The first light of dawn intertwines with the low fog, turning it golden. Steam ripples lazily over the water, blurring the lines between the banks and the grassy land. Enter carefully: there are still secrets from another era to discover before you can relax.
In the distance, the monument to Leonidas stands guard, looming as large as it should: stark and lonely against the rising sun. Weak chatter, some laughter, some cursing. These are the early risers, mostly locals, who dive into the milky pools, with or without smoke. Cars on the nearby road hum in the distance, but the scene still seems timeless, untouched by modern bustle.
The thermal waters of Thermopylae are not a myth, but a place that you can really visit and for free.
Travelers describe it as surreal: a steaming roadside pool framed by mountains and layers of history. There are no ticket offices or fancy facilities – just open access, the smell of sulfur and the awareness that you’re standing where empires once collided.
Here’s your guide to visiting the best hot springs in Greece.
Where warm waters meet epic history
Thermopylae (Θερμοπύλες) means “the hot gates”, a name obtained from the geothermal springs that have bubbled here for thousands of years. Cradled between mountains and sea, this narrow pass was both a strategic bottleneck and a sacred site.
In 480 BC BCE, King Leonidas led 300 Spartans (plus their Greek allies) in a famous last stand against Persia, and while historians still debate how many resisted, who stayed, and how the battle unfolded, his myth has shaped entire generations and cultures to come. The terrain has changed, but the hot springs still flow—as they did when ancient warriors soaked their wounds in sulfurous waters believed to have divine power.
Related reading: Hiking trails in northern Greece: a story of gods, gorges and goats
The best hot springs in Greece: from volcanic bays to mountain getaways
Beyond Thermopylae, Greece offers a dazzling array of natural springs, from wild mountain pools to coastal resorts with centuries of history.
Pozar Hot Springs – Northern Greece
📍Aridaia, Central Macedonia
Located in a forested gorge at the foot of Mount Voras, Pozar is one of Greece’s best-loved thermal getaways. Steaming waterfalls tumble into stone pools surrounded by greenery and cliffs. Facilities include changing rooms, cafes and spa services, and entry to the outdoor pools costs just a few euros.
Advice: Winter mornings are spectacular, with warm water and snow-capped peaks.
Day Trip: Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa Waterfalls
Relax, rejuvenate and explore the natural beauty of northern Greece on an unforgettable private tour.
Experience the perfect combination of wellness and wonder, from soaking in warm mountain springs to discovering the famous Edessa waterfalls.
Highlights include:
↠ Bathe in more than 50 natural pools at the Pozar Thermal Baths, surrounded by a lush mountain landscape
↠ Visit the majestic Edessa Falls, one of the most impressive natural places in Greece
↠ Enjoy a scenic drive through the Macedonian countryside in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
↠ Savor traditional Greek cuisine in a charming village near Pozar
↠ 8-hour private tour from Thessaloniki – fully customizable to your pace and preferences
Entrance fee:
- ~€3–4 per person to access the outdoor thermal pools (the picturesque surroundings of the natural gorge with waterfalls).
- ~€5–6 per person for him indoor spa/thermal baths (individual or group rooms with regulated temperature).
- Children and seniors sometimes receive discounts.
Opening hours:
- Every day, from 07:00 to 21:00 (some parts open later during summer nights).
- Outdoor pools tend to stay open longer, especially in winter when nighttime swimming is popular.
Other practical notes:
- Parking is free and located right next to the entrance.
- Towels and swimsuits can be rented if necessary.
- The site is open all yearand many locals love visiting this area in winter, when the air is crisp and the pools steam spectacularly.
Baths of Edipsos – Evia Island
📍 North Evia
Known since ancient times, Edipsos is the place where Heracles supposedly bathed between labors and where Roman emperors went in search of rejuvenation. Today you can immerse yourself free coastal rock pools or visit traditional spa hotels.
📝 Advice: Low tide reveals more natural pools.
