moroccan hammams

{hammam + chefchaouen}

Thus far, one of the most memorable experiences i've had in Morocco has been my visits to the "hammam." First, you might be wondering what exactly is a Moroccan hammam. It is a public bath separated for both men and women. Essentially, imagine a modern steam room combined with a traditional Turkish bath. Hammams are usually visited once a week or based on personal preference.  Moreover, the primary function of it is to cleanse & rehydrate your skin.They are very much apart of the community, meaning that women, children and men of all types frequent the hammams.

Visiting a Hamman: 

Bring all the things that you would normally use in the shower. Also, when going to a hammam one has to bring a plastic bucket for water. Once there, ask for the "black soap"- the soap is made form all natural products and makes it easier to remove dead skin from your body. Lastly, a plastic mat is necessary so that you don't have to sit directly on the marble floor. 

What to Expect: 

So far I have visited two hammans; one in Meknes and Chefchaouen (pictured above). The initial entrance fee is about 10-16 dirhams ($1.13-$2.03 USD). They all have the same basic layout. There is always a changing area, however, it can be private or public. For the actual shower, there is a communal hot room with individual cisterns. 

Also, for a about 25 extra dirhams ($2.83 USD), a hamman attendant will scrub you with a kiis-which is a mitt made of a harsh material meant to remove layers of dead skin from your body. 

Overall, the hammans are so interesting/ and fun because of the fact that it is such a new experience. Once you get over the initial awkwardness it instantly becomes one of the most relaxing places to go after my three hour Arabic class.