To escape from the city try an Arabic Bath or a Casa Rural

Arabic Baths, Hammams

Not quite sure what to do on a rainy day in Granada? We've got the perfect solution. Warm up at one of Granada's several Arabic baths, or Hammams. Escape from the outside world and indulge yourself by spending a quiet afternoon in an authentic Moorish bath. Move freely from hot, warm to cool bathing areas, and enjoy complimentary mint tea. Some baths even offer massages at an additional cost.

Hammams have a long history in Spain, dating back to the time when homes didn't have running water and the public baths were used for personal hygiene. In the Arabic world water symbolizes purity, and the ritual of bathing was seen as both a physical and spiritual cleansing. Today the baths here in Granada somewhat resemble a spa with an Arabic touch and are a perfect way to rid yourself of all stress. The traditional way of bathing involves three pools with different water temperatures. To not shock your body you first bathe in the warm pool, then move to the hot one to release all muscle tension and later for muscle tone plunge into the cold pool.

The baths have a maximum number of reservations per day so you can rest assured it won't be overcrowded, and most provide towels, robes and/or slippers. Bring your bathing suit and reserve a morning or afternoon session. For starters, some of the well-known baths in Granada are: Aljibe de San Miguel, Hammam Al Ándalus and Baños de Elvira Spa. Prices range from €18-22 per person for a 2-hour session. The average cost of a basic massage is €10 extra. And additional services such as chocolate massages, exfoliations go for around €50 including the bathing session.

Casas Rurales

Looking for something different than the usual hotel or hostal stay? Try something a bit off the beaten path and treat yourself to a 'casa rural', or country house, on the outskirts of Granada. Take your pick from any of the quaint 'casas rurales' and spend a quiet weekend uninterrupted by the hustling city life. Gather around the fireplace in winter or lay out by the pool in summer, and bring your friends or family as most houses offer beds for six or more people.