7 epic European destinations for a spa break in 2025

Jessica Baldwin

Jessica Baldwin

What better way to kick off 2025 than by planning an escape to one of Europe's best spa destinations? For centuries the weary have flocked to Europe's thermal springs, hoping to heal everything from gastritis to gout.

Europe's best destinations for a spa break
Europe's best destinations for a spa break © Mmphoto - Adobe Stock Image

But boy would the Romans get a shock if they rocked up to some of the continent's geothermal havens today, with the watery wellness retreats offering everything from beer baths and aquatic techno 'sparties' to adrenaline-pumping waterslides.

Whether you want to dance the night away in Hungary's healing waters, succumb to a sea of suds in a traditional Turkish hammam or connect with nature in the world's largest natural thermal lake, we have the perfect European destination for your New Year spa break.

Getting there: browse current offers on city breaks to many of Europe's best spa destinations* with easyJet holidays*.

Budapest, Hungary

Blessed with UNESCO sites, extravagant cafés and more thermal baths than any other capital, it's easy to see why Budapest* is such a hit with the weekend break brigade.

With more than 100 thermal springs feeding the city's bathhouses with warm, mineral-rich waters, they're said to help everything from hips to hangovers. Do them justice with a weekend of spa-hopping, or if you only have time for one, head to 'gram-worthy Széchenyi Baths.

The busy waters of Budapest's Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The busy waters of Budapest's Széchenyi Thermal Baths © Izabela23 - Shutterstock.com

Housed in a lavish neo-Baroque building in City Park, Europe's largest hot spring spa boasts 16 pools and various heat experiences. In winter, the outdoor pools let you bathe beneath the stars or, if you're lucky, snowflakes. Beware, Saturday night is 'sparty' night, so expect blaring techno and lasers galore.

Climate in Budapest

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
36°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Budapest36
41°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Budapest41
52°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Budapest52
63°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Budapest63
72°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Budapest72
77°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Budapest77
81°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Budapest81
81°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Budapest81
73°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Budapest73
61°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Budapest61
46°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Budapest46
37°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Budapest37
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
12 days with some rainfall in January in Budapest12
11 days with some rainfall in February in Budapest11
11 days with some rainfall in March in Budapest11
11 days with some rainfall in April in Budapest11
12 days with some rainfall in May in Budapest12
13 days with some rainfall in June in Budapest13
11 days with some rainfall in July in Budapest11
11 days with some rainfall in August in Budapest11
9 days with some rainfall in September in Budapest9
8 days with some rainfall in October in Budapest8
12 days with some rainfall in November in Budapest12
13 days with some rainfall in December in Budapest13

Reykjavik, Iceland

Spa breaks needn't be sleepy affairs; when you're not relaxing in its abundant lagoons, the 'Land of Fire and Ice' lets you explore thundering waterfalls, spurting geysers and active volcanoes! Winter plunges Iceland into darkness for much of the day, but this is when the island's hot springs and geothermal pools are at their best, as are the Northern Lights.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in mid winter, Iceland
Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in mid winter, Iceland - photo courtesy of www.bluelagoon.com

Friendly Reykjavík* makes a great base to dive into Icelandic bathing culture, with 18 public pools and a stellar lineup of hotel spas. Plus, Europe's legendary Blue Lagoon is just a short drive away.

Famous for its skin-soothing waters, this surreal lagoon, set amid stark lava fields, is fed warm, silica-rich waters by the local geothermal power plant. Alternatively, admire the icy North Atlantic whilst floating in steamy Sky Lagoon.

Climate in Reykjavík

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
34°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Reykjavik34
36°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Reykjavik36
36°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Reykjavik36
41°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Reykjavik41
48°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Reykjavik48
52°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Reykjavik52
55°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Reykjavik55
54°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Reykjavik54
48°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Reykjavik48
43°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Reykjavik43
36°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Reykjavik36
34°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Reykjavik34
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
18 days with some rainfall in January in Reykjavik18
17 days with some rainfall in February in Reykjavik17
19 days with some rainfall in March in Reykjavik19
18 days with some rainfall in April in Reykjavik18
16 days with some rainfall in May in Reykjavik16
17 days with some rainfall in June in Reykjavik17
18 days with some rainfall in July in Reykjavik18
18 days with some rainfall in August in Reykjavik18
18 days with some rainfall in September in Reykjavik18
20 days with some rainfall in October in Reykjavik20
17 days with some rainfall in November in Reykjavik17
19 days with some rainfall in December in Reykjavik19
Sea temperature °F
37°F sea temperature in January in Reykjavik37
37°F sea temperature in February in Reykjavik37
37°F sea temperature in March in Reykjavik37
39°F sea temperature in April in Reykjavik39
43°F sea temperature in May in Reykjavik43
48°F sea temperature in June in Reykjavik48
52°F sea temperature in July in Reykjavik52
52°F sea temperature in August in Reykjavik52
50°F sea temperature in September in Reykjavik50
46°F sea temperature in October in Reykjavik46
43°F sea temperature in November in Reykjavik43
37°F sea temperature in December in Reykjavik37

Baden-Baden, Germany

Locted between Germany's fairytale-filled Black Forest and its inviting wine country, the spa town of Baden-Baden* sits on the country's most beautiful hiking route, the Panorama Trail.

