated in an idyllic location for our guided tour of Sacromonte and Albayzin.
After numerous excavations and the discovery of numerous wells, it was discovered that there was an original Hammam. Numerous geometric mosaics, columns with arabesque motifs, arches and vaults have been used to recreate this place.
Aljibe San Miguel.
Another cultural and leisure alternative that also takes care of our body is the Aljibe San Miguel. We can enjoy its Nasrid decoration while we relax in the hands of its masseurs.
These baths recover a tradition of more than 10 centuries in which a new concept of bathing is offered. This hammam offers a double benefit, a corporal benefit due to the combination of temperature and smells. And on the other hand, an emotional benefit obtained by an atmosphere that transmits relaxation through all the elements.
Another advantage is its location, very close to the centre. It is only 350 metres from Plaza de la Trinidad and 250 metres from Plaza de Gracia.
Arab Baths Palace of Comares.
The largest set of palaces in Granada, the Alhambra, also had Arab baths, and nowadays we can find an exact replica in the Hotel Maciá Real de la Alhambra.
To get to these baths we need a means of transport, it can be: the city bus line 33, our own car, or a rental car (we can also go by taxi, although the price can be high). We give you this recommendation because this place is situated between Granada and Cenes de la Vega, on the Carretera de la Sierra.
Elvira Baths.
Between the Cathedral and the Puerta de Elvira, next to the Gran Vía de Colón street, we find these Arab baths designed to produce relaxation through the water.
With water and aromas, this place manages to create relaxation and wellbeing for our body and mind. In addition, the decoration of the place reminds us of the Nasrid architecture, which takes us into the essence and Moorish culture.
Take advantage of these baths to enjoy the guided tour of the Cathedral and Chapel, you won’t find a better offer!
Hammam Al-Haram de Santa Paula.
With a history of more than 500 years, this building has undergone numerous reforms and remodelling. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence that this place, in the 14th century, was used to supply water to the area. It is therefore said that it may be one of the 23 Arab baths that existed in Granada.
Al-Haram is located in Calle Santa Paula, just 100 metres from Granada Cathedral.
What are the timetables?
All the Arab baths we are recommending have a total duration of 90 minutes (one and a half hours).
The five Arab baths we have presented are open every day, from Monday to Sunday including holidays.
The first two have sessions every two hours, starting at 10:00. The only difference is that Aljibe San Miguel has the last session at 22:00, while Hammam Al-Andalus has it at 24:00.
The Arab Baths of the Palacio de Comares offer sessions from Sunday to Friday in two shifts, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00. On Saturdays, on the other hand, they have an uninterrupted timetable from 10:00 to 22:00.
The Elvira Baths are open only in the afternoon, from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. They offer 6 different session times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:30, 19:00, 20:00, and 20:30.
Finally, the Hammam Al-Haram de Santa Paula is open from Monday to Thursday afternoons, from 16:00 to 22:00, and from Friday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00. These baths offer a night session on Fridays and Saturdays, from 22:30 to 01:15.
What to bring?
The only thing you need to bring to these baths is a swimming costume or a bikini, it is an essential item as it is within the basic rules of all the baths.
Another element that we should not miss is a pair of flip-flops, as in some spas we are obliged to wear them. And we will need them to enter the changing room.
A must-have accessory is a scrunchie for those with long hair. It is not necessary to wear a cap, it is enough just to tie your hair up.
It is not necessary to bring a towel, as each client will be given a towel in all the baths.
What to do in the Arab baths?
In all the Arab baths we can take a basic bath. This bath consists of a tour of the client’s choice through rooms that vary between hot and cold water.
We can also include massages, from the most basic with essential oils only, to more complex massages in which the traditional Kessa, exfoliating massages, toning massages, relaxing massages, soothing massages and purifying massages are performed.
What is the minimum age?
Depending on the hammam, there is a different minimum age, generally between 6 and 12 years old. All must be accompanied by an adult who is in charge of them.
Children under 6 years of age are not allowed in Hammam Al-Andalus. If they are between the ages of 6 and 17, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They must sign a responsibility sheet beforehand.
In Aljibe San Miguel the minimum age is 10 years old. Minors must be accompanied by an adult between the following hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00, and Friday to Sunday from 14:00 to 16:00.
As in Aljibe San Miguel, the Elvira Baths are not open to children under 10 years of age.
Finally, in Arab Baths of the Palacio de Comares and in Hammam Al-haram de Santa Paula, children under 12 years of age are not allowed to enter.
But don’t worry, if you are going with children, you can make the most of the time by taking our tours of Granada! Here you can discover our magnificent Free Tour, led by the best guides in the city.
Arab Baths with hotel in Granada.
In Aljibe San Miguel we can find some flats to spend the night, and in the Elvira Baths, we have the Arteaga Hostel.
Finally, the Arab Baths Palacio de Comares is located in the Hotel Macià Real de La Alhambra, a three-star hotel. This hotel is located close to the Alhambra, so we recommend our tour to the Alhambra, no waiting, no queues!
We provide you with the regulations and timetables as normal. Please bear in mind that due to the health crisis we are currently experiencing, these may be modified and some toilets may even be closed.
