One of the best-kept secrets in Greece is the abundance of hot springs, bubbling up from the depths of the earth into natural pools on islands, mountain slopes and plains all around the country. Clouds of steam accompanied by the pungent smell of sulphur signal the whereabouts of these prized natural phenomena, embedded in the volcanic landscape.
Immersing yourself into one of these thermal springs makes your body tingle and your heart dance as you adjust to the temperature. While you gradually become accustomed to it, breathing balances out and you sweat freely, feeling your heart pulsing in every corner of your body. You slip in and out of a calm meditative state, relaxing deeply in these womb-like surroundings.
Still, what makes these places particularly special is that often you are outdoors, with views of the open sky and rural landscape - far better than lying in your bath at home reading a glossy magazine, and much, much better for your health.
Underground secrets
What, then, makes thermal waters so beneficial? Well, hot springs contain a multitude of mineral properties and chemical compounds which are picked up underground at temperatures usually exceeding 80 degrees Celsius. Thermal springs' waters, rich in minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, strontium and sulphates, to name but a few) are therefore of very similar composition to our bodies. And because they are naturally hot, when bathed in, our bodies readily soak in their minerals.
Soaking in the hot springs has a positive sedative effect, relaxing muscles as well as balancing and harmonising the neuro-vegitative system. A significant number of ailments - such as arthritis, rheumatism, gynaecological inflammations, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sciatica, kidney and bladder disorders - are seen to be alleviated, if not completely remedied by the use of thermal waters. So, it is hardly surprising that surrounding many hot springs are hotels, which offer a complete package of treatments - such as massages, hydrotherapy and a variety of complementary therapies.
Out of the country's 752 thermo-metallic springs, perhaps the best-known is that of Edipsos on the island of Evia boasting over 80 sources of thermal waters. There are, however, scores of places around Greece where the benefits of thermal springs can also be enjoyed - such as Konitsa, Ioannina, Lesvos, Kiafa, Kos, Xanthi, Ipati and Platystomo to name but a few. Each spring has varying amounts of minerals, chemical compounds and levels of humidity, so their therapeutic benefits differ.
The ancient link
Indeed, bathing in these thermal waters has been linked to religious and healing rituals throughout the ancient world. Plutarch, Xenophon and Athenaeus, among other ancient historians, wrote about the hot springs in connection with their healing properties. Later, the Romans created entire systems of aqueducts and underground heated bathhouses, bringing these benefits onto their doorstep.
It is not surprising that hot springs appear by or near ancient ritual sites - like that on the North Aegean island of Samothraki, where the conception of Alexander the Great is said to have taken place. The cities of Athens and Larissa (historically named Crannon) are also mentioned as having a source of their own, but these have long disappeared.
The money factor
Whether you have a mystical, religious, healing or just plain relaxing experience in mind, this is one natural joy you should definitely soak up. Also, since it is a naturally occurring treasure, you can experience dipping into these pools at often largely varying costs. For instance, you could splash out up to GDR50,000 per night in a luxury hotel or health spa, GDR10,000 to 15,000 to rent a room nearby, or go completely for free by taking a tent and hiking off the beaten track.
If you choose the latter option, a word of warning: don't jump straight in: these are after all hot springs and some can be extremely so. And you don't want to end up needing therapy of a different kind...
