Wellness tourism in Greece

Wellness and health have a long history in Greece. Since ancient times, the country's numerous hot springs have provided relief from illnesses, invigoration of body and mind, and stimulation and relaxation of mind and body. By the sea, in the lush forests on the slopes of mountains with waterfalls, rivers and lakes, you will rediscover a precious peace. Health resorts in Greece, built near hot springs, take advantage of the wonders of nature to offer tourists a wide range of specialized services and treatments, including wellness tourism destinations.

  The ancient Greek medical approach, preserved in the traditions of the people, considers man as an indivisible whole, on the basis of which the soul, mind and body interact, and health is considered a state of balance and well-being between the spiritual world and the natural state of the individual. Healing spas, a balanced diet, herbal remedies, hypnotherapy, relaxing massage are just some of the "secrets" that have survived from ancient times to the present day. Some waters are considered ideal for drinking, such as the waters of the Arcadian springs, which have a pronounced analgesic and therapeutic effect for stomach ailments. Other springs, which are part of wellness tourism in Greece, are considered excellent for skin diseases and chronic diseases of the bones and muscles, such as the springs of Aidipsos in Evia, Loutraki in the Peloponnese and Eleftheres in Kavala, Macedonia.

   Wellness tourism destinations in Greece, especially hot springs, are available to tourists with excellent amenities and constant medical supervision by trained staff and provide services in various cases. The healing properties of seawater, seaweed or sea moss help you overcome stress and anxiety and improve your mental performance. Seawater also has unique healing properties. Thalassotherapy centers throughout Greece, which are usually part of luxury hotel facilities, offer a unique experience of wellness and relaxation. And are other wellness tourism destinations in Greece. The island of Lesbos in the northern Aegean Sea, due to its volcanic origin, has several hot springs with a wide range of chemical substances. Their elements have been of interest to bathers since ancient times for their healing properties, and the Greeks, Romans and Ottomans built baths and other facilities around them.

Aidipsos, in the northwestern part of the island of Evia, is one of the most popular Greek spa towns and destinations. It is perhaps the most famous spa town in Greece. Historically, the area has been visited by Roman emperors such as Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and Constantine the Great. There are about 60 hot springs in and around Aidipsos. The waters rise from a depth of 2.5 km and have a temperature of between 34 and 71.2 °C, and also contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium.

  The village of Loutraki is located about 100 km from Thessaloniki, famous for its Pozar springs. This spa town is located in the forested gorge of the Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) River, also called Thermopotamos (Greek for warm river), which rises in the Kaimaktsalan Mountains in the north. It is another of the most popular wellness tourism destinations in Greece. The name Pozar comes from the Slavic root (Пожар) and means "fire". The water of this mineral hot spring springs at a temperature of 37 ° C. They are formed by rainwater that penetrates the earth and reaches great depths, where it heats up and also becomes rich in minerals.

  There is also a complex of seventeen caves in the area, where prehistoric finds have been discovered and are on display in the small local museum, while the area is also ideal for hiking. The island of Ikaria in the eastern Aegean Sea is renowned for the longevity of its locals, as well as for its mineral-rich hot springs, which have been known since ancient times. The island's most important spa town is Therma (from the adjective thermos "hot"), near the capital, Agios Krikoris, with five different springs with water temperatures ranging from 45 to 60 °C. It is a wellness tourism destination. There are four other hot springs near Therma. Another town, Loutraki (from the word loutron "bath"), is found on the Corinthian Gulf (in the Peloponnese), just 80 km from Athens. Loutraki has long been a popular seaside resort and spa town.

  Balneotherapy (bath therapy) is generally recommended as an effective treatment for nervous, skin and gynecological diseases, rheumatism, sciatica, bronchitis and other respiratory and circulatory diseases. On the other hand, positivity therapy (treatment by drinking water) is effective for problems related to the kidneys, liver, urinary tract, digestive system and chronic gastritis, colitis, ulcers, etc.