European spa towns have a mineral rich tradition of wellness. The ancient Greeks bathed in thermal waters, using their healing properties to alleviate a variety of ailments from skin conditions to anxiety. Subsequent centuries have seen opulent thermal spas flourish across Europe. These destinations are idyllic for wellness getaways amidst iconic cultural landscapes. Here are some of the best spa towns in Europe!
1. Bath, England
Bath is often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the United Kingdom. The charming southwest English town was founded during the 1st century AD by the Romans. They utilized the natural hot springs to create a thermal spa. The historic Roman Baths are a well-preserved thermae with nearly 2,000 years of history, making it a popular museum.
Bath offers a modern thermal spa with sweeping views overlooking the lovely town and rolling green hills surrounding it. The well preserved Georgian architecture in Bath have made the town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jane Austen was inspired by Bath and visitors can plan to have high tea at the Jane Austen Centre.
2. Baden bei Wien, Austria
Baden bei Wien translates to “Bathing Near Vienna.” The charming spa town is located just 15 miles (24km) southwest from Austria’s capital. Baden bei Wien is Austria’s lone destination among the Great Spa Towns of Europe, which encompasses 11 inspiring spa towns that are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baden bei Wien offers an ideal spa getaway, amidst fantastic art, inspiring music, delicious gastronomy and fun outdoor activities. Lovely Kurpark features free daily orchestra performances in summer. Hiking and biking trails lead to Kalvarienberg, a hill where the park morphs into the Vienna Woods. For those that enjoy gaming, Baden Casino is the largest in Austria.
The spa culture of Baden bei Wien has been a popular draw for centuries. Therapeutic relief in an inspiring setting made it a favorite getaway and workplace for famous composers like Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss. Baden was also a favorite summer resort for the Hapsburg family, making the town a ‘Spa of Emperors.’
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary is known as Spa City. Home to more medicinal thermal baths than any other capital city in the world, the impressive Hungarian capital rests atop 123 thermal springs. Roman settlers built the first spa baths, and the tradition continued through the Ottoman occupation. The tradition has evolved to offer a blend of modern amenities inside historic centuries old facades.
Budapest is home to 9 bath houses and a bevy of massage parlors around the city. Four of the most popular baths are Szechenyi, Rudas, Gellert and Kiraly.
Nestled along the Danube, Gellert Spa dates to 1918 and is attached to the Gellert Hotel. Gellert Spa is the most centrally located of Budapest’s baths, just across the bridge from Central Market.
Rudas Thermal Bath is one of the oldest bath houses in Budapest, with over 450 years of history dating to the Ottoman Empire. Their rooftop thermal pool offering sweeping views of beautiful Budapest.
The Neo-baroque Szechenyi baths is another favorite amongst Budapest spas, dating to 1913. The palatial complex encompasses 18 medicinal natural hot spring pools, 10 saunas and steam cabins, massage therapies, facial treatments, and even a Thermal Beer Spa.
4. Loutraki, Greece
The cradle of western civilization, Greece is an idyllic destination for sun kissed beaches, an excellent culinary scene and inspiring history. With a backdrop of gorgeous landscapes, it is also a fantastic country for natural thermal spas and springs.
Just an hour from Athens, nestled along the scenic Gulf of Corinth, Loutraki is one of the best spa towns in Greece. The picturesque seaside town is located in the same spot as the ancient commune of Thermae. 3,000 years ago the ancient Greeks bathed in the thermal waters to heal and rejuvenate their bodies.
Today visitors will find state of the art facilities at Loutraki Thermal Spa. Large indoor and outdoor thermal pools feature waterfalls and jets to massage your body with healing water. Alternate between the warm and cold pools for maximum results in reducing stress, improving blood circulation and treating other ailments. Then enjoy the sauna and Hammam steam bath Hammam, followed by a Greek culinary journey in a delectable Loutraki restaurant.
5. Spa, Belgium
Located in the forested Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, Spa is a popular draw for its thermal waters packed with minerals. In fact, its name has been inspiration for many “spas” that have followed since contributing the name to English vocabulary. Bottled Spa water is also ubiquitous on grocery store shelves throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
A prestigious thermal resort since the 16th century, Spa, Belgium has remained a popular destination for leisure and wellness for centuries. Along with spa facilities, the town’s fascinating museums, the world’s oldest casino and a bevy of events make it a popular tourist draw.
The Thermes of Spa combine traditional hydrotherapy with modern wellness. Peat baths and balneotherapy treatments are among the wellness features. Whether you are relaxing or consuming Spa’s mineral rich waters, you are aiding the hydration and rejuvenation of your body.
Europe Spa Towns Recap
Europe offers an abundance of fantastic spa towns that can rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters, perusing fine galleries, admiring striking scenery, or savoring delicious local cuisine, there are a wealth of highlights to discover and enjoy. Other great spa towns in Europe include fantastic destinations like Baden-Baden, Germany; Vichy, France; Karlovy Vary, Czechia and Montecatini Terme, Italy. These picturesque towns are ideal for romantic couples trips, family getaways and even solo wellness journeys.
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