The Best Arabic Baths In Andalusia

Five centuries after the Catholic monarchs closed down all the Arab baths in Spain, Hammam Al Ándalus in Granada was the first to reopen, back in 1998. Housed in a 13th century building, on the site of an original ancient hammam, it has of course been rebuilt, modernized and updated, but still manages to retain its old world charm. It’s a maze of hot and cold pools, steam rooms and hot stones, and chill out lounges. The ambiance here is almost magical, decorated with Islamic-inspired geometric tiles, Arabic arches and columns adorned with carvings. Lie back and float in hot pools, sip sweet mint tea in the chill out lounges and enjoy a thorough massage scrub with red grape soap.

Located in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Seville on the site of an original Moorish hammam, Aire de Sevilla is housed in a 16th century palace. Comprising three rooms decorated with Arabic lamps, star-filled domes and intricate lattice windows, it offers a hot bath, cold bath and warm bath, as well as salt bath, hot tub and relaxation room. Therapeutic treatments such as aromatherapy, mud baths, scrubs and peels are also available.

Situated right next to the famous La Mezquita mosque-cathedral, Córdoba’s Arabic baths are the largest in Europe. Like the other Hammam Al Ándalus baths, it’s decorated in the lavish Arabic style with ornate marble columns, graceful arches and intricate carvings. Spend your time here relaxing in pools of varying temperatures before enjoying a massage with essential oils of rose, orange blossom, lavender or red amber. For rejuvenation try the traditional kessa scrub with red grape soap.

Located next to the remains of the old Arab wall in the center of the city, Hammam Al Ándalus Malaga takes inspiration from the old Nasrid palaces, resulting in a luxurious old world experience. Star-shaped skylights, vaulted ceilings, colorful mosaics, elegant columns and period music all add to the ambiance. With five spas of varying temperatures, steam rooms, relaxation lounges and massage suites, it’s ideal for unwinding in a stunning, serene space.

With relaxing rooms of terracotta shades, tranquil pools and mint tea lounges, Jerez’s Hammam Andalusí is the perfect chill out zone. Unlike many of the other spas on the list, it also offers set lunches and dinners, as well as a rooftop garden. Enjoy a one-and-a-half hour bath session on its own or combine it with a massage or aromatherapy. They also offer specialist treatments such as Secrets of the Dead Sea, hot argan oil or volcanic mud.