Holidays in Greece at the thermal springs. Loutraki is a Greek resort with thermal springs. Elixir Wellness Center in the Peloponnese

Greece, without exaggeration, can be called a natural sanatorium. Here, everything is healing factors: the sea, the sun, and clean air. A favorable climate and plenty of greenery also contribute to the restoration of health. This has been experienced by millions of people. However, for some reason, local mineral springs remain in the shadows, many of which have been known since ancient times.

Mineral springs in Greece

To date, about 700 natural mineral springs have been discovered in Greece. Many of them are thermal and are recognized as healing, while the rest are still waiting for their finest hour. The healing properties of water from these sources have been noticed for a long time. Since ancient times, some of them have been actively used for medical purposes.

On the territory of Hellas, there are still baths built on the site of the release of hot mineral waters, called baths. This shows how important such springs were considered even in ancient times.

Thermal springs in Greece and now play an important role in the field of medicine and tourism business. In place of the most famous of them, there are special centers with modern equipment. These are real temples of health, annually visited by thousands of tourists.

Part of the thermal springs, located in places inconvenient for the construction of medical centers, has been preserved in its natural originality. Finding and swimming in them is absolutely free.

Agia Paraskevi

The small village of St. Paraskeva (in Greek transcription Agia Paraskevi) was unknown until recently. Being in the depths of the Kassandra Peninsula at a distance of five kilometers from the sea, few people were interested in it. However, in 1941 a source of hot water was found here.

In 2000, a beautiful spa clinic was built in this place. The spa guests who come here are offered a full range of therapeutic measures, including hydromassage, mineral water pools and various types of baths.

The local water helps with all kinds of skin diseases and muscle pain, the treatment of several types of arthritis, and soothes pain from old fractures. This is facilitated by its composition, which contains ions of chlorine, bromine, potassium, sodium and carbon dioxide.

Aridea

To the thermal springs of Aridea on the highway from Thessaloniki 130 km. Here, from Mount Voras, the river Thermopotamos flows down, which means “warm river” in translation. On its shore is the hydropathic Aridea.

The springs are two natural pools, one of which is a real double waterfall. One of its jets consists of ordinary water, and the other of hot mineral water with a temperature of +37 degrees.

A person who gets into such a jet receives a wonderful massage. Green mountains covered with forests and the cleanest air are a great addition to medical procedures.

Loutraki

This is the most famous Greek thermal resort of international level. It is located in southern Greece near the Gulf of Corinth. The resort has mineral springs, 30-degree thermal and radon baths.

The specialization of the Loutraki resort is the treatment of skin and cardiological diseases, internal organs and the gastrointestinal tract, and the musculoskeletal system. Medical procedures are carried out with the help of thermal baths, swimming in pools with mineral water, various kinds of hydromassages. There are also numerous cosmetic programs aimed at getting rid of cellulite and improving the skin of the face and body.

Kos

The island of Kos has one thermal spring, which people knew about in ancient times. It is called Terma. Here, according to legend, Hippocrates himself went to bathe. The healing spring beats from under the coastal cliff just a few meters from the sea. Water falls into a stylized pool dug by an excavator and fenced off from the sea by a chain of large boulders.

The mineral spring is located 4 km from the nearest settlement of Agios Fokas. Regular sightseeing bus trips are organized here. Swimming in the pool itself is free, since there is practically nothing from the usual resort infrastructure, except for the abandoned house near the pool.​

The reason for such a calm attitude towards thermal wealth lies in the very position of the source. Every year, winter storms cover it with stones and sand, and with the approach of the holiday season, the pool is dug up again with a simple excavator.

Rhodes

On this famous island, the thermal springs of Kallithea are of great originality. They are very famous in historical terms, as they have been known to people since ancient times. Beautiful baths have been built here - thermal baths, which have been used for many years.

Over time, the springs dried up, leaving behind only perfectly preserved structures used for filming feature films. Now they house a museum.

Thessaloniki

Closest to Thessaloniki is the health complex Picrolimni. It is built on the shore of the lake at the point where the thermal spring comes out with a hot 38-degree temperature. Here, in comfortable conditions, dozens of people receive medical and health-improving procedures.

