Spas in Greece: a journey between wellbeing and age-old habits
Among its rolling hills, along the rugged coasts, or near archaeological sites that tell millennia-old stories, the thermal baths of Greece conceal grand natural hot springs offering a unique refuge for the body and spirit. This ancient country, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, hosts some of the most fascinating and ancient thermal baths in the world, preserving fossil water with incredible healing and regenerative properties.
Let's discover them together.
The history of thermal baths in Greece
The history of thermal baths in Greece is deeply intertwined with the very fabric of its ancient civilization, reflecting the evolution of the society and culture over millennia. These sanctuaries of hot water, celebrated for their healing properties, have remote origins: in ancient times, thermal springs were shrouded in an aura of sacredness, often dedicated to deities and considered sources of spiritual and physical purification. Over time, they became central hubs of Greek social life: meeting places where ancient Greeks could heal their bodies and nourish their spirits and minds. Here, philosophers, politicians, and citizens of all classes would gather to discuss public matters, share ideas, or simply enjoy moments of relaxation and conviviality.
The importance attributed to these facilities was also reflected in the architectural and technological evolution of the baths themselves. The ancient Greeks developed advanced methods for heating the water and constructing plumbing systems, in addition to providing changing rooms, gyms, and massage rooms.
Over the centuries, despite the historical vicissitudes that saw many of these marvels fall into disuse or be destroyed, the interest in the beneficial properties of thermal waters never completely faded in Greece.
Today, these natural sanctuaries, spread throughout the country, are not only silent witnesses of past civilizations but continue to be vibrant centers of wellness and health, combining the ancient wisdom of thermal waters with modern spa practices.
The thermal water of Greek springs
The thermal waters of Greek springs are special for two main reasons: their mineral composition and the various temperatures at which they can be found, depending on the spring.
Each thermal spring in Greece, thanks to the underground journey of the water through different rock formations, has its unique chemical composition, enriched with minerals such as sulfur, sodium, potassium, and iron. These minerals provide benefits for skin problems, muscle and joint pain, and respiratory system disorders.
Moreover, the temperature of the thermal waters varies significantly from one spring to another, offering different bathing and therapy experiences. While the hotter waters help relax muscles and improve circulation, the cooler ones are refreshing and stimulating.
Additionally, many springs are located in unique natural settings, such as forests, mountains, or near the sea, which add an extra sense of tranquility and well-being. This combination of water and landscapes offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature while enjoying the benefits of thermal waters.
The oldest and most famous thermal pools in Greece
In Greece, there are various thermal pools that stand out for their ancient history and fame, attracting visitors for both their therapeutic benefits and their rich past. Visiting them allows one to immerse in a past where nature and its resources were intimately intertwined with daily life, self-care, and socialization, keeping alive traditions that have spanned millennia.
Edipsos Thermal Baths, Euboea
With a history dating back thousands of years, the Edipsos thermal baths are among the oldest and most well-known natural spas in Greece. These places were frequented by prominent historical figures such as Aristotle and the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
The waters of the Edipsos thermal baths, which can reach up to 70°C, are rich in minerals and are renowned for their beneficial effects on ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism. Besides their therapeutic value, the location of Edipsos, with its sea views and surrounding natural environment, contributes to making it a highly appreciated destination for relaxation and wellness.
Pozar Thermal Baths, Macedonia
Located in the region of Macedonia, the Pozar thermal baths are nestled in a breathtaking landscape of mountains and forests. Their thermal waters flow at a constant temperature of about 37°C, making them ideal for relaxing baths as well as for their healing properties. They are particularly effective in treating circulatory and muscular problems. The unique combination of warm thermal waters, natural waterfalls, and rock-hewn pools makes the Pozar thermal baths one of the most enchanting and beneficial thermal experiences in Greece.
Thermopylae Thermal Baths, Lamia
The water of the Thermopylae thermal baths is rich in minerals, and, emerging from the ground at high temperatures, it helps treat various conditions such as rheumatism and skin diseases. The area is also a historical site of great importance, adding cultural significance to the relaxation and physical wellness that can be experienced here.
