Spa notebooks: Loutra Pozar – hot water in the middle of winter.

Greece, where thermal steam meets snow-capped mountains

There is water that does not just flow – it carries a touch. In Loutra Pozar, in northern Greece, the water emerges from the ground warm – +37–38 °C – and speaks to the body in the language of ancient consolation. Nature itself opens its doors here.

I call this thermal spa "a place of silence": not because of the absence of sounds - here you can hear splashing, rustling leaves, laughter of those who entered the warm water in winter. But because everything unnecessary falls away.

📍 Where is it?

Loutraki Aridai (or Loutra Pozar) is about 1.5-2 hours drive from Thessaloniki. Mountainous terrain, greenery, crystal air. The Thermopotamos River runs next to the baths - its cold water flows level with the hot springs, creating an amazing contrast.

It's especially beautiful here in winter. There may be snow all around, and you're sitting in an outdoor pool, warm steam rising into the air, and somewhere very close by is the smell of roast meat from a tavern.

Why is this place special?

• Natural hot springs open all year round

• Mineral water with healing properties: helps with rheumatism, skin and cardiovascular diseases

• A waterfall right in the pool is a real back massage from nature itself

• Ideal for recovery: after the road, after winter, after yourself

What to take with you:

• Water sandals - rocks are slippery

• A swimsuit (two is better - one may remain wet)

• Towel or robe

• Thermos of sage or rosemary tea

• A scarf to keep your hair warm

• And a camera is a must – for the steam above the water against the backdrop of snow-covered fir trees

Where to eat

Right at the entrance there are several family taverns. I recommend: - fried cheese with honey - baked pork in wine - Greek herbal tinctures after bathing

Where to stay

You can choose a hotel or apartments right in the village of Loutraki (literally 5 minutes walk from the springs) or in Aridaia. Below are the options that I remember:

Find places to stay near Loutra Pozar on Booking.com

Compare hotels and prices via Ostrovok

How to get there

– with transfer: Welcome Pickups from Thessaloniki – convenient if you don’t want to think

❤️ Advice from me

Try to come in the morning. The water is softer, there are fewer people, the light in the gorge is amber. Don't rush. Sit in the spring until the steam touches your cheeks. Let time stretch out and thoughts dissolve. Take a notebook with you. Sometimes important lines come here.

With love, Lilia from Aegean Notebooks Even winter can be warm if there is a source in it