Picrolimni specializes in the treatment of dermatological and gynecological diseases, the musculoskeletal system, getting rid of obesity and cellulite. For this, mineral water, mud therapy and various cosmetic procedures are used. The infrastructure of the complex includes pools filled with thermal water, hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, and treatment rooms.

The thermal springs of Greece are real pantries of health and beauty, visited annually by thousands of tourists, many of whom successfully combine a beach holiday with thermal therapy.

Herodotus, Hippocrates, Plutarch, Aristotle, Strabo wrote about the unique features of the local mineral waters, and even after two millennia their observations and valuable advice have not lost their relevance. For example, Herodotus argued that in order for the treatment with Greek mineral waters to be effective, the procedures should be carried out for at least 21 days, and Hippocrates noted that mineral springs are useful due to compounds of copper, iron, silver, sulfur, etc.

Now there are about 700 mineral springs in the country, which are used in the territories of chic spa resorts, health centers, or they gush out of rocks and fountains absolutely free for everyone. The most famous of them are:

Loutraki (Peloponnese)

Even in ancient times, the Greeks noticed that the hot waters that were located in the area of ​​the Gulf of Corinth on the Peloponnesian Isthmus were able to cure some diseases. Therefore, it is not surprising that the city, around which several mineral springs were discovered, was first called Terme (baths), and then Loutraki (from the word lutra - medicinal baths). Today, more than 60 hotels are located here, and the most famous hospital Loutra Loutrakiou, equipped with the latest technology, is considered one of the best in the world.

Amazing healing properties are manifested due to the rich mineral composition of the water, which includes sodium, radium, iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur and several other components. Treatments in outdoor baths and pools improve the effect, as they are combined with the healing climate, saturated with pine aromas and the freshness of sea water. The springs are located along the sea with a strip of about 800 m. The temperature of the thermal waters is from +30°C to +37°C, and they are used both for drinking and for baths.

Indications for treatment: rheumatism, paralysis, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, heart, kidneys, liver, biliary and urinary tract, urolithiasis, diseases of the respiratory system, blood circulation problems, nervous disorders.

Every guest of the city can improve his health in the Loutra Loutrakiu hospital - bathing cost fluctuates from 1 to 5 euros(depending on the capacity of baths and pools). To improve the effect before taking baths, it is recommended to do massage (from 5 to 50 euros, depending on time).

Edipsu (Fr. Euboea)

Mineral springs of Edipsos (Edipsou) are located in the northwestern part of the island and have been known since the third century BC. In this corner of Greece, the beauty of the sea coast and the lush Mediterranean vegetation are ideally combined. Mineral waters from a depth of 3 thousand meters come out both on the surface of the earth (into pools and fountains) and into the sea itself, so even a beach holiday in Greece in this place in itself can be extremely useful. The local mineral springs contain radon, carbon, sodium, calcium, hydrogen sulfide, iron and nitrogen compounds.

Indications for treatment: rheumatism, sciatica, peripheral neuritis, arthritis, gynecological diseases, diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Edipsu springs are also used for procedures related to general health promotion, youth and beauty maintenance.

spa complex Thermae Sylla SPA

The spa complex is especially popular with the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. Thermae Sylla SPA. This is one of the best and most modern spa hotels in the resort, which was built in 1897. At one time, Winston Churchill, Maria Callas, Greta Garbo stayed here. Rest in the hotel will cost approx. 1000 euros for 6 nights for two procedures must be ordered separately.

Agia Paraskevi (Chalkidiki)

The mineral springs of Agia Paraskevi are located on the Kassandra peninsula (), 5 km from the city of Loutra, on a rock that rises above the sea coast. This place is sure to suit those who want to improve their health and rejuvenate away from noisy cities and major tourist centers.

Here, the mineral waters of Greece are saturated with hydrogen sulfide and have a temperature +39°C, they also contain sodium, chlorine, potassium and other elements. They have a beneficial effect on the body of patients suffering from skin diseases (dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne), problems with the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the bones, muscles and joints, arthritis, pain in the intervertebral discs, etc.

