Nestled by the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is a popular tourist destination thanks to its many natural landmarks and scenic beauty. Among the tourist attractions are hundreds of thermal springs spread around the country and its many islands. Treat yourself to a relaxing holiday at one of these Greek hot springs.
List of Thermal Springs in GRC
Between the mainland of Greece and its islands, such as Crete, Evia, Lesbos, and Rhodes, there is a myriad of hot springs no matter where you may be visiting. If you’re looking to try several thermal spring resorts on your holiday, you’re in luck, as some locations boast dozens to choose from. Some feature full spas on-site, boast accommodations, and have a long, rich history.
Map of Thermal Springs in GRC
Guide to Greece’s Natural Hot Springs
Greece has a cache of hot springs and, of note for mineral water tourists, they’re not all that in demand. Perhaps it’s because temperate ocean water is so easily accessible, and people are more likely to visit the country’s many picturesque beaches.
However, Greece has more than 700 natural hot springs spread through the islands that make up the Mediterranean nation. In one single town, Aedipsos, there are 80 known individual hot springs. We’ve broken down the most prominent hot springs hot spots in each of the five main islands.
Crete
In Crete, you’ll find the Springs of Argyroupolis, a nature preserve that’s well known for its shelf of mineral springs. The area boasts a beautiful waterfall, a slew of restaurants whose architecture highlights some of the spring’s water features, and a few fountains that bubble with the mineral water. On Crete is also-
- Samaria’s Gorge National Park
- Al Hammam Traditional Baths
- Fontana dei Leoni
Evia
On the island of Evia sits The Healing Thermal Springs of Edipsos, a spa with ocean views where the hot spring water meets that of the cooler sea. There’s a local legend in these parts saying that, in ancient times, a nephew decided he’d be his elderly aunt’s only inheritor and tried to hasten them to their deaths.
When the women found out, they spent ten days submerged in the healing waters of Edipsos. They never did die, instead soaking up youth from the springs. That’s some powerful therapeutics! Also on this island, you can find-
- Dimosari Gorge
- Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel
- Steni Evias
Lesbos
This island, known for its most famous poetess, is home to Eftalou, a bathhouse built in the 17th century. These ancient springs have options for group and individual bathing and remain in the hands of local owners. It’s recommended that anyone who wants to bathe for an extended period take multiple trips to the connecting beach to cool off in the waves. This way, bathers won’t overheat in the extra warm spring water.
Similarly, Polychnitou is found on Lesbos and is ultra hot. In fact, it’s the warmest hot spring in all of Europe. The island also houses-
- Thermi on Yera
- Skala Thermi
- The Eressian Hammam & Spa
- Karini
Rhodes
On the island of Rhodes, there is a truly unique collection of springs. There are seven in all and a waterfall. A local restaurant is nearby in case hikers and bathers work up an appetite. The stone basin at Epta Piges (Seven Springs) is from another time, and the tunnel area was constructed in the 1930s. Peacocks and ducks have made the springs their home and are relatively friendly with bathers. Also on Rhodes is-
- Kallithea Springs
- Butterflies Valley
Mainland
On the Greek mainland, you’ll find Pozar Thermal Baths, where there are options to bathe indoors or outdoors. The outdoor pool is rustic and beautiful while the indoor private baths are tiled and kept sparsely lit for relaxation. The water here is an extraordinary turquoise color and can be accessed anytime, day or night. Also on the mainland are-
- Sidirokastro baths
- Thermal Spa Agia Paraskevi
- Kouniaviti thermal baths
- Loutraki Thermal Spa
- Thermal baths Kavasila
- Λουτρά Θερμοπυλών Καταράκτης
Explore Greece
These are only a few of the hot springs on offer in Greece. After all, with over 700 documented thermal pools, it’s impossible to list them all. And it seems as if Greece is only beginning to understand the value of mineral springs tourism. We can foresee a business boom as the world opens up and people begin seeking adventure and culture again.
Learn more about visiting Greece on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.
