Balnea Thermal Circuit in Archena

The Balnea circuit is the part of the Balneario de Archena designed for alternating heat and cold. It covers about 3,000 m² inside the complex, separate from the large thermal pools, and you enter in two-hour sessions with limited numbers. It is used both by guests of the three hotels and by people who come on their own for the day from Murcia.

From the Estufa Archena to the igloo

The route has no fixed order, but the idea is to move from a hot area to a cold one and rest in between. This is what there is, with the temperatures published by the spa:

• Estufa Archena: a steam sauna at about 50 °C, with more than 90% humidity.
• Saunas at different temperatures and humidity levels.
• Counter-current pool, at 32 °C, for swimming against the jet.
• Natural lemon essence pool, at 34 °C, with bubbles and a waterfall.
• Flotation pool, at 34 °C and with 80 grams of salt per litre: your body stays afloat without any effort.
• Cold water pool, at about 20 °C, for after the steam room.
• Igloo, an ice cave at about 2 °C.
• Walking corridors with hot and cold water, for your legs.
• Rest areas with heated loungers and infrared.

Two hours is enough for two or three unhurried rounds. If you have never done a contrast circuit, start with the warm pools, spend only a short time in the steam room and do not skip the rest.

Five sessions a day

Sessions start at 10:15, 12:30, 15:00, 17:15 and 19:30, and each lasts two hours: the last one ends at 21:30. The website recommends booking because numbers are limited; you can do so on the spa's own website or on 968 68 80 22. From 17 to 27 May 2027, both days included, the circuit is closed, while the rest of the spa stays open.

€30 on weekdays, €40 on Saturdays

According to the 2026 price list PDF, a session costs €30 from Monday to Friday excluding public holidays, and €40 on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and long weekends. Hotel guests pay €25 and €35. The combined ticket with the whole day at the Spa Piscinas Termales costs €46 on weekdays in low season, €50 on weekdays in high season and €64 at weekends. If you plan to come back, there is a pass for five Balnea sessions for €120, valid for six months from Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

There are also massage packages in which the circuit lasts an hour and a half, such as the Balnea for couples (€61 per person on weekdays). Check carefully how long each one includes before you buy.

Under 14s go to the pools

Children under 14 are not admitted, and those aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. For the rest of the thermal area the spa requires a swimming cap, swimwear and flip-flops; towels or bathrobes are brought with you or hired at the pool entrance, and it is worth bringing a padlock for the lockers. Food and drink may not be taken in.

If you are travelling with small children, the plan is for them to stay in the thermal pools with one adult while the other does the session, and then swap. For a meal without leaving the grounds there is the Restaurante del Agua.