Balneario de Alhama de Granada

Balneario de Alhama de Granada is a thermal spa and historic bath house in Alhama de Granada, a town about 50 km from Granada city, roughly one hour by road, in Andalusia, Spain. The spa stands at Carretera del Balneario s/n, 18120 Alhama de Granada, and the town itself is built above a gorge, the Tajo de Alhama, with views over the river canyon from the old town. Alhama takes its name from the Arabic word for baths, and its hot springs have been used since antiquity and during the Moorish period, which gives the balneario an unusually deep historic setting. The spa uses natural thermal spring water at around 40 degrees Celsius in its pools and circuit, so the experience is that of a genuine hot spring rather than heated tap water. The ambience is a quiet bath house in a small town, a calm alternative to the busier city spas of Granada. Facilities include the thermal pools and a spa circuit, along with massage, and the property offers hotel accommodation, so many visitors stay overnight and make a short retreat of it. Aggregator listings show double rooms from about $210 (~€183) per night, although thermal water access and hotel packages vary, so current prices should be confirmed by phone. Treatment names and therapist training are not documented in detail, and visitors seeking a particular therapy should ask when reserving. Booking norms are important here: the thermal pool is not open all year, so the season and whether non-guest day access is offered should be confirmed by phone on +34 958 35 00 11, or through the spa's site, balnearioalhamadegranada.com. Walk-in access should not be assumed. Visitors can drive or take the Alsa bus from Granada, checking timetables on alsa.es. Swimwear and sandals are advisable. A visit combines naturally with a walk through the old town and the gorge viewpoints, where the clifftop setting is the town's main sight. Autumn to spring is the most comfortable period for a hot-spring soak, when cool air contrasts with the warm water. Access arrangements for visitors with reduced mobility should be confirmed in advance, as the town is hilly and the bath house is historic.