There are over 750 recorded thermal springs in Greece and the reason for this abundance is the volcanic soil.
Unfortunately, only a few dozen have been developed, and even fewer have decent and modern infrastructure for visitors. The hot springs’ water that contains mineral and chemical elements that are beneficial has been used since antiquity in Greece. The temperature of the water at most thermal springs in Greece ranges between 37 and 42 degrees Celsius. The destinations with thermal springs that we recommend below also offer opportunities for walks, activities, food and sights.
Pozar Thermal Baths, Aridaia
The temperature of the waters of the Pozar Springs (it’s a Slavic name that means heat) is about 37°C and are considered to have medicinal properties. You can select between booking one of the small indoor pools (for 1, 6 or 12 people) or to go to the outdoor pool with the thermal waters right next to the waterfall with the cold water. Many dare to go to the outdoor pool even during the winter and alternate between bathing in the warm and cold water.
Info: Loutra Pozar, Tel. 0030 23840-91.300, open daily, 07:00-02:00, 1-3 persons €13 / indoor pool, €2/ per person for the outdoor hydrotherapy centre
Accommodation: The Emmanouilidis Mansion (Loutraki, Aridaia, tel. 0030 23840 91605, archemman.gr) offers five large luxury suites with a fireplace and a balcony, surrounded by green.
Food: for delicious skewered pork, various fried green balls, fresh mushrooms and meats go to Kokkino Piperi (2km on the Ormas-Loutra road, tel. 0030 23840 91100).
Aggistro Thermal Springs, Serres
Near the borders with Bulgaria, 45 km from Kerkini lake, at the edge of the village Aggistro, there is a thermal spring coming from the mountain. There is no large pool, just many small pools in rooms you can reserve just for you and your friends. The temperature ranges between 39-41°C and it’s best to only stay in it for half an hour. The baths are open 24 hours a day, and the feeling of the hot water on a cold night is unique. Reservations are required. You can ask for the old Byzantine hammam that is much more atmospheric than the newer pools.
Info: Aggistro Thermal Springs, tel. 0030 23230 41420, starting at € 7,5 per person for 30 minutes
Accommodation: stay in one of the traditional wooden cabins at Xillino Horio (Wooden Village) (Aggistro, tel. 0030 23230 41008, toxilino.gr)
Food: try the pasta, the risotto and the smoked pork at the Don Pablo restaurant (Aggistro, tel.0030 23230 41180).
Aidipsos Thermal Springs, Evia
The water welling from up to 2.5 km deep inside the Earth, reaches up to 82°C so you need to be careful when you approach it. The springs are scattered around the village, and the best choice is the spring at the rock in the sea and by the beach. You can cool off with the sea’s water and then go back in the warm thermal waters. If you want to enjoy the waters in a more organised environment, head to the Thermae Sylla Spa Hotel that has its private spring. A very big outdoor pool and an indoor one, massage programmes, and a hammam will help you relax and make a visit to Aidipsos unforgettable.
Info: Aidipsos Thermal Springs, Thermae Sylla Spa, 2 Posidonos str, Aidipsos Thermal Springs, Tel. 0030 22260 60100, www.thermaesylla.gr
Accommodation: in the luxury rooms of Τhermae Sylla Spa (2 Posidonos str, Aidipsos Thermal Springs, Tel. 0030 22260 60100, thermaesylla.gr) so that you can be next to the thermal baths or in the comfortable rooms with sea views of the hotel Aktaion (28is Oktovriou and Thermopotamou, Aidipsos Thermal Springs, tel. 0030 22260 24332, aktaion-edipsos.gr )
Food: Fresh fish and delicious seafood in the nearby village Oreoi at the tavern Kala Kathoumena (Oreoi, tel. 22260 71701).
Kallidromos Thermal Baths / Photos: Akis Loukas/ Mag24.gr
The springs of Kallidromos have been famous for thousands of years / Photo: Akis Loukas / Mag24.gr
Kamena Vourla Thermal Springs
Unfortunately, the large hydrotherapy centres are not in operation anymore, but there are outdoors pools-lagoons with water temperatures ranging between 33-35°C that are accessible and free to the public. You’ll find such pools at the Koniaviti Baths, near the national road, just outside the village, and also the Kallintika Baths are nearby. Twenty-five kilometres further away, in Thermopylae, the bath buildings have been abandoned, but you’ll find the spring with the same name and a nice waterfall outdoors. At four kilometres distance, in Damasta, you’ll find the Kallidromos Thermal Baths, also known as Psoroneria. You’ll see many locals in the waters of a large natural pool. The lake is lighted at night and so a night bath is also a nice experience. If you want an indoor thermal spring you can go to Galini Wellness Spa & Resort that has a 3.000 m² spa with thermal spring pools.
Info: Galini Wellness Resort & Spa, 5 Ger. Vasiliadi str, Kamena Vourla, tel. 0030 22350 80501
Accommodation: You’ll find double and family rooms, as well as suites at Galini Wellness Resort & Spa, 5 Ger. Vasiliadi str, Kamena Vourla, tel. 0030 22350 80501, mitsishotels.com
Food: At the fish tavern Nostos (59 Ger. Vasiliadi str, tel. 0030 22350 80822) next to the sea, you’ll taste fresh fish and many meze, with polite service.
