Modern Cesme spas and hammams (Turkish baths) blend relaxation, wellness, and historical charm. The history of hammams in Çeşme is deeply intertwined with the cultural and architectural legacy of the Ottoman Empire. At the same time, spas in the region have roots in the ancient use of natural hot springs and healing waters. Çeşme and the surrounding area have long been known for their natural hot springs and geothermal activity. The Greeks and Romans once inhabited this region and used these natural resources for healing and relaxation.
Table of Contents
Hammams in Çeşme
Çeşme Historical Parga Turkish Baths – Pargalı İbrahim Paşa Hamamı
Address: Musalla, 1015. Sk. No:15, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Hammam Website (no booking option). Tel.: 0549 127 3500. Opening hours are 11:00-20:00 (closed Mondays).
In 1528, the Caravanserai (100 metres northwest of the hammam) was built next to Çeşme Castle. Later, the hammam was built by Pargalı İbrahim Pasha by the order of Suleiman the Magnificent so that the soldiers and the people of the region could benefit. The hammam, which has been used for several centuries, had severely deteriorated and was extensively restored by Çeşme Municipality in 2016 and finally opened for public use in September 2023.
The hammam is under the operation of ÇEŞTUR A.Ş a Çeşme Municipality company. The 12:00-20:00 (except Mondays) schedule for access to the Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha Hamamı is listed on a sign outside as:
- For men: Tuesday & Thursday
- For women: Wednesday & Friday
- For families: Saturday & Sunday
- Monday: Closed
As of October 2025, the prices are:
| Hammam Service | TL Price* | Approx Euro* |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | TL 500 | €10 |
| Entrance & Scrub Fee | TL 750 | €15 |
The entrance fee includes one hour at the bath entrance, cabinet, relaxation areas, sunbed use, loincloth, head towel, and slippers. The scrub usually takes around 20 or 30 minutes. Unfortunately, no online booking is available, and it is advised that bookings be made by phone.
Hotel Spas with Hammams in Çeşme
Dulcis Thermal Spa & Hammam (Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Çeşme)
Address: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Çeşme, Altınyunus, 3435. Sk. No:25, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Spa Website.
The Dulcis Thermal Spa & Hammam at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Çeşme is a 3,500 m² wellness complex designed to blend thermal water traditions with modern spa experiences. The spa is positioned as one of the key features of the resort, drawing on Çeşme’s natural thermal springs and hammam culture while offering a luxurious environment for relaxation. Its design incorporates both Far Eastern influences and Turkish bath traditions, creating a tranquil atmosphere intended for both hotel guests and local members through various access programs.
Facilities include a large indoor thermal pool with hydrotherapy jet streams, a 1,000 m² outdoor pool, three authentic hammams, and several sauna options, including Finnish and dry saunas, as well as steam rooms. There are 21 treatment rooms for massages and body therapies, alongside a fully equipped fitness centre. The thermal water is naturally warm, around 37–40 °C, allowing for year-round use.
The spa treatment menu focuses on massages, hammam rituals, aromatherapy, beauty and skincare services, and wellness programs. Operating daily from morning to evening, Dulcis offers both scheduled and on-demand treatments, often requiring reservations during busier seasons. The hammam experience is central to the spa’s identity, although some visitor feedback notes variation in the depth of the traditional rituals offered. The facilities are complemented by a calm, resort-style setting and are positioned as a therapeutic retreat linked to Çeşme’s thermal heritage.
| Spa Treatments 1 | Minutes | TL Price 2 | Approx Euro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hammam Ritual | 45 | TL 3,650 | €75 |
| Balinese Massage | 50 | TL 4,000 | €80 |
| Thai Massage | 50 | TL 3,650 | €75 |
| Indian Head Massage | 40 | TL 3,300 | €65 |
| Ocean Mud Cure | 50 | TL 4,400 | €90 |
| Cold Marine Face Treatment | 60 | TL 4,000 | €80 |
Dulcis also runs a membership program for non-hotel guests, offering day passes as well as monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and annual memberships. These typically grant access to the core spa facilities, including the thermal pool, hammam, sauna, and fitness centre, with 20% discounts on spa treatments and select restaurants and bars.
| Membership 1 | People | TL Price 2 | Approx Euro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Month | Single | TL 25,500 | €550 |
| One Month | Couple | TL 45,750 | €950 |
| Six Months | Single | TL 84,000 | €1,750 |
| Six Months | Couple | TL 141,000 | €2,900 |
| One Year | Single | TL 165,000 | €3,400 |
| One Year | Couple | TL 266,500 | €5,500 |
Pürovel Spa & Sport (Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme)
Address: Celal Bayar, 5152. Sk. No: 43, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir, Türkiye. Spa Website.
