Hamam in Side

• Complimentary pick-up from your hotel in Side to the hammam facility
• Relax in a traditional Turkish sauna (dry heat)
• Enjoy time in a steam room, which is beneficial for breathing
• Full-body peeling with a special Turkish "kese" mitt for deep skin cleansing
• Soothing foam massage with natural olive soap
• 20-minute full-body massage with natural aromatic oils
• Clay face mask application for a rejuvenating and toning effect
• Resting period after the treatments, followed by return transfer to your hotel

The Turkish Bath in History and World Culture

The Turkish bath, known as the hammam, is a centuries-old tradition that holds a special place in world culture. Originating from the bathing practices of the Roman and Byzantine eras and later embraced by the Ottoman Empire, the hammam became more than just a place to wash; it evolved into a social and therapeutic ritual woven into daily life. In the past, these bathhouses served as important community centers – people would gather not only to cleanse and relax, but also to socialize, celebrate special occasions, and even prepare for weddings. Over time, the fame of the Turkish bath spread far beyond the Middle East. Travelers from Europe and around the globe have long been fascinated by the hammam’s exotic allure and health benefits. Not only tourists, but locals too continue to visit hammams regularly as a way to cleanse and rejuvenate. From grand historical bathhouses in Istanbul to modern spa centers in resorts, the hammam remains an integral part of Turkey’s wellness culture. Today, experiencing an authentic Turkish hammam is considered a must-do when visiting Turkey. It offers a unique blend of cleansing, relaxation, and a glimpse into a rich historical heritage. When you step into a hammam, you are truly stepping into a living piece of history that has been pampering people for generations.

The Side Hammam Experience: What to Expect

On our Side Turkish Bath tour, you get to immerse yourself in this timeless ritual in a modern, comfortable setting. Side, a beautiful coastal town with ancient roots, offers excellent hammam facilities designed for tourists and locals alike. Here’s how your family-friendly hammam experience will unfold:

Sauna and Steam Bath

Upon arrival at the hammam, friendly staff will welcome you and guide you through the process. You’ll change into your swimsuit (and optionally wrap in a traditional cotton towel called a pestemal) in the clean changing rooms, securing your belongings in a locker. The experience begins in the sauna, a room of dry heat where you sit or lie down on wooden benches. The high temperature helps your body unwind and starts to open up your pores. After about 10-15 minutes in the sauna, you’ll move to the steam room. This is a humid, mist-filled chamber where the heat is moist. Breathing in the steam deeply can clear your airways and is very beneficial for your respiratory system – you’ll notice it’s easier to breathe as the warm vapor soothes your sinuses. This combination of dry and wet heat fully warms up your body and softens your skin, perfectly preparing you for the next phase of the hammam ritual.

Scrubbing (Kese) and Foam Bath

After the sauna and steam, your skin will be ready for a thorough exfoliation. You will lie down on a warmed marble platform (often called the göbek taşı or “belly stone” in Turkish) in the bath hall. A professional attendant (tellak for men or natır for women) will perform the scrubbing using a special rough mitt known as a kese. This part of the hammam is truly unique – the kese mitt removes layers of dead skin and impurities you didn’t even know you had! Don’t be alarmed if you see gray rolls of dead skin; that’s a sign the treatment is working. The scrubbing is firm yet can be adjusted to your comfort. As the attendant works from head to toe, you’ll feel your circulation improving and your skin starting to breathe. Once the peeling (scrub) is finished, it’s time for a delightful foam bath. Using natural olive oil soap, the attendant creates clouds of soft, soapy foam and massages it over your body. You’ll be covered in airy, white bubbles from neck to toe. This soapy massage is incredibly soothing – as the attendant glides the foam over you, they perform light massage strokes that relax your muscles. The natural olive soap cleanses your skin deeply while also moisturizing it. Many guests find this portion the most relaxing and even fun, often describing the sensation of lying on warm marble under heaps of foam as being “on a cloud”. After you’re fully lathered and at ease, the attendant will rinse you off with warm water, washing away the suds (and stress) and leaving your skin feeling unbelievably soft and clean.

Aromatic Oil Massage and Relaxation

With your skin now silky smooth and your body fully unwound, the hammam experience continues with an aromatic oil massage. You’ll dry off briefly and then, either in a private massage room or on the warm marble, a trained masseuse will give you a full-body massage lasting about 15-20 minutes. This isn’t a deep-tissue therapy but rather a gentle, calming massage to cap off the cleansing ritual. The masseuse uses natural aromatic oils – often infused with soothing scents like eucalyptus or lavender – which not only make the massage more enjoyable but also hydrate your skin. As the pleasant aroma surrounds you, the therapist works on your back, legs, arms, and neck, easing any remaining knots or tension. By this stage, you’ll likely feel completely at peace, with loose muscles and a calm mind. After the oil massage, you can continue to relax in the lounge area of the hammam. Wrap yourself in a clean towel or robe and take a seat to cool down. Many hammams offer a cozy corner where you can sip on a cup of Turkish tea or water (rehydrating is important after sweating). You might chat with your family or simply close your eyes and enjoy the post-massage bliss. Once you feel ready, you’ll change back into your clothes. The hammam staff will bid you farewell, and our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. From start to finish, the Side Turkish Bath experience lasts roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, leaving you feeling refreshed, renewed, and utterly pampered.