Resort Agia Paraskevi, unlike most others in Greece, was opened quite recently - after the end of World War II. The first hospital built here was state-owned, and the new modern complex, which was built in 2000, belongs to the local government and is open to visitors all year round. Tourists note that the prices for treatment in Loutra are very democratic: for example, in order to swim in the healing pool, need to pay 5 euro, for an individual bath - 7 euro, turkish bath costs also 7 euro(for 20 minutes).

Langada

Springs of Langada(or Loutra Langadas) are located 18 km north of the city. This is another ancient health complex that dates back to 900 AD. At that time, Justinian, a military doctor of the Byzantine Empire, built the first marble baths here, which have survived to this day. In 1925, after the scientific base for treatment with mineral waters was brought in Europe, the first modern balneological resort appeared here.

Langada springs are used to treat: rheumatism, skin and gynecological diseases, diseases of the kidneys, bones and joints, arthrosis. The composition of water includes sodium, potassium, calcium; water is hypotonic, metallized. The temperature of the springs is slightly higher +39°C, they are used both for baths and for drinking treatment and prevention.

The cost of group bathing is 6 euros per hour, an individual bath is 5 euros per hour, hydromassage is 7 euros.

Few people know that the Greek lands are rich not only in unique antique values ​​​​and chic beach resorts. Among other praising epithets, these places can rightfully be called healing: health-improving thermal springs in Greece have been known since antiquity. Fonts created by nature have a corrective effect on many ailments and give the body a charge of vivacity and energy. How to choose a healing resort and improve your health we will tell in today's article.

Let's start by looking at the very essence of this natural phenomenon. What are thermal springs? This is groundwater heated above 20 ° C and made its way to the surface of the earth.

Immediately make a reservation that the epithet "thermal" is not always equivalent to the word "healing". Only those natural pools are recognized as curative, the waters of which are extremely rich in useful and rare minerals. The number of such unique places is small: for more than 700 natural Greek baths, there are only 20 healing ones. Their status was officially recognized and fixed at the state level by the Ministry of Tourism.

All hot springs in Greece with medicinal properties are listed in the table below.

Baths not included in the list are also popular among tourists and locals. The properties of these mineral springs contain many useful substances, but their concentration does not allow us to speak of a strong healing effect. Nevertheless, rest in such sanatorium resorts with pools with thermal water has a general relaxing effect on the body, helps to restore the nervous system and improves the skin.

Thermal springs in Greece - features

Among European countries, Greek lands rank 1st in terms of the number of natural hot baths for bathing: there are more than 700 of them. The features of the thermal springs of Greece were known to people in ancient times. They have been used for the following medical purposes:

• prevention of rheumatism;
• treatment of colds;
• removal of inflammation of the genitourinary system;
• fight against infertility.

Later, the composition of the waters in hot springs was studied more carefully and they began to be recommended for use in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, malfunctions of the heart, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, neurological and gynecological ailments.

Today, some Greek baths have turned from natural fonts into modern health-improving and rehabilitation centers, where a wide variety of healing procedures are available to guests. Therefore, tens of thousands of tourists come here every year. Holidays in sanatoriums in the thermal resorts of Greece are popular even in winter, because almost all of them are equipped with indoor pools. However, in open water the temperature does not fall below 20 degrees.

Indications and contraindications for staying at the resort

Due to the peculiarities of the area, many mineral springs in Greece still remain in their original form. Anyone can freely plunge into these natural fonts. But we note that thermal waters are strongly not recommended to be taken without the prior recommendation of a specialist! What could be the result of such initiative? Deterioration of health. Therefore, before going to health resorts, be sure to consult a doctor and familiarize yourself with the indications and contraindications for visiting the thermal baths.

Contraindications

• chronic renal failure;
• hypertonic disease;
• oncology;
• acute period of blood diseases;
• coronary artery disease;
• angina;
• glaucoma;
• asthma;
• diabetes;
• infectious diseases.

Swimming is also prohibited for pregnant women and children. But, there are situations when doctors prescribe treatment for minors with thermal waters. In this case, the procedure should not last more than 10 minutes.

Indications

As for the indications, they depend on the mineral composition of hot waters. An effective treatment that helps get rid of disturbing ailments can only be prescribed by a qualified specialist. Therefore, for a healing "miracle" it is better to go to a well-equipped sanatorium with experienced and qualified staff. And for those who just want to catch relaxation, “wild” terms are also suitable.

