Greek Islands Guidee

There are many things about Greece that a regular individual (or even a traveler) does not know. Usually what comes to mind upon the mention of Greece is Zeus, Athena and the gods of Greek mythology; Olympia, the seat of the Olympic Games; Acropolis and various other historical sites; and picturesque beaches and deep blue seas. But one of Greece's greatest treasures comes from deep under the earth. Hot springs containing minerals flow from under the ground and have been known to relieve many ailments. There are more than 750 of these healing or health spas in Greece. As mineral spas gain popularity, especially among tourists, more facilities are being built around them to accommodate visitors. In fact, several hotels and resorts have been constructed to provide tourists with a luxurious spa experience.


The minerals found in the health spas of Greece include magnesium, calcium, ammonium, potassium, lithium, iodine and chlorine. The waters are said to heal ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, gynecological disorders, backaches, headaches, lumbago, neuritis, and even men's potency problems.

Arguably the best and most well known healing spa is at the Edipsos, located at the east side of Evia. The popularity of the healing springs at Edipsos is so great such that the place is called the "Spa City". The fame of Edipsos is not really a secret. Aristotle has mentioned the curative properties of its waters in his writings. When the Romans occupied the country, the healing waters of Edipsos benefited many prominent Romans of the day.

Edipsos boasts of more than eighty springs with varying degrees of hotness. Most springs, as with health spas in other parts of Greece, are open to the public although some resort and hotels have baths and pools of their own. These resorts have added facilities such as saunas, steam rooms and physical therapists.

The healing springs in Lesvos is also a popular destination for those hoping to find relief from their physical sickness. In Molyvos, the tourist capital of Lesvos can be found the Eftalou Springs. Just like in Edipsos, hot water gushes from the ground and joins the seawater. You can swim on the sea, which is warm near the rocks where the spring and seawater meet. Or you can just opt to sit on the shore where the water is warmer. Polichnitos, famous for its Paleochristian monasteries and churches, houses the hottest health spas in Greece. The healing spas at Thermi on the Gulf of Yera are the largest in Lesvos. Aside from the usual ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis and gynecological disorders that are known to be relieved by most springs, the baths at Thermi are said to treat kidney problems, diabetes, intestinal diseases and bronchial disorders.

Although Athens is known to be a bustling modern city with remnants of Greek glory such as the Acropolis, it also contains its own healing springs at Vouliagmeni Lake. This is about a half-hour drive from the main city. Scientific researches have discovered that a large cave existed, millions of year ago, in the place where the lake is now. The caves have a number of hot springs but as the walls of the caves collapsed, the springs formed the lake. The spring is recommended for those suffering from bone and muscle diseases, skin diseases and gynecological disorders.

Health spas in Greece are certainly worth a visit. Even if you do not have the ailments listed above, a dip in the warm water is known to refresh and invigorate.