Wandering through Madrid, it's impossible not to feel how alive the lgbtq+Q+ scene is—especially when it comes to its saunas. These places are way more than just steam rooms: they're mini worlds, buzzing with energy during Pride and long nights out in Chueca. Thought I'd float you through the most popular ones, alongside the messy, glorious city festivals that make them even hotter.

---

Sauna Paraiso – The Classic Buzz

This one’s kind of legendary, and not just because it’s massive—around 1,400 m² of underground vaults filled with a pool, jacuzzi, steam, dry sauna, cabins, dark zones, even a cinema and bondage setups. It still draws a young, energetic crowd—think post-club muscle guys stumbling in late into the night. You might go in for chill, end up lost in a maze of dungeons and wings you didn’t even know existed. It’s as much about social electricity as about relaxing.

It’s smack next to Chueca, open essentially 24/7 on weekends, and is one of the oldest still slaying in the sauna scene.

---

Sauna Octopus – More Relaxed, More Inclusive

Octopus is the one for a different vibe—bear community, a more body-positive crowd, still local and tourist-friendly. It’s quieter in tone, warm, welcoming. There’s a heated pool, dry sauna, two dark rooms, private cabins plus a little cinema under a snazzy octopus mural. A movie and steam combo… kinda novel, right?

---

Sauna Beach – The After-Party Hangout

Surf the nightlife wave straight into Sauna Beach—party, chill-out, cruising floors all rolled into one. Part club, part sauna, part after-party destination. Three levels to lose yourself in a sand-like area, shallow pool, themed zones like “Laboratory” or “The Jail.” It leans theatrical.

---

Sauna Príncipe & Lavapiés – More Understated Options

Príncipe is this smaller, cozier dive—maybe geared older, maybe not. Steam rooms, sauna, cabins, bar, a mixed crowd, and a quiet kind of intimacy.

Lavapiés has its charm—it’s in a queer, eclectic neighborhood that’s alive with diversity. Smaller, friendly, welcoming all ages. Steam, dry sauna, dark room, bar; definitely the easygoing alternative.

---

When the City Roars – Madrid Pride & Queer Festivals

Now picture this: you’ve partied all night in Chueca, hit the sauna, and then the city drags you back into a parade or festival. Madrid Pride is legendary. Held the weekend after June 28 every year, it has swelled from a small protest in the late 70s into Europe’s largest Pride, pulling in over a million people, and even more during major years like WorldPride.

The streets of Chueca flood, floats pulse, music blares. After a parade like that, or a night at events like Sleazy Madrid or Mad.Bear festival in December, the saunas are like this soft landing—warm, loud, intimate, whatever you need.

---

Putting It All Together

Every sauna is its own mood:

• Paraiso = electric, youth-driven, sprawling
  
  
• Octopus = relaxed, inclusive, comforting
  
  
• Beach = wild, theatrical, post-club
  
  
• Príncipe/Lavapiés = low-key, niche, neighborhood-friendly
  
  

And if you're in town for Pride or any of Madrid’s wild queer celebrations, your sauna visit will be saturated with that extra afterglow—people lingering from parade floats, dripping from dance floors, seeking space to decompress or connect.

Gay Saunas in Madrid: Comparison Table

Parameter	Sauna Gran Vía	Sauna Center	Sauna Príncipe
Location	City Center	Near Gran Vía	Chueca District
Facilities	Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Dark Room	Sauna, Hot Tub, Lounge Area	Steam Room, Private Cabins
Size	Large	Medium	Medium
Cleanliness	4.8/5	4.5/5	4.2/5
Ambience	Modern	Relaxing	Intimate
Clientele	Diverse	Mixed Age Group	Mostly Younger Crowd
Events	Weekly Theme Nights	None	Monthly Drag Shows
Price Range	$$$	$$	$$
Accessibility	Elevator Available	Stairs Only	Wheelchair Accessible
Ratings (out of 5)	4.7	4.3	4.1

 

• Prev
• Next