In any case, each resort has its own specifics, which we will discuss in detail in the next section.

Medical resorts in Greece with thermal springs

The maritime climate and sunny weather in themselves give vacationers a charge of positive energy. And when the climatic advantages that Greece is famous for and the thermal springs are combined into a single whole, then the rest is not only unforgettable, but also healing. But how to choose the right resort among such a variety of options? We bring to your attention a description of the best Greek places with thermal springs.

Edipsos

Thermal source located in the north of the island of Euboea, 100 km from the city of Chalkis.

This place was popular even among the ancient Greeks: the first information about local hydrotherapy is found in an ancient text dated to the 5th century BC. BC. Today, the resort remains the most popular health resort in Greece, but it heals not only the Greeks, but also tourists from all over the world.

The spring waters are saturated with calcium, iron, chlorine, radon and sodium salts. The temperature of the hot tub reaches 78°C, which is one of the highest. The healing properties of local waters help to correct malfunctions in the endocrine and nervous systems, remove gynecological and skin ailments, and correct pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

A special highlight of the resorts are cosmetic procedures and a detox program. Guests are also invited to participate in procedures for body shaping and cellulite treatment.

Loutraki

The largest health resort with a developed tourist infrastructure. It is located in the southern part of Greece on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth.

According to legend, this thermal spring was chosen for relaxation by the gods of Olympus themselves. With a temperature of about 33 degrees, the water comes out of the ground at the highest speed, creating ideal conditions for spa treatments. Therefore, in addition to outdoor pools, the city has numerous balnearies, the largest of which is Loutraki Thermal Spa.

Local waters have a slightly alkaline balance, saturated with calcium, magnesium and sodium chloride. Due to their properties, they can be used both for bathing and for drinking therapy. Rest in Loutraki is effective in the treatment of:

• diseases of the musculoskeletal- motor apparatus;
• gastrointestinal problems;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• skin ailments;
• liver failure;
• kidney stone disease.

In addition to medical treatments, guests can enjoy relaxing baths and a Jacuzzi.

Vouliagmeni

The closest thermal springs to the city of Athens. They are only 20 km away from the Greek capital. It is worth mentioning that this is not about the settlement of Vouliagmeni, but about the salt lake: it is located north of the city.

Lake waters feed underground springs, and the bottom of the reservoir is indented with numerous tunnels and caves. Perhaps it was they that served as the basis for the legend that a mermaid lives here, which drags young boys to the seabed. Also, these places are known as the habitat of Garra Rufa fish (used in cosmetology for peeling).

The temperature of the font ranges from 20 to 30 degrees, because water is constantly updated due to the movement of underground sources. The minerals, metals and alkalis contained in the water streams have a positive effect on arthritis, rheumatism, skin and gynecological ailments.

Agia Paraskevi

The village of St. Paraskeva for a long time did not stand out among other Greek villages. However, in the middle of the last century, a hot spring was discovered here, which radically changed the life of the settlement. A small sanatorium was built in Paraskevi, which in the early 2000s was transformed into a large modern SPA center. After that, in a few years, Agia Paraskevi caught up in popularity with other health resorts in Greece.

Healing waters with a temperature of 37.5-39 degrees contain bromine, potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide and chromium. These chemical elements allow for effective therapy of the following diseases:

• osteochondrosis;
• arthritis;
• pain in muscle tissues;
• skin diseases;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• gynecological and urological ailments.

In addition, local waters have a beneficial effect on old fractures.

Aridea

Loutra Pozar (Aridea) is a thermal spring located in a picturesque natural area. The outdoor pools are shaded by a cool forest and offer views of Mount Voras and the Thermopotamos River. It is also noteworthy that there is a natural massage shower here: a stormy waterfall flows into one of the fonts with hot and cold jets that have a relaxing effect.

The temperature in the reservoirs reaches 37°C. This source is characterized by a high content of metals and acids, which help to heal from gynecological and skin ailments, as well as diseases of the respiratory system and joints.

