El Bañuelo is a public bath-house of the 11th century on the Carrera del Darro in Granada, Andalusia, and one of the oldest and best-preserved Arab baths in Spain. It was built in the Zirid period, before the Alhambra, and it follows the Roman bath plan of a cold room, a warm room and a hot room arranged one after another. Horseshoe arches stand on reused Roman and Visigothic capitals, and the vaulted ceilings have star-shaped skylights that let in light. The hot room kept its original water-heating system, with a furnace and boiler on one side. A small courtyard with a pool is at the entrance, and the baths are close to the Darro river. The visit is short and can be combined with a walk along the Paseo de los Tristes and the Carrera del Darro. Entry is paid or free with the Granada Card, and information boards are in Spanish and English.
| Admission | About €3 (~$3.45) adults; check the Junta de Andalucía or the Granada Card for free categories |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun about 09:00–14:30 (hours vary by season); closed Mondays |
| Typical visit | 20–30 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; the baths are small |
| Getting there | Walk along Carrera del Darro, 8 minutes from Plaza Nueva |
| Address | Carrera del Darro, 31, 18010 Granada, Spain |
Location
Carrera del Darro, 31, 18010 Granada, Spain
37.1782, -3.5917 View on map
Highlights
- Star-shaped skylights in the vaulted bath rooms
- Horseshoe arches on reused Roman capitals
- Original furnace for the hot room
- 11th-century bath complex beside the Darro river
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Casa de los Tiros and the Carrera del Darro walk
- Check the opening days before going
- Go early; the rooms are small
- Wear shoes with grip, floors can be wet
- Tickets are sold at the entrance
When to visit
Weekday mornings.
Accessibility
The entrance has steps and the rooms have uneven floors; wheelchair access is limited.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors bathe here?
No. It is preserved as a monument; commercial bath houses elsewhere in Granada offer bathing.
Is it open on Mondays?
Usually not; check the posted hours.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes.