I collaborated with Expedia.com to write this article. All thermal springs mentioned I chose.
Greece is a country known for its archaeological sites, mile-long beaches, beautiful islands, and tasty food. What is not widely known is that Greece has a lot of therapeutic thermal springs. The benefits of thermal springs have been known since ancient times. Hippocrates was the first one to study and record which diseases benefited from the use of thermal springs.
The waters from the springs have a blend of natural minerals that can have a positive effect on humans in a number of ways. Thermal water is known to help improve the condition of various skin diseases like acne and eczema among others; it also helps in medical conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, gynecological problems, and more. The drinking therapy of thermal spring water can help the digestive system, the liver, and the kidneys.
Here is a list of some of the best hot springs in Greece:
Best Hot Springs in Greece
1. Pozar
Situated at the foot of Kaimaktsalan mountain in Pella, northern Greece the Pozar thermal baths are among the most popular in Greece due to the incredible nature that surrounds them. The facilities include many private baths, indoor and outdoor pools, spa services, a hammam, and a jacuzzi. With a temperature of 37⁰C, all year round the baths are recommended for people having rheumatic, dermatological, gynecological, respiratory, and circulatory system conditions.
The area around the baths has a variety of hotels and restaurants available for visitors and a lot of activities, like hiking in the incredible nature and skiing in the nearby Kaimaktsalan ski resort during the winter months.
2. Kamena Vourla
Kamena Vourla is a seaside town 150km away from Athens famous for its thermal springs. What makes these springs different is that they have radioactive elements that are beneficial for the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems. The water temperature varies from 30⁰C to 42⁰C.
The area of Kamena Vourla is very well-organized with many hotels and restaurants. The surrounding area is also very interesting as it is close to many places of interest like the archaeological site of Delphi, Thermopylae, and the Parnassos mountain ski resort.
3. Lake Vouliagmeni
Located on the outskirts of Athens, Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural thermal spa recommended for people suffering from afflictions of the musculature system and gynecological and dermatological diseases.
The water is also ideal for people suffering from post-traumatic injuries. The temperature of the water is between 22 to 29⁰C throughout the year making it an ideal place for swimmers. Around the lake, you will find a lot of sunbeds and umbrellas. A restaurant, a cafe, and a playground are also available on-site. The area attracts a lot of people due to its unique natural environment.
4. Edipsos
Just 2 and a half hours away from Athens you will find one of the most popular thermal springs in Greece, Edipsos thermal baths. The seaside town of Edipsos has been popular for its thermal baths since ancient times. They were also known as the “Herculian Thermae” because it was believed that Hercules visited the place in order to regain his powers.
The thermal baths are ideal for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders, and various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The area around is ideal for family holidays with a nice beach, a lot of hotels and restaurants, and many activities.
5. Methana
The volcanic region of Methana is home to a number of sulphuric hot springs from the ancient ‘Baths of Pausanias’ to the pools that combine mineral thermal springs with natural seawater to form the perfect temperature. The hot springs can be found in the village of Vromolimni and are very popular with both locals and visitors alike.
6. Lagadas, Thessaloniki
The thermal springs at Lagadas are located around half an hour from Thessaloniki and offer warm soaks in the pools for just 6. The buildings at Lagadas are quite dated but the healing waters work just as well nonetheless!
7. Krinides, Kavala
The Krinides Kavala Mud Baths and Thermal Spring are a lovely excursion for those who want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The springs and mud bath therapy spaces are located in beautifully landscaped surroundings and there is a historic post-Byzantine bath to see too. As the baths are also located close to the Archaeological site of Ancient Philippi travelers can easily combine two sights in one day.
8. Agia Paraskevi, Halkidiki
Thermal Spa Agia Paraskevi in Halkidiki is a chic option for those who want to combine natural thermal waters with therapeutic services such as massage and facials. There is a large indoor-outdoor pool with thermal water as well as individual bathtubs and a steam bath so you can enjoy a range of services. Thermal Spa Agia Paraskevi also features an on-site cafe so you can easily spend a whole day relaxing and enjoying the experience.
9. Kaiafas
The thermal baths at Kaiafas are located in a natural cave with warm, mineral waters rising from inside the Earth’s crust to float to the surface and be enjoyed by waiting guests. Not only is the setting picture-perfect but the therapeutic healing powers of the water will leave you feeling rested and refreshed.
10. Lesvos island
The Lesvos hot springs are one of the best island thermal experiences in Greece. Visitors can choose to dig themselves a hole in the sand at the beach of Eftalou to create their own personal hot spring pool or go to one of the bathhouses on the island such as Hotel Aphrodite Beach, Molyvos, or Thermi. Alternatively, for a full spa experience visit the Eressian Hammam & Spa a pure sanctuary of wellness and relaxation.
Now you know that Greece is not only a destination to have fun, it’s also the perfect place to relax and improve your health. The thermal spas available are bound to improve your medical conditions and your immune system; will help you sleep better and generally feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. So 2106 is the best time to book your therapeutic holidays in Greece and combine it with the sun, sea, history, and local gastronomy.
Have you ever visited a thermal spring?