Massages and Therapeutic Benefits

The combination of treatments you receive in a Turkish bath is not only about indulgence – it also offers a range of health benefits for your body and mind. The sequence of sauna and steam opens up your pores and helps detoxify the body through sweating, which can improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension even before the scrubbing begins. The vigorous full-body scrub with the kese exfoliates dead skin cells, accelerating skin regeneration and improving skin texture. The luxurious foam wash that follows rinses away impurities and stress alike, leaving you feeling light and mentally refreshed. Finally, the aromatic oil massage soothes your muscles and infuses your skin with moisture and nutrients from natural oils. Many visitors even report sleeping better and feeling more energized in the days following a hammam, thanks to the stress relief and improved circulation it provides.

Our professional massage therapists are trained in traditional Turkish bath techniques as well as modern wellness practices, and they pay close attention to your comfort throughout each step. If you prefer a lighter or stronger massage pressure, or if you have specific areas that need attention, you can let them know. We aim to tailor the experience to each guest as much as possible. For example, if you have muscle aches from travel or activities, the masseuse can focus on those areas during the oil massage to help relieve soreness.

Family-friendly service: One of the best parts of our Side Turkish Bath is that it’s a family-friendly environment. People of almost all ages can enjoy the hammam, and our team ensures everyone – from kids to seniors – feels comfortable. If you’re visiting with children, they will likely be fascinated by the bubbles and enjoy the foam massage section (what kid doesn’t like playing with soap bubbles?). Our staff can adjust the scrubbing intensity for younger or sensitive skin, and the sauna or steam time can be shortened if needed for little ones. The family can stay together during most of the procedures, making it a wonderful bonding activity. It’s not unusual to see parents and kids all smiling after the bath, comparing how soft their skin feels! We take pride in offering a welcoming, clean, and safe atmosphere where families, couples, and solo travelers alike can relax without worries. In addition to the standard hammam program, you may be offered some extra spa services at the bath for an additional fee. These could include a longer massage, special face masks, or other treatments. While completely optional, they are available if you decide to indulge in more pampering. Rest assured, the core experience is delightful on its own, and there is no pressure to buy any extras.

Side Turkish Bath Prices

We strive to offer the Side Turkish Bath tour at a great value so that everyone can enjoy this rejuvenating experience. The price you pay covers everything in the standard hammam program described above. There are no surprise costs for the included services – the sauna, steam bath, body peeling, foam massage, oil massage, clay mask, and use of the hammam facilities (towels, lockers, etc.) are all part of the package. Additionally, the tour price includes the convenience of round-trip hotel transfer from your accommodation in Side and insurance during the journey and bath. Our goal is that you can simply relax and enjoy, knowing that all the essentials are taken care of in one price.

The Side Turkish Bath experience is not only enriching but also quite affordable. Side Turkish Bath Price: per person. This rate is often lower than what a similar spa treatment at a hotel would cost. Considering it includes transportation and a full two-hour spa ritual, it’s a fantastic deal for anyone looking for quality and comfort. We also welcome children on the hammam tour – families often find this experience worth every penny because everyone comes out happy and refreshed. (Children may get discounted rates depending on age; you can ask us about current child pricing when booking.)

Please note that while the standard hammam activities and amenities are covered, any personal expenses or special extras are not included. For instance, if you would like a drink or juice at the hammam, you can purchase it on-site. Also, as mentioned, any extra massages or spa treatments beyond the included massage would be at an additional cost. These extras are entirely optional – you’re free to enjoy the full program without any add-ons. Our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what’s included from the start, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

After rejuvenating at the Turkish bath, you might want to try another family-friendly activity in Side. For a change of pace, consider a Side Fishing Tour (TR | RU), where you can enjoy a fun day of fishing on the Mediterranean Sea.

In summary, the Side Turkish Bath tour is a must-do if you’re visiting the region and want to immerse yourself in Turkish culture while treating yourself to deep relaxation. This family-friendly hammam experience will leave you feeling cleansed, rejuvenated, and at peace. It’s an opportunity to step back in time through a traditional ritual while enjoying modern comfort and top-notch service. Don’t miss the chance to loosen up your body and unwind your mind in an authentic Turkish Bath – it might just be the most relaxing day of your vacation!