Looking for a spa getaway that won't empty your wallet? Europe's rich spa culture isn't just about luxury resorts and high-end treatments. Here are ten fantastic spa destinations that offer relaxation and wellness at surprisingly affordable prices.
1. Széchenyi Thermal Bath - Budapest, Hungary
Budapest-often referred to as the "City of Spas"-offers some of Europe's most accessible thermal baths at very reasonable prices. At Széchenyi, Europe's largest medicinal bath, visitors can enjoy a whole day at the spa for approximately €20-25. This striking neo-baroque building holds 18 pools of different temperatures, steam rooms, and saunas. For better value and fewer tourists, it is best to go in the mornings on weekdays.
2. Caldea - Andorra, Spain
Though Andorra may not be top of the list for spa breaks, Caldea certainly offers good value. This impressive glass-spired thermal spa in Escaldes-Engordany offers a 3-hour thermal circuit for a mere €35. Facilities include indoor and outdoor lagoons, Indo-Roman baths, and a range of saunas. Book online well in advance for the best deals.
3. Radhuspladsen Spa - Copenhagen, Denmark
This little Venice of a spa, hidden away in the heart of Copenhagen, offers day passes for as low as €30. While Denmark is usually off the radar for budget travelers, this public spa facility offers great value for money with its traditional Nordic sauna experiences, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. They offer special morning rates and student discounts.
4. Thermes de Spa - Belgium
Located in the town that gave us the word "spa," these thermal baths are surprisingly reasonably priced. Day passes begin at about €20, which grants visitors access to indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The recently renovated facility provides modern amenities while maintaining its historic charm.
5. Terme di Saturnia's Public Pool - Tuscany, Italy
While the resort itself is luxury-priced, the public thermal pool at Saturnia is free and open 24/7. These natural hot springs maintain a constant temperature of 37.5°C and are rich in mineral content. Bring your own towels and refreshments to save money. Go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
6. Bad Füssing - Bavaria, Germany
This spa town offers some of Germany's most budget-friendly thermal experiences. The communal thermal baths offer day tickets for a mere €15-20 or so to use their various pools with their different mineral compositions. The town itself is pretty cheap, too, with loads of cheaper guesthouses catering to spa visitors.
7. Hammam Al Ándalus - Granada, Spain
While not the cheapest on our list, this authentic Arabian bathhouse offers excellent value for money at around €35 for a basic circuit. The experience includes access to hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas in a beautifully restored traditional setting. Book midweek for better rates.
8. Salt Mine Health Resort - Wieliczka, Poland
This unique spa experience takes place in a historic salt mine near Krakow. Day visits cost approximately €25 and include guided tours and time in the underground therapeutic chambers. The microclimate is particularly beneficial for respiratory conditions. Combined tickets with Krakow city tours can offer even better value.
9. Piešťany Spa - Slovakia
Most of the options available in Slovakia's most famous spa town are rather affordable: public thermal pools and mud treatment facilities cost about €20-25 for a day visitor. Moreover, plenty of guesthouses in the area offer package deals that include accommodation and spa access at very reasonable rates.
10. Cross Bath at Thermae Bath Spa - Bath, UK
Thermae Bath Spa-although sometimes prohibitively expensive-offers another option with its Cross Bath, for £20 approximately, this historic open-air thermal bath provides an intimate setting in Britain's only natural thermal waters. It may offer reduced rates for booking some of the evening sessions.
Transportation & Car Rental Tips
While many European spa towns have good public transport links, the best way to see a number of them is by car. Here's the lowdown:
Rental prices tend to be cheaper for Eastern European countries, from €5-30 per day
Consider picking up from major cities rather than small spa towns for better rates. Most spa towns offer relatively inexpensive parking, but check ahead as some historic centres have restricted access.
Compare car rental prices here