Top 4 of Greece’s Hot Springs
Greece, a land where ancient myths whisper in the wind and azure waters lap against sun-drenched shores, also holds a secret – a treasure trove of natural hot springs. These geothermal havens, imbued with history and healing waters, offer a unique blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion.
The use of hot springs in Greece dates back to ancient times. From the Minoans and Mycenaeans who revered their therapeutic powers to the Romans who built elaborate bathhouses, these geothermal wonders have been woven into the fabric of Greek history. Legends abound, attributing their creation to mythical creatures and deities. Today, the tradition continues, with modern spa facilities complementing the natural pools, offering a timeless blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness.
The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway:
Each season offers its own unique charm at Greece's natural hot springs:
Spring (March-May): Enjoy pleasant temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding landscapes and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Summer (June-August): Bask in the sunshine, enjoy longer days, and participate in outdoor activities near the springs. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially at popular spots.
Autumn (September-November): Witness the changing foliage, experience milder temperatures, and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Some springs may have limited hours during this season.
Winter (December-February): Escape the cold and find warmth in the steaming waters. Enjoy the unique landscape with its lush greenery and fewer crowds. Some springs may be closed during this season due to heavy rains.
Therma Loutra Edipsou
Edipsos is the most popular spa town in Greece. The cute little town is situated in Northern Evia and is connected to the mainland by ferry from Arkitsa or by road from Chalkis. Stay at the Mitho Hotel Spa with garden, shared lounge and terrace and Edipsos Thermal Springs is only 300 yards away.
If you don’t want to leave your hotel for spa day, enjoy Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel with thermal water hydrotherapy, mud therapy, inhalation therapy, massage and reflexology in your free slippers.
The area has more than 60 important springs with various temperatures ranging from 34 to 71.2 degrees Celsius, all rich in valuable minerals and microelements.
The bath facilities are the largest and most modern in the country, including indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool baths and hydro-massage.
The baths have been attracting illustrious visitors for decades. Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Omar Sharif and many others have enjoyed the springs’ timeless benefits.
They have been mentioned in scripts of Plutarch, Aristotle and Strabon, as the “Herculian Thermae”. According to an ancient Greek myth, goddess Athena asked her brother Hephaestus to create the Edipsos springs so that her favored hero Hercules could rest here after each of his tasks.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Crystal clear with a faint sulfur scent, adds to the historic atmosphere.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by paved road, ample parking, and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Large complex with designated quiet areas, busier during peak season.
Water Temperature: 5 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, catering to all preferences.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, beneficial for skin, joints, and muscles.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Spa services, restaurants, hotels, and shops within walking distance.
Pozar Thermal Baths
In the historic district of Pella, the capital of the Ancient Greek Kingdom of Macedonia, the beauty of Greek nature will add to your desire for wellness. Enjoy the beauty of the birthplace of Alexander the Great.
Pozar Springs is located at 110 km distance from Thessaloniki and only 40 km from Edessa town. At the foot of Mount Kaimaktsalan, the Pozar Thermal Springs' facilities comprise 48 individual baths, 6 indoor pools, the outdoor pool (12x25m) hamams, jacuzzi and spa.
Stay at Nymfes Hotel at the foot of Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan, in the picturesque Loutraki with hot tub, hamam and sauna. Or try out the Alkyonis Hotel & Spa featuring a spa and wellness center with an indoor pool and hamam facilities and a convenient luggage storage and children's playground.
Take a walk in the nearby Black Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in Greece, which owes its name to the density of the trees that allow no sunlight to reach the ground. Tradition has it that Alexander the Great had had timber cut here in order to make the 6m long spear called sarissa,a notorious weapon of the Ancient Greek Macedonian army.
For the adventurous types, hiking trails and climbing routes, in addition to an important ski resort, are to be found in the forests and mountains close by.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean with a slight sulfur scent, complements the natural setting.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk from the village, well-maintained paths through the forest.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Multiple pools and secluded areas offer opportunities for solitude.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, adjusts slightly with the seasons.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur, iron, and sodium, beneficial for respiratory, circulatory, and skin conditions.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants and shops in the village, hotels and other attractions nearby.
Polichnitos Hot Springs
The hot springs of Polichnitos Lesvos island (Greece) are located 43 km from the capital city of the island, Mytilini. They are considered the warmest (87.6°C) and the best in Europe in terms of therapeutic ingredients, in combination with the temperature of the water. Stay on the island at the The Loriet in a renovated 18th century mansion right across Varia Beach with balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea or gardens and seawater pool.
Springs contain oxycarbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium, sodium with free carbon dioxide, with iron compounds, magnesium, manganese, oxygen and very small amounts of iodine and bromine.
Polichnitos grandmothers will share with you their philosophy concerning the tasty and healthy local food. Fresh fruits for your juices and vegetables for your salads have been harvested from trees growing in their botanical garden.
Enjoy workshops with locals to learn how to paint, make food or learn clay art.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean with a distinct sulfur smell, reminiscent of the volcanic island's origins.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road leads to the town, good signage, some walking within the complex.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, particularly during summer, quieter weekdays.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, caters to individual preferences.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur, sodium, and iron, beneficial for skin, joint pain, and respiratory issues.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants and shops within the town, hotels and other attractions in Lesvos.
Kyllini Baths
The thermal springs of Kyllini's Castle are located on the northwest beach of the Peloponnese. The site hosts ancient remains from a sanctuary of healing god Asclepius and also remains from Roman times, which shows that the thermals were famous since the antiquity. People swim in the springs and get fully covered with mud as part of their therapy.
The waters of the Kyllini thermal baths are rich in sulfur, radon, chloride, and other minerals. The temperature of the baths is 26C. The spa is open from June to October every year and is ideal for treating conditions such as: bronchial and allergic asthma (inhalation therapy), allergic rhinitis – sinusitis (nasal rinses – nasal inhalation), rheumatic arthritis (baths – hamam), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, neuralgias, migraines, laryngitis and skin ailments.
Its only 1 km (0.6 miles) from Arkoudi beach (which was awarded with a blue flag from EU for its clean water). For a luxury experience stay nearby at The Romanos with light-filled suites with a private pool, local honey at breakfast, raquetball, spa treatments, and workshops on making wine and olive oil.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal-clear waters with stunning Aegean views.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires moderate hike or challenging terrain with limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pools and private soaking areas with minimal crowds.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature with room for slight adjustment.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, may offer general relaxation benefits.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Few amenities, best for a back-to-nature experience. Camping facilities available near the springs.
Are you traveling in other parts of Europe? Take a look at more hot springs in the United Kingdom, Poland, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Austria, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
