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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jeremy Seal

The hamam – the Turkish Bath – is one of Turkey’s quintessential experiences: a deep cleanse, sweat-out, relax and (optional) heavy-duty massage all in one. Additional services include a massage and a rub-down with a kese (an abrasive glove), to remove layers of dead skin.

For the authentic experience, head to the local hamam. Most towns have one, many occupying historic buildings with elegant vestibules and changing cubicles where, swathed in towels, you can recover with a glass of tea. Many luxury hotels will also have a hamam, and offer a more personalised, private experience.

In the more touristy towns, hamams tend to be unisex, or at least include unisex times in their schedules. Elsewhere, there are separate exits, or schedules, for men and women.

Marble sink with metal jug in a traditional Turkish bath
Experience

Bodrum Hamam

Bodrum, Aegean Region, Turkey

Go for the full package – hamam, sauna, exfoliation, oil massage and water massage at this simple hammam opposite Bodrum’s bus station.

Best for ages: 13+ | £1

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Professional hamam worker touching the back of young lady while covering her with soap foam
Experience

Efes Selcuk Hamam

Selcuk, Aegean Region, Turkey

Re-opened in 2020 after a full re-modelling, this traditional working hammam offers an authentic, restorative experience.

Best for ages: 13+ | £1

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Dark marble bathroom with multiple sinks
Experience

Kusadasi Belediye Hamam

Kusadasi, Aegean Region, Turkey

An original 15th-century Ottoman hammam, offering a unique grape-seed exfoliation treatment, located close to the nightlife district of the town.

Best for ages: 13+ | £4

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Interior of Turkish bath hamam
Experience

Old Turkish Bath Boutique Hamam

Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey

An atmospheric and historic old town hammam, located in a warren of domes tucked away in the central Paspatur district.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

The hamam tends to intimidate first-time visitors to Turkey; and the way it works takes a little familiarisation. But hamam attendants are used to foreign visitors and will direct them through the process.

You’ll be given your own soap and allotted a cubicle, with key, for dressing and wrapping yourself in pestemel (towel) before you proceed, on wooden clogs provided, to the domed sweat room. Lie on the hot marble platform beneath the dome, then soap and sluice yourself down at the surrounding basins. Massages and kese glove rub-downs will be available on request, and at extra charge. When you’re done, an attendant will swathe you in fresh towels and leave you to recover in your cubicle.

Hamams, like Fethiye’s atmospheric Old Turkish Bath Boutique Hamam, tend to be located in town centres. Hours, prices and access for men and women vary.

When to do it

The hamam works regardless of the season, but optimally at day’s end, either in summer as a sweat cleanse or in winter as a warm-up.

It may pay to check with more touristy hamams whether a tour group is expected.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Nisanyan Hotel

Sirince, Aegean Region, Turkey

A unique and beautiful hotel, rich in character and in a memorable hilltop setting, which also offers a perfect base for visitors to nearby Ephesus.

Official star rating:

4Reasons Hotel

Bodrum, Aegean Region, Turkey

A convivial, stylish boutique hotel in quiet setting, with outstanding food. Conveniently located for Bodrum, and nearby attractions.

Official star rating:

Kempinski Barbaros Bay

Bodrum, Aegean Region, Turkey

The region’s stand-out luxury resort hotel, set in its own secluded bay. For those in need of serious pampering who also wish to be within reach of Bodrum’s city vibe.

Official star rating:

Macakizi Hotel

Golturkbuku, Aegean Region, Turkey

Bohemian-chic hotel and beach club, with excellent food, at heart of Turkey’s stand-out summer playground.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bodrum

Aegean Region, Turkey

A vibrant resort area with the buzzy town of Bodrum at its heart, and picturesque smaller resorts and villages strung out along the adjoining peninsula.

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Turquoise Coast

Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast offers an unbeatable mix of mountain-backed beaches, classical ruins and adventure activities, with superb food and delightful owner-run hotels.

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Overview >