The beauty of nature and the healing properties of local waters make the expressions of Loutra Pozar and tranquil relaxation almost synonymous.

Rhodes

Even in ancient times, the glory of a miraculous spring was born, located in the area of ​​​​the town of Kallithea on the island of Rhodes. Snow-white baths were built here, in which Roman wars plunged to heal their wounds. Later, the complex was abandoned and revived again only at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1927-1929, the composition of local waters was carefully studied and their healing power was proved, which made it possible to open a medical sanatorium on the territory. The health resort became popular: tourists visited Rhodes no less than Loutraki. But, unfortunately, 40 years after the opening, the water supply was exhausted, and the resort was again abandoned.

Kallithea received a new round of development in 2007. The Greeks managed to restore the functioning of the source, but the medical building began to carry a purely architectural function: now only drinking therapy is carried out here.

Healing water properties: cool (19°C), the presence of chlorine and sodium is noted. It is used for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in violation of the adrenal gland.

Thessaloniki

The second city of Greece after Athens, Thessaloniki, glorifies the thermal springs of Fermi and Suroti. Both of them represent an inexhaustible supply of mineral waters, which are useful for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

But the Picrolimni medical complex is much more popular with tourists, where many wellness procedures are carried out. It is located near Thessaloniki (30 km) on the shores of a salt lake. This is a modern sanatorium with qualified medical staff and high-quality equipment.

The temperature in the spring pools reaches 38 degrees. Local waters and mud have healing therapeutic and rejuvenating properties. Treatment in Picrolimni is indicated for patients with such ailments as rheumatism, skin and gynecological diseases, gout, pain in the musculoskeletal tissue, overweight, cellulite.

Basic methods of thalassotherapy and SPA

Bathing in thermal springs should not be confused with services called thalassotherapy and SPA. This is a separate type of medical and cosmetic procedures.

Thalassotherapy is a treatment method that uses sea water and related elements: algae, salt, mud, plankton. Accordingly, the main requirement for such a center is its location right on the seashore, because only fresh sea water is suitable for procedures. The largest Greek thalassotherapy centers are located on the islands of the Aegean Sea (Crete and Rhodes), as well as on the island of Corfu.

Greece is a resort country. People come here for the warm sun, sea, historical sights. Few people know that there are healing springs here. And there are about 20 of them in Chalkidiki, Drama, Attica, Kavalla, Volvi, Rhodes, Evros, Kos, Corinth according to one source. Aridea, Euboea, Arta, Agiou and Edipsos each have two springs.

Gynecological diseases, skin diseases and rheumatism can be cured here. Few people know about this, so tourists most often go for beach and sightseeing holidays.

In the resorts with thermal springs, many hotels have been built that offer a range of wellness treatments. You can purchase a ticket to one of the most popular and best hotels, where you will be provided with a complex of spa treatments. There is no influx of guests here even at the peak of the season. People come for a calm and peaceful rest.

Loutraki

Loutraki is a resort town in southern Greece. The city is located along the sea. The beaches are clean. On the waterfront there are a large number of bars, disco bars, as well as cafes and restaurants.

Loutraki is a popular resort where healing mineral waters flow, and there is also a hydrotherapy center where you can be cured of possible diseases. The infrastructure is of a high standard.

The city has many hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers. Loutraki has many attractions: Byzantine temples, the temple of the goddess Hera. Here operates the largest casino in Europe.

Edipsos

The city of Edipsos is located on the island of Euboea in the Aegean Sea. The resort is world famous for its beneficial mineral warm springs. Many tourists visit the city to undergo a course of various diseases in the thermal pools.

The city is famous not only for preventive procedures, but also for its high level of infrastructure. There are a large number of hotels, restaurants, discos and entertainment centers. Also Ediptos is rich in attractions. There are 80 sources of healthy mineral water flowing in the city. The most popular is the source of Sulla. Also in the city is the Edipos Museum and the Cave of Sulla.

Hello dear blog guests! The well-known expression that Greece has everything is not the least related to the tourism industry. The country offers visitors a choice: beach holidays, ski resorts, pilgrimage tours, children's tours and treatment at thermal springs with thalassotherapy.