Just a few kilometres in, you're dwarfed by fabulous forest and rewarded with spectacular views including an ancient castle. Epic hikes aside, it's Baden-Baden's 12 devilishly hot thermal springs that secured it a spot on UNESCO's Great Spa Towns of Europe list, the most iconic of which is reserved for those who dare to bare!

Don your birthday suit so you can experience Friedrichsbad Spa's infamously rough 'soap brush massage' before making your way around its historic pools and heat experiences. Keen to keep your cozzie on? Visit on a 'textile day' or head to the more modern Caracalla Spa.

Climate in Baden-Baden

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
37°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Stuttgart37
41°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Stuttgart41
48°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Stuttgart48
57°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Stuttgart57
64°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Stuttgart64
70°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Stuttgart70
75°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Stuttgart75
73°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Stuttgart73
68°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Stuttgart68
57°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Stuttgart57
46°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Stuttgart46
39°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Stuttgart39
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
16 days with some rainfall in January in Stuttgart16
14 days with some rainfall in February in Stuttgart14
15 days with some rainfall in March in Stuttgart15
15 days with some rainfall in April in Stuttgart15
17 days with some rainfall in May in Stuttgart17
15 days with some rainfall in June in Stuttgart15
14 days with some rainfall in July in Stuttgart14
14 days with some rainfall in August in Stuttgart14
11 days with some rainfall in September in Stuttgart11
12 days with some rainfall in October in Stuttgart12
14 days with some rainfall in November in Stuttgart14
15 days with some rainfall in December in Stuttgart15

The above guide shows the climate in Stuttgart, which is 44 miles from Baden-Baden.

Bath, England

For a spa break on home turf, 'take the waters' in the Somerset city of Bath*. Renowned for its hot springs since Roman times, it's the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, from its honey-hued crescents to its spectacular abbey. Despite its history-packed buildings, it's the city's curative waters that prove to be the main draw for many.

Two thousand metres beneath the city's streets, 10,000-year-old rainwater is busy heating up, destined for the pools at Thermae Bath Spa.

After exploring its quirky museums and learning about its famous waters at the original Roman Baths, test them for yourself with a twilight spa session at the world-famous spa; float beneath the stars in its iconic rooftop pool, as the city glitters beneath you.

Climate in Bath

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
45°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Bath45
45°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Bath45
50°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Bath50
54°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Bath54
61°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Bath61
66°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Bath66
70°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Bath70
68°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Bath68
64°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Bath64
57°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Bath57
50°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Bath50
46°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Bath46
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
18 days with some rainfall in January in Bath18
14 days with some rainfall in February in Bath14
16 days with some rainfall in March in Bath16
14 days with some rainfall in April in Bath14
15 days with some rainfall in May in Bath15
13 days with some rainfall in June in Bath13
12 days with some rainfall in July in Bath12
13 days with some rainfall in August in Bath13
13 days with some rainfall in September in Bath13
16 days with some rainfall in October in Bath16
17 days with some rainfall in November in Bath17
18 days with some rainfall in December in Bath18

Lake Hévíz, Hungary

Rubbing shoulders with Hungary's answer to The Hamptons, forest-fringed Lake Hévíz is the world's largest natural thermal lake.

In summer, its waters reach a toasty 40°C, thanks to its subterranean springs, which pump a staggering 410 litres of mineral water per second.

Unsurprisingly, plenty of local legends float around this enchanting lake accompanied by ducks, grebes and, presumably, the occasional semi-boiled fish.

The allegedly healing waters of Lake Hévíz
The allegedly healing waters of Lake Hévíz © Andras Csontos - Shutterstock.com

Stories tell of ailing visitors soaking in the waters and emerging miraculously healed. Just before WWI, its waters were so revered that a local zookeeper brought his arthritic elephant for daily dips.

Fast forward to 2025, and you too can splash about in Hévíz's healing waters for less than a tenner. Feeling flush? Book into the wellness area for some extra pampering.

