Above: Hot spring at Hammam al Ándalus, Madrid

A Hammam Experience in Madrid

Hot spring at Hammam Al Ándalus, Madrid

The Moors founded Madrid at the end of the ninth century on the banks of the Manzanares River. The etymology of the name is disputed, but one plausible version is that it stems from the Arabic maǧrà (“water” or “stream”) or majrit (“spring” or “fountain”). Majrit was Romanized as Magerit in the first documented name of the place. Moorish culture, in particular its fascination with water, left a deep and enduring imprint on the city. Today, Madrileños still love the rituals of a North African hammam.

Cold spring at Hammam al Ándalus - Manu Torres
Hot spring at Hammam al Ándalus - Manu Torres

These are offered with great expertise at the Madrid branch of Hammam al Ándalus, located a five-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor on Calle de Atocha. (The company also has luxury spas in Granada, Córdoba, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca.) This immaculate and professional spa offers traditional Moorish hammam treatments in an atmospheric space of great beauty and serenity. The menu evolves with the seasons, but we particularly enjoyed the Midra treatment, which includes a full-body exfoliation, a steam room session and a massage with aromatic oils.

Hammam al Ándalus
Calle de Atocha 14, Madrid. Tel. (34) 91-429-9020

Join Andrew Harper today to continue reading our exclusive content.
Above: Hot spring at Hammam al Ándalus, Madrid

Read More from Our Trip:

An Excursion to Cáceres, Spain Madrid’s New and Reinvented Grand Hotels Favorite New Restaurants in Madrid