Urbanization is a double-edged sword and Athens is no exception. The Greek capital promises plenty of choices, opportunities and amenities, but they come with a lot of stress, pressure and a hectic lifestyle.

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The city, however, has some small – or large, apparently – corners where all this disappears, the visitor can pause and take a rejuvenating breath. Oriental-scented hammams, spas with pools and hot tubs, lakes for swimming and natural exfoliation, and soothing treatment centres with spectacular views, are ideal destinations for rejuvenation and are a stone’s throw from the capital, if not in the city.

Here are some wellness oases where you can unwind and recharge your batteries.

Thalassotherapy Centre at Divani

The only thalassotherapy centre in Athens is found at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso. With an area of 3,500 square metres, it has been awarded by the World Travel Awards as Europe’s leading spa and is one of the largest in the Continent. Offering a wide range of wellness beauty and thalassotherapy services, the centre’s main aim is to provide its guests with a relaxing and stress-relieving experience. The thalassotherapy pool alone, the largest in Greece, has sixteen different hydro-massage spots. At the same time, there are also twenty-five separate treatment and massage rooms. Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Agiou Nikolaou 10, Vouliagmeni, +30 210 8911100

Le Hammam in Kifissia

A place in Kifissia that offers an authentic Moroccan hammam experience; both the services and the facilities exude an oriental aroma and guests tend to forget that they are in Athens. In addition to the hammam, massage and scrub, here you will also enjoy unique wellness rituals, either alone or with your partner. Le Hammam, Agiou Trifonos 8, Kifissia, +30 210 6233143

Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is one of the most famous thermal springs in Greece. Its excellent water gushes from springs up to 100 meters deep, maintaining a temperature of 22 to 29° Celsius throughout the year.

Swimming in the lake invigorates and relaxes the body, while the water, which is rich in salts and minerals, relieves musculoskeletal diseases and helps in the treatment of gynaecological and dermatological problems. In Lake Vouliagmeni you may also enjoy the experience of Fish Spa, since the tiny fish that permanently inhabit the waters rid the skin of dead cells and relax swimmers. Lake Vouliagmeni, Poseidonos Avenue, Vouliagmeni, +30 210 8962237

GB Spa at Hotel Grande Bretagne

Combine rejuvenation with luxury at the spa of Hotel Grand Bretagne. The award-winning spa boasts a Finnish sauna, renowned steam baths and an ice fountain.

Featuring a luxurious hammam and an indoor swimming pool, the facilities are absolutely impressive. In addition to the well-known Ayurveda treatments and rituals, at GM Spa you will also enjoy many more exclusive services. Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma Square, Athens, +30 210 3330799

Cocoon Urban Spa in Halandri

Drawing inspiration from around the world, Cocoon Urban Spa offers dozens of spa treatments. The aim is balance, detoxification and relaxation. Here no part of the body is left neglected. In addition to the treatments, a Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool and steam room are at your disposal. Cocoon is perfect for those seeking relief from the aches and pains associated with excessive stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Those who are more active can choose one of the group classes that include yoga, Pilates and dancing. Cocoon Urban Spa, Souliou 9 & Erifilis, Halandri, +30 210 6561975

Elixir Spa Retreat in Sounio

Part of Grecotel’s Cape Sounio Boutique Resort, Elixir Spa Retreat is a place for absolute relaxation with stunning vistas. Overlooking the Temple of Poseidon, surrounded by lush forests and blooming gardens, the spa is spread over 350sq.m on the hotel’s premises. For a holistic approach to facial and body wellness, you can choose one of their Ayurveda treatments. You may also take a stroll through the fitness room or slow down with a yoga class. Cape Sounio Boutique Resort, Sounio, +30 22920 69700

Hammam Bathing House in Thiseio

This was the first traditional hammam to open in Athens. Its creator’s aim was to bring to the heart of a western capital the kind of rejuvenation that can only be found in oriental baths. Hammam Bathing House takes us back to a time when relaxation and well-being were still part of everyday life. Steam baths, traditional exfoliation and relaxing body and head massages are among their services. Other treatments include ancient Greek, strong muscle relaxation and holistic massage. Hammam Bathing House, Melidoni 1 & Agion Asomaton 17, Thiseio. +30 210 3231073

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Photo: Salt Cave Spa
Photo: Salt Cave Spa

Salt Cave Glyfada

If you are looking for something different, then head to the Salt Cave of Glyfada. This is an experience you should definitely try at least once. The walls and roof are covered with mineral salt obtained from the salt mines of Poland, while the air is enriched with trace minerals of salt, thus shielding the body from viruses, boosting the immune system and helping to treat conditions such as skin diseases, respiratory problems, insomnia, fatigue and obesity. Salt Cave Spa, Xenofontos 20, Glyfada, +30 210 9642550