Being one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, it's no surprise that there is such a huge variety of gay bathhouses to choose from in Barcelona.
The fascination with hot, steaming rooms dates back to the bathhouses which could be found all around Europe in medieval times. Back then, people would go to saunas to bathe, socialise and unwind. At one stage, they even began to believe saunas held magical powers. With that idea put out into the universe, the Church quickly turned around and said a big hell-no to sauna use, which led to the closure of many bathhouses across Europe.
Over the past century, saunas have grown more popular than ever, particularly within the gay community…what could be better than a boiling room, filled with steam and guys just hanging out? They've become an important staple of the LGBTQ community, a safe haven where you can come for action and to explore your envies or simply just to chill.
The gay scene of Barcelona in “Gaixample” (pronounced “gay-shample”) is vast, brimming with many queer hangouts and of course, plenty of gay saunas. Why they are so popular here is mainly a result of the intense recession the country has faced over the past decade. This led to high unemployment rates, particularly among young guys, who as a result of this have had to live with their parents to save money, making it hard to bring back a date (or two!). Hence the rise in demand for gay saunas across the city.
In this guide, we've put together the 6 best gay saunas in Barcelona to check out where you can connect with locals, bears, otters or whatever and whoever takes your fancy!
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Sauna Casanova: most popular sauna
Now don't get lost within the twisting corridors of Sauna Casanova…
Filled with young gay guys looking to play and socialise, the sauna Casanova has many pockets to explore. From the adult media streaming room, where you can get it on with a loved one, to the darkroom, wherein lies mystery and allure. Private rooms are available – with some even harbouring a delightful swing for you to play on…we wonder what kind of fun activities one could have on one of those eh?
As well as a bar, Sauna Casanova has a gorgeous pool that sits in the centre of the main room. With soft orange lighting, golden speckled walls, crystal blue glass room dividers, and Roman-style pillars, the place took on a totally cultural inspired interior. If Julius Caesar had set up a disco-infused all-gay bathhouse, this would be it!
Sauna Casanova gets busiest during the middle of the night, between 2-6am, so if you're going, make sure you're nocturnal.
With an €18 entry fee, the Sauna Casanova can be found at Carrer de Casanova 57, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Explore Barcelona's gay scene at night
Once you've relaxed in Barcelona's gay saunas you'll probably be re-energised and ready to hit the gay bars and nightclubs of Gaixample! You can join a Gaily night-time tour with a local guide to show you all the most hopping hangouts the city has to offer.
Sauna Barcelona: the latest hot sauna in town!
In what is probably the most popular sauna in the city rivalling Casanova, Sauna Barcelona pulls out all the stops and is a real people pleaser. This is one of the newest gay saunas in Barcelona and has quickly become one of the most popular, mainly because it has the largest gay hot tub in Europe!
To help with confusion when checking on Google Maps, its official name is “Sauna Barcelona Wellness Spa”.
There is a daily themed event here like foam parties, the “I love muscles” day, or the popular “Dia Joven” on Tuesdays which has free entry for under 25s. It gets particularly busy on weekends in the early hours after the clubs have closed, transforming into a sort of after-party, sometimes with DJs.
There is a huge mix of people, both locals and tourists. There are plenty of private cabins for you and a lover to sneak off to as well. If you can make your way through the labyrinth of holes in the wall and shower rooms, you can enjoy relaxation cabins that are truly de-stressing…but don't be afraid to peek into some of those holes on your way! After all, it's not just the finish line that matters, it's the journey…!
The Sauna Barcelona can be found at Carrer de Tuset 1, 08006, and is open 24/7. Entry varies on the day and time you arrive but isn't more than €20. Check their Facebook page for details of the latest offers available on entry. Watch this video to get a flavour of life inside Sauna Barcelona:
Sauna Condal: popular with the bear boys
Sauna Condal prides itself on being “the bear sauna”. Bear boys and their fans should definitely head here.
It's a very large sauna, spread over 3 floors. It also feels super unconventional compared to the rest. For starters, as you enter, you come face to face with a mountain goat…not what you'd expect to find in an all-gay bathhouse! Continue inside and you arrive in the video cinema room. Kick back and relax as a stream of hot content unravels on the screen.
Sauna Condal is mostly popular with the over 40s bear crowd. It tends to be a bit quieter during the day and weeknights. Stop by during the weekend, and you'll discover a whole different vibe! There are epic parties, a fun clientele and relaxing pools to dive into.
