The Iberian Peninsula offers a large number of options for anyone looking to escape the summer heat by diving into the water. Although the most common options are beaches, lakes and swimming pools, in the south of Spain there is a natural space that stands out not only for its history And connection with naturebut it allows its visitors to enjoy a bath in therapeutic (and free) waters.
In the south of the country, Malaga It stands out as one of the main tourist alternatives for its beaches. However, inland, the province houses a lesser-known natural space of Roman origin where you can enjoy a swim surrounded by nature and tranquility. The enclave is located in the municipality of Perianain the region of The Axarquia Costa del Sol.
This is the Vilo Bathsless than an hour from the city of Malaga. The enclave stands out not only for its history, but also for its waters that spring at a temperature of 19 degrees.
The history of the Vilo thermal baths
The baths were built in Roman eraat a time when these types of spaces were known to be recurring spaces in which citizens could bathe and clean themselves, and also to be powerful centers of social gathering, in which to dialogue and debate at that time.
Since its construction, the Romans not only used the Vilo Baths like any other thermal bath, but they were also appreciated for their healing powerYears later, the space acquired another function during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, since the Arabs used its waters as a symbol of purification for believers before their prayers.
Century after century, the waters of the enclave have become famous for their healing powers. So much so that after a storm hit the baths, making them practically unusable in the mid-18th century, the city councilor of Vélez-Málaga ordered their reconstruction so that it can be used as a tourist attraction of the region.
The reconstruction work of the space was carried out by Antonio de Arias and AnayaSome time later, the businessman acquired the enclave and began to receive a large number of bathers, impressed by the famous healing properties of its waters.
In this way, the space was also frequented by very renowned personalities of the time, such as the Duke of Valencia, Ramón María Narváez.
Features of Bains Vilo
Beyond its cobbled architecture of Romanesque origin and its characteristic history, the enclave has been distinguished for centuries by its healing waters, which flow from 19 degreesin calcareous soils, and are classified as sulfated and calco-magnesian.
In this way, its components contribute mainly to the treaty of skin diseasesalthough they are also considered beneficial for people with bone or muscle problems.
The space is close to the Guaro Creekin the Baños de Vilo farm. Thanks to this, the water of the hot springs is constantly renewed, improving their quality and giving the place an unmatched natural and landscape quality.
Hot springs They still have some of the basins into which their waters were divided in ancient times.. So, although only one of the two cold water basins is preserved – one was used by men and the other exclusively by women – two other basins are still preserved, one with lukewarm water and the other with hot water.
As you walk through the space, you can smell an odor coming from the sulfur which contain their waters. This component is detoxifying and antiseptic, which is why it is recognized as a remedy for skin problems.
Additionally, diving into the waters can help improve blood circulation And reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is advisable to stay in the water for at least a quarter of an hour, as this is the minimum time recommended by the locals to assimilate all the benefits of the water. It is also advisable to take short breaks after immersing yourself in each hot spring and before moving on to the next one. If you have any health problems, it is always advisable to consult your doctor first to confirm that you can bathe safely.
Access to Vilo Baths it’s totally freeboth to the enclosure and to each hot spring.