Climate in Lake Hévíz

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
36°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Lake Balaton36
41°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Lake Balaton41
52°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Lake Balaton52
61°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Lake Balaton61
70°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Lake Balaton70
75°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Lake Balaton75
79°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Lake Balaton79
79°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Lake Balaton79
72°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Lake Balaton72
61°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Lake Balaton61
48°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Lake Balaton48
37°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Lake Balaton37
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
11 days with some rainfall in January in Lake Balaton11
10 days with some rainfall in February in Lake Balaton10
11 days with some rainfall in March in Lake Balaton11
12 days with some rainfall in April in Lake Balaton12
12 days with some rainfall in May in Lake Balaton12
13 days with some rainfall in June in Lake Balaton13
12 days with some rainfall in July in Lake Balaton12
11 days with some rainfall in August in Lake Balaton11
10 days with some rainfall in September in Lake Balaton10
9 days with some rainfall in October in Lake Balaton9
12 days with some rainfall in November in Lake Balaton12
12 days with some rainfall in December in Lake Balaton12

The above guide shows the climate in Lake Balaton, which is close to Lake Hévíz.

Istanbul, Turkey

The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Istanbul's ancient domes and soaring minarets span both Europe and Asia. With architectural masterpieces like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque vying for attention, time flies in this east-meets-west melting pot of a city.

But Istanbul*'s hammams are just as worthy of your time and lira. Once an essential part of Ottoman life, these steamy chambers are believed to boost everything from blood circulation to immunity.

Around the city you'll find everything from cheap and cheerful £10 baths to historic hammams dating back half a millennium. Slide into your wooden clogs, jump on that slippery marble slab and experience the scrub of your life.

Climate in Istanbul

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
46°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Istanbul46
48°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Istanbul48
52°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Istanbul52
61°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Istanbul61
70°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Istanbul70
77°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Istanbul77
81°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Istanbul81
81°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Istanbul81
75°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Istanbul75
66°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Istanbul66
59°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Istanbul59
52°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Istanbul52
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
19 days with some rainfall in January in Istanbul19
16 days with some rainfall in February in Istanbul16
14 days with some rainfall in March in Istanbul14
11 days with some rainfall in April in Istanbul11
9 days with some rainfall in May in Istanbul9
6 days with some rainfall in June in Istanbul6
4 days with some rainfall in July in Istanbul4
5 days with some rainfall in August in Istanbul5
7 days with some rainfall in September in Istanbul7
12 days with some rainfall in October in Istanbul12
14 days with some rainfall in November in Istanbul14
18 days with some rainfall in December in Istanbul18
Sea temperature °F
46°F sea temperature in January in Istanbul46
45°F sea temperature in February in Istanbul45
45°F sea temperature in March in Istanbul45
50°F sea temperature in April in Istanbul50
59°F sea temperature in May in Istanbul59
70°F sea temperature in June in Istanbul70
73°F sea temperature in July in Istanbul73
75°F sea temperature in August in Istanbul75
72°F sea temperature in September in Istanbul72
64°F sea temperature in October in Istanbul64
57°F sea temperature in November in Istanbul57
50°F sea temperature in December in Istanbul50

Bucharest, Romania

Boasting cheap flights and Europe's biggest spa, the Romanian capital has found itself on every serious spa trekker's bucket list. Plus, with tickets starting from £10, a trip to the headline-grabbing Therme București can come in at less than a spa day back home, flights and all.

The palm-dotted ringed waters at Therme Bucuresti
The palm-dotted ringed waters at Therme Bucuresti © Altug Galip - Shutterstock.com

Home to Europe's largest urban beach, this palm-dotted, glass-roofed wellness oasis, which spans around six football pitches, is chock-full of pools, Jacuzzis and every bonkers heat experience room you can imagine, including one where you watch BBC documentaries in your budgie smugglers; yes, really!

But beware, with 1,600 metres of hair-raising waterslides dangling around like human marble runs, the rest of the family may suddenly want to join you; best tell them you're off to take in the city's Stalinist architecture.

Climate in Bucharest

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F
34°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Bucharest34
39°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Bucharest39
52°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Bucharest52
64°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Bucharest64
75°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Bucharest75
81°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Bucharest81
84°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Bucharest84
84°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Bucharest84
77°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Bucharest77
64°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Bucharest64
50°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Bucharest50
39°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Bucharest39
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
10 days with some rainfall in January in Bucharest10
10 days with some rainfall in February in Bucharest10
10 days with some rainfall in March in Bucharest10
11 days with some rainfall in April in Bucharest11
12 days with some rainfall in May in Bucharest12
12 days with some rainfall in June in Bucharest12
10 days with some rainfall in July in Bucharest10
8 days with some rainfall in August in Bucharest8
7 days with some rainfall in September in Bucharest7
7 days with some rainfall in October in Bucharest7
9 days with some rainfall in November in Bucharest9
11 days with some rainfall in December in Bucharest11

Planning your next spa break? Find the latest offers on escapes across Europe with easyJet holidays.

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Jessica Baldwin

Jessica Baldwin

Posted on Thursday 2nd January 2025 in: City Europe Spa & wellness

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