With an €18 entrance fee, Sauna Condal can be found at Carrer d'Espolsa-sacs, 1, 08002, just behind the corner at Carrier Comtal. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sauna Bruc: for older men
Sauna Bruc offers a fresh respite from the modern world. You'll be torn between wanting to soak in the bubbling jacuzzi or go straight for the steamy sauna. The Bruc blends both old and new design. With shiny walls and fluorescent blue seating, the sauna pulls in elements of classical design, with portraits of Roman statues and hanging plants dotted around the room.
This is a sauna more suited to an older crowd – particularly the over 50s crowd, making it a total silver fox haven!
When finished letting off some steam (get it…because a sauna has steam? You can't say you weren't expecting at least one steamy pun!), dive into the hydromassage pool. Relax your muscles whilst you swim, with these trickling and soothing waters. Or pop up to the bar for a drink and a natter with the friendly barmen.
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The first Saturday of every month sees the sauna throw a nudist party. Clothing is NOT optional, so if you aren't prepared to show it all off, then you best stay away. Although you obviously don't have to participate in any acts (!!!) if you don't wish to do so. Sometimes the fun is in just being nude!
At €12.80 per person, entry to Sauna Bruc is by far one of the cheapest in the city. The sauna is open every day from 11 am until 10 pm and is located at Pau Claris, 87.
Sauna Thermas: great if you're looking to hire a gentleman
Sauna Thermas welcomes you with open arms, an open heart, and a whole other sort of openings…!
This is one of the few places in Europe where you can meet and mingle with gentlemen available for hire in a secure environment. It might seem a bit intimidating to those who have never been in such a place before, but relax! The guys are super easygoing, and won't pressure you into doing anything you aren't comfortable with.
So if you were thinking that it would give off a Red Light District type of vibe, then you'll see you were mistaken. With options for private rooms, equipped with protection and lubricants, you'll never be made to feel unsafe. It's also squeaky clean here. Be wary though: if you do decide to hire a gentleman for a night, they will expect some tuppence; rumour has it they charge at least €50.
Plus, you don't even have to go to get with anybody. Like most saunas, there are spaces for you to just chill out, including a bar.
The entrance fee for Sauna Thermas is €18. It's located at Carrer de la Diputació, 46, 08015 and is open 24/7.
Sauna Galilea: one for the younger guys!
Sauna Galilea is a fun urban gay sauna spread out over four floors in the centre of Barcelona.
They have lots of great discounts on different days, often offering reduced entry for under 25s, guys between 25 and weekend specials. This place generally attracts a younger crowd with such good deals for young gay guys, although any age is welcome.
There's a Finnish-style sauna, as well as a Jacuzzi, cabins where you can have a massage, a small gym and TV rooms where you can relax with any new ‘friends' you might make. We particularly liked the blue-tiled shower rooms and the round windows in the Jacuzzi room that look like portholes in a ship. Hello, sailors!
Prices vary between weekends, weekdays and late night-entry, so you'll generally be paying between €10-€15. But if you're between 18-25 you'll only pay €5 and it's €8 for guys between 25-30. Sauna Galilea is located at Carrer de Calàbria, 59 and is open Monday to Thursday from midday until midnight.
Join a gay hike of the Camino de Santiago
The boys at Out Adventures are planning an all-gay hike along Spain's famous Camino de Santiago. The 100km trek will earn hikers their very own Pilgrim’s Compostela, a certificate of completion and the perfect souvenir for the excursion. The holy saunter is bookended with weekends in Madrid as well as time in Chueca—the capital's famously rowdy gay district. Olé!
For more inspiration:
- Read our bumper gay guide to Barcelona
- Also make sure to use our detailed LGBTQ guide to Sitges
- For more gay life in Barcelona, have a read of the best gay tours to do in Barcelona
- Also be sure to check out the best gay beaches of Barcelona, our favourite gay restaurants and the cool gay shops
- If you're heading there for Pride, don't miss our post about what it's like to experience Pride in Barcelona
- Use our guide to the best gay bars of Barcelona to discover the Gaixample area better
- Read about the best Pride events of Spain
- We also outline the best gay cities in Spain for an awesome party!
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michael
Sunday 9th of February 2020
Is there any way to contact "Stefan", whose photo is under the piece on Sauna condal? Thanks
Stefan Arestis
Sunday 9th of February 2020
That's me? :)