The thermal springs of Greece are not so widely known in Russia. This is strange, since they have existed among the Greeks since ancient times. Hot springs themselves are often found in different countries.

But it was the Greeks who were the first to use them for commercial purposes. Around the sources, they organized an infrastructure convenient for vacationers. They gave them a name - thermal.

On the territory of the continental and islands there are many springs and resorts based on them. They are all different, differ in chemical composition, infrastructure and remoteness from large cities.

Rules for the use of thermal springs:

• For treatment, you need to allocate 14-21 days. In this case, the body will receive a health reserve of 2-3 months.
• The time spent in water should not exceed 20 minutes. The hotter the water, the shorter the time.
• Sources put a strain on the heart, the pulse is greatly accelerated. Should not be completely immersed in water. The heart zone should be above the water.
• Before going to a thermal spa, you should familiarize yourself with the chemical composition of water and mud on the resort's website. With this information, you need to come to a consultation with your doctor and get his opinion on the possibility of a trip.

Loutraki

This city-resort offers tourists a holiday all year round. It is located 100 km from Athens.

The Russian-speaking diaspora is numerous here and is mainly employed in the tourism business. Therefore, there will be no problems with the language in Loutraki.

The main attraction, of course, is the thermal spring. You can use it by staying in hotels near the source, or visiting SPA centers. A waterfall with thermal water is open to everyone.

The temperature in the spring in summer reaches 37 degrees Celsius, and in winter up to 32. The water in the source originates 3 km underground and under pressure comes out through the rocky rock. Along the way, it is saturated with microelements of the rocks.

Mineral water in the city flows directly from the tap. It is rich in elements such as magnesium and potassium.

The healing waters of Loutraki help with heart and skin diseases, improve women's health, and help with stomach problems.

To complete your therapeutic holiday, use the services of SPA centers. Which, in addition to swimming in the thermal pool and under the waterfalls, offer massage treatments, various body wraps, etc.

Treatment in Loutraki can be combined with a beach holiday and a varied excursion program.

Loutra Pozar

This medical resort is located in the mountains near the town of Aridea and 100 km from Thessaloniki.

Like Loutraki, it is open all year round. There is no sea, discos and the opportunity to spend an active vacation. The small town of Aridea is quiet and peaceful.

Thermal water has a whole list of trace elements: iron and potassium, magnesium and sodium and others.

The treatment center located nearby offers various treatments and visits to indoor pools with medicinal water. Massage in the center is carried out by certified doctors.

If you are a supporter of natural sources, then at your service is an outdoor natural pool with a hot waterfall and a few meters from it there is another waterfall with cold water.

Since the resort is located in the mountains, in winter the temperature can drop to +5 degrees. However, we visit the hot spring at this time, and its temperature does not fall below +30.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Near the capital of Greece, Athens, there is a healing place - Lake Vouliagmeni. It is salty and smells of sulfur. The water of the lake helps in the treatment of rheumatism, gynecological problems and skin diseases.

You can come here throughout the year. The water temperature does not drop below +21 degrees. Maximum - +29.

The place itself is very beautiful. The reservoir is surrounded by a mountain range. There is a pine smell in the air due to the abundance of pine forests around.

The beach area is equipped with everything you need - sunbeds, umbrellas. There are restaurants. And of course, if someone wants to be treated with healing water and have fun, the spa will offer a wide range of treatments.

During the day, beautiful calm music plays here, and in the evening the illumination of the mountain slopes is added to the music, making the place fabulous.

Therma

The source is located on Kos. Thermal water spouts from underground on the shore next to the water's edge. The Greeks dig the bathing lake with an excavator and separate it from the sea with stones.

Storms, of which there are many in winter, cover the lake with stones and sand. But by the summer season, the locals dig it up again and prepare it for the arrival of tourists.

The source is not equipped in terms of service. Although tourists are brought here by bus a lot.

methane

The peninsula with the city of the same name Methana is especially loved by European tourists for its cleanliness, peace and tranquility.

The local thermal spring has been known since the times. The water is saturated with sulfur, so the surrounding area has a specific smell.

The service at the source is excellent. You can just swim, or you can use additional procedures in treatment centers.

Would you like to visit the healing springs in Greece?

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