Pürovel Spa & Sport at Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme is part of the hotel’s wellness and fitness offering and is based on Swissôtel’s international spa concept. The facility is built around the use of mineral thermal waters and includes ten treatment rooms, thermal and thalasso pools, and a range of standard spa and fitness amenities. It operates as both a guest facility and a membership-based wellness centre, providing access to water and fitness zones as well as treatment services.
The spa includes thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, a salt room, an ice fountain and relaxation areas. It also contains a gym with cardio and strength equipment, as well as dedicated spaces for yoga and Pilates sessions. These classes are offered individually or in groups.
Pürovel Spa & Sport offers a treatment menu covering massages, body care, facials, and hydrotherapy-based services. All treatments are provided in the on-site treatment rooms, and reservations are required during busy periods. The wet area and thermal pools can be used separately from treatments, depending on the type of access or membership. The spa indicates that it provides several tiers of access, typically including fitness, thermal and wet areas, and discounted treatments.
| Spa Treatments 1 | Minutes | Price Euro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hammam Ritual | 45 | €110 |
| Balinese Massage | 60 | €180 |
| Thai Massage | 60 | €200 |
| Relaxing Back Care & Massage | 60 | €115 |
| Seaweed Powder Body Wrap | 60 | €195 |
| Eye Contour & Relaxing | 45 | €218 |
The Pürovel Spa & Sport membership program at Swissôtel Çeşme is structured as monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month packages for individuals or couples. All memberships include unlimited access to the pool, beach, fitness centre, and wet areas such as hammam and sauna during operating hours, along with complimentary parking for up to four hours. Members also receive a 10% discount on regular spa treatments and on dining at hotel outlets, excluding alcoholic beverages. More extended memberships add benefits such as complimentary full-body massages, personal training sessions, and traditional hammam treatments, with the number of these benefits increasing with the duration of the membership.
| Membership 1 | People | Price Euro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| One Month | Single | €2,000 |
| One Month | Couple | €3,250 |
| Six Months | Single | €5,000 |
| Six Months | Couple | €9,000 |
| One Year | Single | €6,000 |
| One Year | Couple | €10,500 |
Spa Ilıca (Ilıca Hotel Spa & Wellness Thermal Resort)
Address: Altınyunus, 3443. Sk., 35930 Ilıca/Çeşme/İzmir, Türkiye. Spa Website.
Spa Ilıca is the central wellness facility of Ilıca Hotel Spa & Wellness Thermal Resort. It occupies approximately 3,500 square meters within the resort complex and features a range of hydrothermal and fitness facilities. The spa features an indoor thermal pool measuring 375 m² with a depth of 1.20 m, a thalassotherapy pool of 170 m² with a depth of 1.40 m, and an indoor children’s pool. Other facilities include a Turkish bath (hammam), sauna and a gym equipped for general fitness use. The spa’s water systems are directly linked to the Ilıca thermal springs.
The spa offers a structured treatment program covering massages, facial and body care, skin treatments, local therapy programs, and thermal-based treatments. Its services include targeted programs for muscle and joint discomfort, cellulite and anti-stress treatments, and general wellness therapies. These are conducted in dedicated treatment rooms within the spa facility and can be combined with hydrothermal use. Access to the pools and wet areas is provided to hotel guests, with certain treatments available at additional cost.
| Spa Treatments 1 | Minutes | TL Price 2 | Approx Euro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hammam Ritual | 45 | TL 3,000 | €62 |
| Balinese Massage | 50 | TL 3,700 | €76 |
| Thai Massage | 50 | TL 4,200 | €86 |
| Indian Head Massage | 30 | TL 3,000 | €62 |
| Sea Algea Body Treatment | 30 | TL 2,200 | €45 |
| Face Massage | 30 | TL 2,200 | €45 |
The thermal water used in the spa comes from Ilıca’s coastal hot springs, which naturally emerge at approximately 45 °C. A chemical breakdown of the water shows a total mineralisation of 39,947.82 mg/L. Main mineral constituents include sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), sodium chloride (NaCl₂), calcium bicarbonate (CaHCO₃), magnesium bicarbonate (MgHCO₃), and nitrate ions (NO₃). It also contains measurable levels of magnesium, iron, aluminium, sulfate, nitrate, hydrophosphate, and metasilicate acid. These characteristics classify it as a highly mineralised thermal water with saline and sulfate components.
According to the thermal water usage guidelines displayed in the facility, this water is used for therapeutic bathing and thalassotherapy applications. Documented health applications include supportive therapy for rheumatic and joint conditions, soft tissue diseases, post-orthopaedic rehabilitation, selected neurological conditions, and some dermatological and respiratory disorders when medically supervised. The water is not recommended for individuals with certain cardiovascular or infectious conditions, and there are restrictions for specific medical situations.
Palmet Spa (Altın Yunus Hotel & Spa)
Address: Altınyunus, 3215. Sk. No:38, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir, Türkiye. The Spa/Hotel website is currently not working.
