Gyms With Saunas in Lisbon
If you've come from Northern Europe or anywhere with a sauna culture, you'll quickly realize that Lisbon doesn't share the habit. Most Portuguese gyms, including the major budget chains, skip the sauna entirely.
Central Lisbon
Hot Cold Club
Bairro Alto, session-based pricing, traditional sauna. Part sauna, part social club. Combines a traditional sauna with ice baths and a brunch spot.
Healthy Horizon
Central Lisbon, session-based pricing, custom sauna with essential oils. Features guided heat therapy sessions.
Aimara Studio
Lisbon, membership/drop-in, sauna + ice bath. A barefoot studio combining movement classes with contrast therapy.
Santos & Estrela
mvmt. studio
Santos, class-based pricing, Finnish sauna + cold plunge. One of the best sauna-gym combos in central Lisbon.
Leela Lisboa
Estrela, class-based pricing, Finnish sauna + cold plunge. A yoga-focused studio in Estrela with a Finnish sauna.
Open Hearts Lisboa
Santos, session-based pricing, infrared sauna + cold plunge. Specializes in contrast therapy with an infrared sauna.
Cascais
Holmes Place Cascais
€80-120/month membership, sauna + steam room + indoor pool. The full package. Has a traditional sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and full spa.
The Contrast Club
Cascais, membership/drop-in, 25-person sauna + cold plunge (0-4 degrees C). Probably the most impressive sauna setup in the greater Lisbon area.
Sintra
Holmes Place Quinta da Beloura
€80-120/month membership, sauna + swimming pool + spa. The Sintra-area Holmes Place sits in the upscale Quinta da Beloura development.
Note: Sintra has fewer sauna options overall.
Budget Gyms and Saunas
If you're hoping to find a €30/month gym with a sauna in Lisbon, we have bad news. None of the major budget chains (Fitness Hut, VivaGym, or similar) include saunas.
Types of Saunas Available in Lisbon
Finnish Sauna
Traditional dry heat, 80-100 degrees C. Found at mvmt. studio, Leela Lisboa, Holmes Place.
Infrared Sauna
Lower temperature (50-65 degrees C), heats your body directly rather than the air.
Steam Room
Wet heat, 40-50 degrees C with high humidity.
Custom/Wellness Sauna
Guided sessions with essential oils or aromatherapy.
Portuguese Sauna Etiquette
- Wear swimwear. Unlike Scandinavian or German saunas, nudity is not expected.
- Sit on a towel. Always place a towel on the bench before sitting.
- Shower first. Rinse off before entering the sauna.
- Keep it quiet. Portuguese gym saunas tend to be quieter spaces.
- Limit your time. 15-20 minute sessions are standard.
- No water on the stones (at most places).
Best Times to Go
Weekday evenings (6-8pm) are the worst. For the best experience: mid-morning (10am-12pm) or early afternoon (2-4pm) on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gyms have saunas?
Hot Cold Club, Healthy Horizon, Aimara Studio, mvmt. studio, Leela Lisboa, Open Hearts Lisboa, Holmes Place Cascais, The Contrast Club, and Holmes Place Quinta da Beloura.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Most places expect you to bring your own towel or offer towel rental.
How much does a sauna session cost?
Prices vary widely. €15-35 at wellness spaces.
Are there budget gyms with saunas?
No. Budget chains like Fitness Hut and VivaGym don't include saunas.
What's the sauna etiquette?
Wear swimwear, sit on a towel, shower first, keep it quiet, limit sessions to 15-20 minutes.