Balneario de Lanjarón (Aquatherma), Spain

A structured thermal circuit at the gateway to the Alpujarra

Balneario de Lanjarón is a classic Andalusian spa complex in the town of Lanjarón, set on the edge of the Sierra Nevada area and often treated as the “start” of the Alpujarra. The modern, day-visitor version is Aquatherma Lanjarón, a timed hydrothermal circuit built around pools, contrast elements, and steam and dry heat rooms.

What Aquatherma includes, verified

The Aquatherma page lists multiple stations: a 30°C “water bar” pool (1.10 m deep), an active pool at 28°C (1.20 m deep), a 34°C jacuzzi, plus a steam bath listed at 45°C and a dry heat cabin with benches at 30°C, 60°C, and 90°C. Sessions are listed as 60 minutes, which keeps the experience moving and reduces the temptation to overdo heat.

A small detail that changes your packing

The thermal area rules state a swim cap is mandatory for the thermal circuits. Bring one, or plan to buy one on site, and your entry will go much smoother.

Where it is
Balneario de Lanjarón is at Avda. de Madrid 2, 18420 Lanjarón, Granada. It’s in town, so you are not hiking to reach the facility.

Getting there
Drive-up access with short walking on arrival. Lanjarón sits on mountain approach roads, so even though the spa is “easy,” your comfort depends on weather and timing. In winter or heavy rain, allow extra time and arrive with dry footwear so you are not starting the circuit stressed.

Hours
The thermal area page lists balneario hours as 10:00–14:00 and 16:30–20:30. Plan your day around that split, it’s easy to misjudge and show up during the closed mid-day gap.

Reservations and on-site rules
The thermal area page says you need to reserve a time at reception for any treatment or technique, and it states a swim cap is mandatory for the thermal circuits. If your visit hinges on a specific time, contact the spa before you arrive.

What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, sandals for wet floors, and a swim cap. Add a warm layer for after soaking, and a small dry pouch for valuables so you are not handling a phone with wet hands.

This is best for travelers who want a predictable, timed thermal circuit in a mountain-town setting, without needing a resort overnight. It suits people who like a “do the circuit, then leave pleasantly tired” kind of plan.

Families
Family friendly in a practical way. The Aquatherma page frames the circuit as designed to enjoy solo, as a couple, as a family, or with friends, and it publishes child pricing for ages 6–12. Still, the circuit includes higher-heat rooms, so families do best when they treat those rooms as optional and keep kids on gentle stations only.

Couples and friends
Good for couples who want a contained, calm hour together. Friends can enjoy it too, just keep the volume low inside so the shared rooms stay relaxing.

Mobility realities
No hike, but expect wet tile, steps into pools, and multiple transitions in a short time window. If you have balance limitations, move slower and skip stations that feel cramped or slippery. It’s better to do fewer elements comfortably than to rush the full list.

Wheelchair expectations
I’m not claiming wheelchair access or step-free water entry without a current, explicit access statement from the operator. If you need step-free routes, ask specifically about entrances, lifts, accessible changing rooms, and whether any pools have ramped entry.

Expectations vs reality
This is a timed circuit with rules (including the swim cap). If you go in expecting a free-form soak day, it can feel constrained. If you go in expecting a well-run circuit, it tends to work nicely.

Heat pacing is built in, use it
A 60-minute session helps keep things reasonable, but you still control how hard you push the heat rooms. Start with pools first, then try steam or dry heat in short bursts. If you feel lightheaded, step out, cool down, and drink water.

High-heat rooms are optional, especially for kids
Aquatherma lists a dry heat cabin with benches up to 90°C and a steam bath at 45°C. Those can be intense. If you are visiting with children or you are heat-sensitive, it’s completely fine to skip the hottest stations and focus on the pools and gentler contrast steps.

Swim cap and wet-floor habits
The thermal area rules state a swim cap is mandatory for circuits. Bring one so you’re not scrambling at reception. Wear sandals outside the water and walk slowly, wet tile and steps are the most common place for slips.

Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone keeps the circuit flowing. Don’t linger in doorways, keep bags out of walkways, and give others room to exit. In hot rooms, quiet voices make the space feel calmer for everyone.

Kind cautions
If you’re pregnant, heat-sensitive, or managing cardiovascular concerns, keep sessions conservative and skip strong hot-to-cold contrasts. A gentler circuit is usually the most enjoyable one here.

What are the thermal area opening hours?

The thermal area page lists hours as 10:00–14:00 and 16:30–20:30. Plan around the mid-day closure gap so you don’t arrive at a locked door.

Do you need a reservation?

The thermal area page says you need to reserve a time at reception for any treatment or technique. If you are traveling on a tight schedule, contact the spa ahead of arrival.

Is a swim cap required?

Yes. The thermal area rules state a swim cap is mandatory for the thermal circuits. Bring one, or plan to buy one at the thermal reception.

How long is an Aquatherma session?

The Aquatherma page lists sessions as 60 minutes. It’s a timed circuit, so arrive early enough to change without stress.

Can children use Aquatherma?

The Aquatherma page presents the circuit as suitable for families and lists child pricing for ages 6–12. For comfort, keep kids on gentler pool stations and skip the highest-heat rooms.