Palmet Spa is located within the Altın Yunus Hotel & Spa complex in Çeşme. The spa is integrated into the hotel’s thermal and wellness facilities, operating as both a guest amenity and a public spa. It includes indoor and outdoor thermal pools, wet area facilities, and treatment spaces. The spa utilises the region’s natural thermal spring water, which is supplied directly to its pools and therapy zones.
The spa offers a range of treatment services, including massage therapies, body and facial treatments, hammam and sauna use, as well as targeted wellness programs. Wet-area facilities include a Turkish bath, saunas, steam rooms, thermal pools, thalassotherapy pools and relaxation spaces. These facilities are available to hotel guests as part of the resort stay, while specific treatments require reservations and additional charges. The spa also offers day-use packages and access options for non-resident guests.
| Spa Treatments 1 | Minutes | Price Euro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hammam Ritual | 30 | €75 |
| Balinese Massage | 50 | €85 |
| Classic Massage | 50 | €85 |
| Indian Head Massage | 30 | €75 |
| Algea Body Treatment | 30 | €75 |
The thermal water used in Palmet Spa comes from the local Çeşme hot springs. A chemical analysis of the water shows a total mineralisation of 43,546.3 mg/L. Major mineral components include sodium (8,262.146 mg/L), chloride (18,900.039 mg/L), sulfate (2,150.000 mg/L), bicarbonate (28.600 mg/L), metaboric acid (18.630 mg/L), and metasilicic acid (13.930 mg/L). Other detected elements include potassium, magnesium, iron, aluminium, zinc, bromide, fluoride, nitrate, hydrophosphate, and calcium. The mineral composition indicates a highly saline and mineral-rich thermal source. This water is used in the spa’s pools and baths for thermal and hydrotherapy applications, which are regulated by spa guidelines and medical suitability requirements.
Old Hammam Ruins in Çeşme
Şekerci Hammam (Ruins)
The ruins of Şekerci Hammam are on the hill on a 243 square metre plot, 100 metres southeast of Çeşme Castle. While there are no known written records regarding the hammam construction, it probably dates to the Ottoman period, and the proximity to the Şekerci Osman Ağa Mansion most likely dates to the 18th century.
Definition & Origins of Spa & Hammam
Spa, the acronym SPA from the Latin “Sonus Per Aqua,” “Salut Per Aqua,” or “Sanitas Per Aquas,” a combination of “Sanitas” – “Health” and “Aqua” – “Water” and translated as health from water, or health that comes through the water.
Hammam, meaning “bath” or “bathhouse”, derives from the Arabic H-M-M related to heat, also for al-ḥamma, meaning hot spring, passed through Persian to Turkish as Hamam. Public bathhouses were a prominent civic and urban institution in Roman and Hellenistic culture. They were found throughout the Mediterranean, remaining important in the cities of the early Byzantine Empire up to the mid-6th century. With the expansion of Arab Muslim rule through the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries, the emerging Islamic societies adapted the bathhouse to their own needs, specifically in the religious requirement to perform ablutions before praying and because of the Islamic emphasis on physical and spiritual purity.
Traditional Steps in Turkish Bath Ritual
Changing: Covering your body with a towel, undergarments, or swimsuit is mandatory. Men should wrap the peştamal (Turkish bath towel) around their waist and cover the lower half of the body, while women should wrap the peshtemal around their chest and keep the lower body covered. If you did not bring your own, waterproof slippers are provided, and the locker key should be tied to your wrist.
Washing & warming: The hot room sıcaklık (hot room) consists of marble walls and floors, the kurna (marble sinks) installed in the walls, and the central göbek taşi (literally “belly stone”) marble heated platform. You should use the hamam tası (metal bowl) to wash your body and lie down on the göbek taşi for about 20 minutes to warm, sweat, and allow your skin to soften.
Scrub: The tellak (men’s masseur) or natır (ladies’ masseur) will start to gently rub you with a kese (unique cotton or silk cloth/glove) to exfoliate the body’s dead skin cells, increase blood circulation, and revitalise the skin. During the scrubbing, your tellak/natır focuses on the hard points on your body; feel free to tell them if you feel overstretched or sore or if there are parts you don’t want them to scrub. When scrubbing is finished, be ready for a bowl of cold water to wash off.
Foam massage: After the scrubbing procedure is completed, the köpük masajı (Turkish foam massage) will begin. The masseur pours soapy water on your body, then starts by rubbing soapy water on it and moving their hands rapidly to make foam, gently cleansing and refreshing your body. After the foam massage, you may get a quick head wash and massage.
Drying and relaxing: A hammam ritual usually takes one hour, but if you want to stay longer, lie on the göbek taşı and relax. When you are done, the hammam attendant will give you a towel to dry before leaving. The relaxation ritual continues in the hammam lounge, where you can chill, drink tea, şerbet, or Gazoz soda pop, talk with others, or read.
See also: LikeCesme.com – Thermal Springs.