ASPA International

Loulé Islamic Baths - Contrast Bathing

08 October, 2025

If you happen to visit Loulé, the Islamic Baths are an absolute must-see. Hidden in the old town are the beautifully preserved 12th-century baths. They once stood at the city gate, welcoming travellers in search of purification, rest, and social connection.

The baths today, offer a fascinating glimpse into how wellness was practised long before the word even existed.

What makes them truly special is their use of contrast bathing — moving through hot, warm, and cold rooms as part of a ritual to cleanse, restore, and revive. It is remarkable to think that what we now call contrast therapy has been part of human culture for centuries.

Visiting the site feels like stepping into the origins of spa design, where community, ritual, and wellbeing met in perfect harmony. A timeless reminder that true wellness is not a modern invention but a tradition with deep and enduring roots.