Greece is one of the leading destinations in Europe for those who want to relax with benefits for body and soul. Hundreds of thermal springs are scattered throughout the country, and their healing power has been known since ancient times. Which thermal resorts in Greece are worth visiting?
Loutra Pozar
One of the most famous thermal springs in Greece is Loutra Pozar in the north of the country, located near the city of Aridea. They are surrounded by landscapes of amazing beauty, at the foot of the Voras mountain ranges. Healing water, which flows from sources from a height of more than 300 m, is used to fill the pools and carry out procedures in local clinics. Its temperature reaches +37 °C.
The water of the Loutra Pozar springs is rich in magnesium, sodium, silicon, iron and is useful for diseases of the circulatory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, for skin diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for general healing of the body.
Please note: in Loutra Pozar, as in other thermal resorts in Greece, there are contraindications. It is not recommended to spend more than 20 minutes in the water, as well as visit the springs with diabetes, varicose veins and the presence of open wounds.
In Loutra Pozar there are several ways to experience the full power of healing waters. Someone stops for a few days and takes the full course. And someone prefers to come for a short time to swim in the indoor pools and spend time in the hammam. A special pleasure is to swim in the outdoor pool with a waterfall, admiring the beauty of the surrounding nature. You can visit Loutra Pozar all year round.
Getting there: Loutra Pozar is located 100 km from Thessaloniki. You can get there by bus to Aridea from Thessaloniki Central Bus Station. Buses depart several times a day. The earliest is at 6:30. Travel time is 2 hours. There are buses from Aridea to Loutra Pozar, but it is better to take a taxi. An alternative option to travel by bus is to rent a car . Then you can visit other beautiful places, making stops along the way.
Additional information: the use of swimming pools is paid and will cost from 2 to 14 euros. Life hack: you can swim for free at night.
Thermal springs Kaiafas (Peloponnese)
The springs of Kaiafas flow from the caves at the foot of Mount Lapita and "follow" to the east coast of the Kaiafas lagoon. Described in myths, they have attracted doctors, geographers and travelers since ancient times, who noted the healing properties of these waters. In the 20th century, a clinic with swimming pools and doctor's offices was built on the springs of Kaiafas, where patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and skin diseases come for wellness treatments. Near the hospital there is a source of Geranium, the water of which is suitable for ingestion.
How to get there: Kaiafas thermal springs are located south of the prefecture of Ilia, at the foot of Mount Lapita, about 25 km from Ancient Olympia. You can get to them by bus from the central bus station of Athens or combine a visit with a trip to Olympia
Additional information: in addition to the hydrotherapy center, there are hotels and mini-hotels. The springs are open to the public from the beginning of June to the end of October.
Thermal springs of Edipsos (Evia)
One of the main spa resorts of island Greece is the springs of Edipsos on the island of Evia. Researchers from different eras tried to understand the phenomenal power of its thermal springs. And the ancient people believed that here, in Edipsos, the great Hercules was recovering from the exploits.
An interesting fact: historical sources say that Marcus Aurelius, Aristotle came to Edipsos for treatment, and in the 20th century, the inimitable Maria Callas and Greta Garbo
In modern Edipsos, vacationers can use a clinic where you can go through a number of wellness procedures, swim in pools with thermal water and go through a complex of mud wraps. The unique composition of the thermal springs helps in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, skin and respiratory diseases.The water temperature is up to +80 °C, so you can relax in pools next to the sea even in winter.
How to get there: the island of Evia is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There is a bus from Athens bus station to Edipsos. The ticket price is approximately 20 euros, the journey time is 3-4 hours. There are also ferries that depart from the port of Arkitsa, which also first need to be reached by car or bus. Ticket price - from 3 euros. However, the most comfortable and fastest way is to order a transfer.
Thermal Springs of Halkidiki
Holidays on the peninsula of Halkidiki in itself have a positive effect on health. You can enhance the effect by visiting the thermal springs of Agia Paraskevi. They were discovered by chance in the early 1940s, a few years later the first hospital was opened. Today, here you can undergo a complex of any procedures: from hydrotherapy to massage sessions. The water of the springs of Agia Paraskevi is beneficial for arthritis, muscle pain, as well as for general healing, rich in bromine and sodium. The cost of services is 7-8 euros, there are also extra services as hammam, massage and sauna.
How to get there: Agia Paraskevi is located 120 km from Thessaloniki. Regular buses leave 3 times a day. If you are vacationing in Halkidiki, it may be more convenient to take a taxi. Even better is to book a rental car, then along the way you can stop at the beautiful beaches of Kassandra.
Additional information: the springs of Agia Paraskevi are open to the public from April to January.
Thermal Springs of Krinides (Kavala)
In the north of Greece, not far from Kavala, are the springs of Krinides. Their fame spread during the Byzantine era, when even the most severe patients found healing here. First of all, Krinides is famous for its mud baths. But thermal springs have great power - water is used in combination with mud. It is believed that they enhance the effect of each other. The healing springs of Krinides, rich in carbonates and magnesium, are used in cosmetic procedures, to get rid of skin and muscle ailments.
How to get there: the springs of Krinides are located 17 km from Kavala. You can get to them by bus or taxi.
Additional information: Springs and mud baths are open from June 1 to October 15 from 8:30 to 18:00
Thermal springs of Loutraki
Loutraki became one of the first resort towns in Greece, where tourists came for the sake of healing springs. The seaside town, known since ancient times, is famous for its large spa center. It offers many services and treatments, including thalassotherapy. The clean and healthy thermal water of Loutraki is used for drinking cures, underwater massages and therapeutic baths. It is indicated for skin diseases, problems with the liver, gallbladder, and neuralgia. Thermal water enters the spa from a great depth and is enriched with valuable trace elements, minerals and salts.
Today Loutraki is one of the most famous balneological resorts in Greece. The convenient location allows you to quickly get to the springs from Athens. But for those who want to stay here and undergo a full course of treatment, there are many hotels in Loutraki. This is a lively resort town, the possibilities of which are not limited only to relaxing in thermal springs.
How to get there: Loutraki is located 81 km from Athens, in the prefecture of Korinthia. You can get to it by train or bus - transport runs frequently due to the popularity of this direction. Taxi or transfer are also popular options.
Additional information: in addition to the hospital in Loutraki, there are nightclubs, casinos, shops, a promenade for walking, excursions around mainland Greece depart from the resort.