Loutraki Thermal Spa – Corinthia
📍 80 km west of Athens
Loutraki combines modern spa treatments with an ancient pedigree. The city has been famous since classical times; Today is an easy wellness day trip from Athens, combining historic charm with hydrotherapy and walks by the sea.
Santorini Hot Springs – Volcanic Baths in the Caldera
📍 Palea Kameni Islet, by boat
Santorini boat tour highlight: swimming from the cool Aegean Sea into gently warm, rust-colored volcanic waters. The views of the caldera make this one of the most memorable thermal experiences in Greece.
📝 Advice: Wear dark swimsuits – minerals can stain. Water rich in sulfur and iron can irritate sensitive skin and should not be entered with open cuts. Rinse well after swimming.
Related reading: How to Find and Capture the Famous Blue Domes in Santorini
Methana Peninsula – Wild springs near Athens
📍 Peloponnese, 2 hours from Athens
The Methana Peninsula is a geothermal paradise of wild springs by the seavolcanic craters and quiet towns. It’s raw, authentic, and perfect for travelers who like geological drama without the crowds.
Loutra Ypatis – Mount Oiti, central Greece
📍Near Lamía
Sacred to the nymphs of Mount Oiti, these springs are linked to the myth of The ascent of Heracles to Olympus. The sleepy spa town still welcomes visitors seeking the supposed healing benefits of its waters.
Myth and healing: ancient beliefs in the hot springs of Greece
For the ancient Greeks, springs were gifts from the gods:
- Heracles He bathed in Edipsos and Mount Oiti to regain strength and ascend to Olympus.
- nymphs They were believed to bless springs like Loutra Ypatis with rejuvenating power.
- Wise centaurs like Chiron They were related to healing springs in the Peloponnese.
Hot springs were sacred spaces for renewal, a tradition that still endures in the way locals treat them today.
Practical guide: visiting the thermal waters of Thermopylae
Location: Near Lamia, central Greece: 175 km north of Athens
Admission: Free
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round
The best time to visit the thermal waters of Thermopylae
Sunrise for a magical mist and golden light
day time for a livelier local atmosphere
Evening for the loneliness (bring a flashlight!)
Get there
- By car: 2 hours from Athens (E75 north). Free parking on site.
- By bus: KTEL to Lamia + taxi for the last leg.
- Guided tours: It is often combined with Delphi or Meteora.
What to bring
Dark swimsuit (sulfur stains), towel, flip flops, water, flashlight for early or late visits.
Health and safety tips for visiting hot springs
Greece’s hot springs are natural and often rich in sulfur, iron and other minerals. While most travelers enjoy them without problems, it is worth keeping a few health precautions in mind:
- Children: Warm springs can be dehydrating and some pools are quite hot. Limit children’s soaking time (10 to 15 minutes at a time) and make sure they drink plenty of water.
- Pregnant women: Consult your doctor before visiting hot springs, especially during the first trimester. High temperatures and mineral content can sometimes pose risks.
- Skin conditions and open wounds: Sulfur-rich water can irritate sensitive skin, eczema, or recent cuts. If you have any open wounds, avoid soaking them to prevent infection.
- Hydration: Hot springs can make you sweat more than you think. Bring water and take breaks to cool off.
- Time limits: Prolonged soaking may cause dizziness or fatigue. 15 to 20 minutes at a time is usually enough for most pools.
- Rinse after: Always shower or rinse after bathing to remove mineral residue and reduce skin irritation or blemishes.
⚠️ Note: These are natural areas, not guarded pools. Surfaces can be slippery and there are usually no lifeguards, so use common sense and caution.
Greece’s hot springs are more than wellness stops: they are living links to history, landscape and myth. Whether you take a sunrise dip at Thermopylae, swim in the caldera of Santorini, or follow the trail of Heracles at Edipsos, these waters invite you to slow down and delve into stories thousands of years old.
