Hamam activities in Europe
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A
Yeni Kaplıca
On the northwestern side of the Kültür Parkı, the Yeni (new) bath was renovated in 1522 by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent's grand vizier, Rüstem Paşa, on the site of a much older bath built by Justinian I. Besides the Yen bath itself, you'll also find the Kaynarca (Boiling) baths, limited to women; and the Karamustafa baths, with facilities for family bathing. Last admission is at 10pm; the full massage costs TL25 per half-hour.
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B
Eski Kaplıca
Perhaps the most attractive bath is the beautifully restored Eski Kaplıca on Çekirge's eastern outskirts, managed by the Kervansaray Termal Hotel next door. The bath is done out in creamy marble and the hot rooms have plunge pools. The cost includes soap, shampoo, sauna and massage.
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Armutalan Hamamı
Supposedly the second-biggest in Turkey, the enormous Armutalan Hamamı lies behind the government hospital just off Datça Caddesi, about 2km west from the town centre. Go after 6pm when the hamam is empty of tour groups. There's a frequent free shuttle service (Armutalan No 4) to and from the Tansaş Shopping Centre.
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C
Şengül Merkez Hamamı
There are several hamams east of Opera Meydanı, including Şengül Merkez Hamamı, which has separate sections for men and women.
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D
Sekiz Direkli Hamamı
Six hundred metres west of the Çarşı Camii, this is Trabzon's best Turkish bath. The rough-hewn pillars – 'Sekiz Direkli' translates to 'Eight Columns' – date from Seljuk times, although the rest of the building has been modernised. A few of the creaking old-timers who work here appear to be only slightly younger. They're damn strong though. Expect a very robust massage.
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E
Balık Pazarı Hamamı
Kaleiçi is a great place to experience the joys of the traditional Turkish bath, most notably at the 700-year-old Balık Pazarı Hamamı where a bath, a peeling, and a soap and oil massage costs TL35 (TL13 for a bath and scrub only). Separate sections for men and women.
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F
Sefa Hamamı
The atmospheric Sefa Hamamı retains much of its 13th-century Seljuk architecture. A bath here costs TL15; it's TL35 for the works. Separate sections for men and women.
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G
Hacı Hekim Hamamı
Situated near the Kulaksız Cami, this 16th-century hamam charges TL40 for the full works.
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Meydan Hamam
The Meydan Hamam in central Trabzon is clean and efficiently run, but not as atmospheric as the Sekiz Direkli. The women's entrance is around the corner.
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Naib Hamami
Recently restored, this elegant hamam is immediately north of the citadel and provides spa and massage sessions.
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Gedikpaşa Hamamı
Another Ottoman-era choice, the Gedikpaşa Hamamı has been operating since 1475. Its interior isn't as beautiful as those at Cağaloğlu and Çemberlitaş, but services are slightly cheaper and there's a small swimming pool.
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