El Baño de Comares, Granada

CC BY-SA 3.0 / AdriPozuelo

The Baño de Comares, or Baths of Comares, form one of the most fascinating and historically significant areas of the Palacio de Comares in the Nasrid Palaces. Built under Yusuf I, these Turkish-style baths preserve the full structure of a medieval Islamic hammam—something found nowhere else in the western world. Although usually closed to visitors, they can be partially viewed from outside and stand as one of the best places to visit in Granada for understanding daily life, ritual cleanliness, and royal privacy. They are also often visited on walking tours of Granada where the guide explains how the sultans and, later, the Catholic Monarchs used these luxurious private baths.

The baths follow the classical Roman model adapted to Islamic culture, with a sequence of cold, warm, and hot rooms; resting chambers; underfloor heating ducts; and ceilings pierced with star-shaped skylights. Despite centuries of damage and restorations, their layout and atmosphere remain remarkably intact.

History and Significance of the Baño de Comares

The baths were built in the 14th century between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones. They served not only hygienic and spiritual purposes but also social and ceremonial ones. Cleansing was an essential religious rite in Islamic culture, and hammams played an important part in daily life throughout Granada.

After the Christian conquest, the baths became the private bathing area of the Catholic Monarchs and were known as the Royal Baths. Their continued use meant the structure survived, even though many decorative elements were replaced or altered. Over time, other public hammams in Granada disappeared or fell into ruin, making the Baño de Comares uniquely valuable today.

Things to See and Do in the Baño de Comares

Visitors today cannot usually enter the baths, but much can be seen from the gallery overlooking the structure. The layout follows the Roman thermal sequence:

The Sala de las Camas (Apoditerium) is a two-storey resting and changing hall reached from the Patio de los Arrayanes level. At its centre is a fountain surrounded by columns, with alcove beds where bathers lounged. The king is said to have watched his wives from the upper gallery during certain ceremonies.

Moving deeper into the bath suite, the frigidarium (bayt al-bārid) acted as the cold room, followed by the warm tepidarium (bayt al-wasṭānī), a spacious chamber with triple horseshoe arches. The final room, the caldarium (bayt al-sajūn), contains basins for hot and cold water and evidence of the original copper boiler that heated the complex through underground channels.

The ceilings of the warm and hot rooms are perforated with star-shaped skylights, once fitted with coloured glass. These controlled both light and steam, opened or closed by bath attendants to regulate the environment.

How to Get to the Baño de Comares

The Baño de Comares lies between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones, accessed from the Lindaraja Courtyard. The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Travellers can reach Granada easily via its main railway station, with frequent links to Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, follow the Ronda Sur to reach the Alhambra’s official parking before entering the complex on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Baño de Comares

• Suggested tips: Since the baths are usually closed, use the external gallery viewpoint and study the architectural sequence with the aid of maps or diagrams.
• Best time to visit: Morning, when light filters through the courtyard and offers the clearest views.
• Entrance fee: The El Baño de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
• Opening hours: For opening times of the El Baño de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.
  Entrance to this part of the Alhambra is usually restricted and cannot be visited during the ordinary visit of the Alhambra Complex. It may also be included in the "Space of the Month" program, where it will be open one month of the year.
• Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/bano-de-comares
• How long to spend: 10 minutes from the viewing area.
• Accessibility: Certain viewpoints require climbing steps and navigating narrow passages.
• Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located elsewhere in the Alhambra complex.
• Photography tip: Aim your camera upward to capture the star-shaped skylights of the steam rooms.
• Guided tours: Some specialist tours include detailed explanations from the external viewpoints.
• Nearby food options: Cafés near the Palacio de Carlos V.

Where to Stay close to the Baño de Comares

For a memorable stay within the Alhambra grounds, choose Parador de Granada. Steps away from the Nasrid Palaces, Hotel America offers traditional charm. For modern comfort near the entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is another excellent choice.

Is the Baño de Comares Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially for travellers interested in Islamic architecture, bathing traditions, or palace life. Although interior access is restricted, even seeing the preserved layout from outside reveals the sophistication of Nasrid engineering and royal culture.

FAQs for Visiting the Baño de Comares

Can you enter the Baño de Comares?
No, access is restricted, but parts can be viewed from an exterior gallery.

What makes these baths unique?
They are the only fully intact medieval Islamic baths in the western world.

Where are the baths located?
Between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones, accessed via the Lindaraja Courtyard.

Nearby Attractions to the Baño de Comares

• Patio de los Arrayanes: The reflective heart of the Comares Palace.
• Palacio de los Leones: The private palace of the Nasrid royal family.
• Lindaraja Courtyard: A serene garden near the entrance to the baths.
• Alhambra Museum: Displays artefacts from the Royal Baths and other palace areas.
• Sala de las Camas: The resting chamber at the entrance to the bath suite.

The El Baño de Comares appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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