The best spas in Thessaloniki belong to a tradition with a very long history. Since Roman times, luxurious public baths have been a part of urban life here. The tradition continues today, with a great variety of spas. You can experience a historic Byzantine bath, have an authentic Turkish bath treatment, or explore an array of specialized massages and body treatments at a chic urban spa oasis.
In visiting one of the best spas in Thessaloniki, you share in the city’s centuries-long tradition of indulgence and wellness. It’s a great way to relax, and also to experience local culture.
Related post: The Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: Sights, Activities, and Cultural Experiences
The Historic Spas of Thessaloniki
In fact some of the city’s most beautiful monuments are historic spas. There is the UNESCO Word Heritage monument the Byzantine Baths, as well as the Bey Hamam, or ‘Paradise Baths’ of the 15th century. There is also the “Yahudi Hamam” – or ‘Jewish Baths’ right in the city center, and the ‘Geni Hamam’ – or ‘New” baths – both from the 16th century. Dating from even earlier are the ruins of Roman baths – in the crypt of Agios Dimitrios, in the Roman Agora, and in the Galerian complex.
The Best Spas in Thessaloniki in the Ottoman Tradition – Turkish Baths in Thessaloniki
A Turkish Bath – Hamam or Hammam- is a very specific ritual, and a wonderful indulgence that now belongs to Thessaloniki’s cultural heritage. After you relax in the warm steam, a killed attendant will buff you smooth with a Kese – a pleasantly rough Turkish bath mitt. It’s like a gentle massage that leaves your skin glowing. Then, you will be covered in a dense cloud of foam and bubbles of white soap and enjoy a massage of sweeping motions over your buffed and slippery skin. It’s very had not to sigh out loud.
Visit one of these beautifully appointed baths for a historic and luxurious experience.
Polis Hammam – An Authentic Turkish Bath
This gorgeous marble bath of two domed chambers is as exotic as it is beautiful. Wearing an authentic peshtemal – Turkish bath towel – you’ll recline on a heated marble slab to enjoy the warm steam a you wait for an attendant. The sound of water, flowing from ornate taps into beautifully hammered metal bowls, is hypnotic. Afterwards, recline in luxury on silk pillows, as you sip hot tea from a glass and revive yourself with a loukoumi – a sweet and fragrant Turkish delight. You’ll find a full description of the Polis Hammam experience here.
The Polis Hammam, in Kalamaria (not a 10 minute taxi ride from the center), is open every day of the week, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. +30 2310 488 216
Hammam Baths Thessaloniki, at the Makedonia Palace Hotel: One of the Best Spas in Thessaloniki
The most glamorous of Thessaloniki’s fabulous five-star hotels, the Makedonia Palace recently had a massive renovation. The Hammam Baths are a new addition. The spacious and elegant all marble baths are modern, yet rich in traditional Ottoman details. The atmosphere is wonderful, and you can choose from an impressive list of treatments, classic and deluxe. In addition to the authentic Turkish bath experience, you can also experience a variety of massages, from the Ancient Greek Malachi massage to a Hanakasumi massage from Japan. Relax with a Turkish-style tea afterwards.
Hammam Baths Thessaloniki, Makedonia Palace Hotel, on the seafront east of the White Tower. Open Monday – Friday, 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. +30 2310 810 081
Best Spas in Thessaloniki: A Historic Byzantine Spa Experience
In the suburb of Lagada is a truly extraordinary spa. Travelers throughout the centuries rave about the properties of the Therapeutic waters. These natural therapeutic springs flow at a cozy 39 degrees Celsius. And the setting is extraordinary; two pools dating from the Byzantine Era. The Mygdonia pool is from 1400 AD, and the Justinian Pool is from 900 AD. For both quality of water and beauty of facilities, this is one of the best spas in Thessaloniki.
Men and women bathe separately, in bathing suits. The use of the pools alternates between men and women day by day. There are also private whirlpool bath facilities, and massages for an additional price.
The clean facilities include changing rooms and showers, but no lockers – you can leave valuables at the desk. Bring your own towels, bath shoes, hair dryer, and anything else you think you might need.
The baths cost just an astonishing 6 euros.
The Lagada baths are open daily, from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm. The pools are open in the evening for private parties by reservation.
Related post: Lagada Baths: Experience Historic Byzantine Baths at Loutra Lagada
Eastern Spa Experiences: The Lotus Oriental Spa
For an exotic spa experience that draws on Eastern traditions, visit the Lotus Oriental Spa in the heart of downtown Thessaloniki. Here, you can enjoy a complete ritual experience that includes a steam bath, body scrub, and massage. They also offer expert massages, including aromatherapy massage, Balinese massage, Thai massage, and reflexology, as well as facial and body treatments.
The Lotus Oriental Spa is right of off Tsimiski street on Grigoriou Palama. It’s open Monday – Saturday, 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm. +30 2310 225 200
Best Spas in Thessaloniki for All Around Pampering
Thessaloniki has a number of full-service urban spas that are ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating session. These offer beauty treatments, massages, and facilities for relaxation such as steam baths, saunas, and whirlpools. Here are the best rated among them.
Atmosphere Spa
This chic spa offers a splendid range of full-body treatments, facials, and massages. These can be combined with session in the sauna, hamam, or whirlpool. The spa area with the sauna, hamam, and whirlpool can be booked privately for individuals or couples. A full massage menu offers a variety of specialized massages.
Atmosphere Spa is on Tsimiski Street in downtown Thessaloniki. 2310 283 999. Monday – Saturday, 12:00 – 10:00 pm, Sundays 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Soul Senses
At Soul Senses, you can unwind in the sauna before selecting from a menu of massages. Additionally, here you can experience cupping therapy. This traditional therapy uses suction to encourage blood flow and alleviate pain. It’s not necessarily for everyone – do read up on it befoe booking a session. But some people find it effective and pleasurable.
Soul Senses is on Agias Sophias Street 37, by the church of Agia Sophia. 2314 009 929. Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Best for Excellent and Inexpensive Massages – Le Massage
If you are just looking for a massage, Le Massage is the perfect spot. This innovative massage care center offers just massages, but amazingly cheap massages – many for just €10. Trained professionals administer a full menu of massages, including head massages, facial massages, foot massages, and reflexology. This is in addition to a host of choices of back, neck, and fuull body massages, including Thai oil massage, and a massage of four hands. The spare and simple setting – located in the heart of downtown on Tsimiski – is clean and cheerful, with private rooms and one room for couple’s massage.
Le Massage, Tsimiski 42, 2310 286 454. Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 om, Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