Lesbos Thermal Baths
On the island of Lesbos, there are several thermal springs known for their mineral-rich waters, which can relieve a variety of ailments in an environment that combines the island's rich cultural history with enchanting natural landscapes. However, some of these springs are located in difficult-to-reach areas and are not open to the public.
Killini Thermal Baths, Katakolon
The Killini thermal baths, located in the region of the Peloponnese, are famous for their sulfurous waters that spring from nearly 1 km below the earth's surface. They are particularly valued for treating dermatological and rheumatic conditions. The area is also a place of notable natural beauty, offering a relaxing experience immersed in the greenery of western Greece.
The perfect Skincare for your trip to Greece
If you are planning a trip to Greece, it is important to consider the health of your skin, which is subject to intense sun exposure and the Mediterranean climate that can range from hot and dry to humid, especially during the summer months. Additionally, days spent exploring archaeological sites or enjoying the beautiful beaches can further stress your skin.
For this reason, Thermae Il Tempio della Salute has identified a series of perfect products for your trip, composed of thermal cosmetics based on salsobromoiodic water, allowing you to enjoy your vacation while nourishing your skin in the right way.
Face cosmetics for your trip to Greece
To ensure that the climate doesn't prevent you from fully enjoying your trip to Greece, you can take care of your skin with our Mini Travel SPA Facial Routine. The compact kit, ideal for fitting into your luggage without taking up space, is designed to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and rejuvenated despite sun exposure and the typical Mediterranean climate variations.
The routine includes:
- Vanitas Cleansing Milk: for gentle cleansing that prepares the skin for subsequent treatments.
- Nebula Thermal Water: revitalizes the face with a touch of freshness and immediate hydration.
- Idrata Hydrating Mask: a complimentary part of the kit for a hydration boost that leaves the skin glowing.
- Decomposée SPF 15 Face Cream: provides deep hydration and sun protection throughout the day.
By using these products, you can always enjoy fresh, hydrated skin ready to face the adventures of your trip to Greece.
You can also find the products in regular sizes, to which you can add the Rebalancing Serum, to be used before the cream to balance sebum production and maintain proper hydration in the skin tissue.
Body cosmetics for your trip to Greece
Not just the face, but the body also needs care and attention, which you can provide with our Body Cleansing and Moisturizing Mini Routine Travel Kit. This practical and compact kit is the ideal solution for keeping your body's skin clean, nourished, and hydrated during your trip to Greece.
The routine includes two key products enclosed in an elegant gold pouch, perfect for carry-on luggage:
- Serica Thermal Oil: this oil gently cleanses the skin, nourishing it and preserving its natural defenses. Its unique formula (which can also be combined with Thermal Salt to create an exclusive savonage experience) regenerates and envelops the body, leaving the skin hydrated, nourished, and remineralized.
- Lactea Thermal Milk: a hydrating emulsion that acts as a refreshing balm for the skin, leaving it soft, toned, and pleasantly scented all day long.
You can also find the products in regular sizes, to which you can add the Renova Exfoliating Scrub Bath, which, thanks to the action of microgranules, cleanses and exfoliates the skin, stimulating it for a more even, firm, and receptive appearance.
Additionally, to combat the heat and fatigue of the legs both during the vacation and after the long flight, you could add the Cryogenesi refreshing gel to the routine, which acts as a decongestant, improves microcirculation, and gives the legs an immediate feeling of lightness and freshness.
The thermalism of Ancient Greece before our eyes
A journey through the thermal baths of Greece offers much more than breathtaking landscapes and historical sites; it allows you to rediscover the ancient ways of conceiving well-being from ancient populations who have passed down their secrets to us.
Whether you are walking among the ruins of ancient civilizations, relaxing in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, or immersing yourself in the tradition of ancient Greek thermal baths, by including our mini facial and body routines in your suitcase, you can ensure that your skin receives the attention it needs at every moment of your trip, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural and cultural riches of Greece.
