Sauna Casanova sits on Carrer de Casanova in Barcelona's Eixample district, right in the heart of the gay quarter. Run by Grupo Pases, one of Spain's longest-running gay sauna operators, the venue has been drawing men through its doors for years, whether they are looking to decompress after a night out or kill a few hours on a slow afternoon.
The place was refurbished in 2017. Facilities include a dry sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, open showers, private cabins and a bar. Towels and lockers come with entry. It is open around the clock, every day of the year, so the door is never locked.
The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, and the vibe sits closer to party than spa. Weekday evenings run quieter. Friday and Saturday nights build momentum after midnight, once the surrounding Eixample bars begin to empty out. On busy weekends, Casanova effectively becomes the after-party.
Urgell and Universitat metro stations are both a short walk away, and several of Barcelona's best-known gay bars are just minutes from the front door.
