Loutraki, Greece: The Loutra Pozar Thermal Baths & It’s Healing Properties

Highlights

• Bathe in the Loutra Pozar thermal baths in the Edessa municipality of northern Greece.
• Hike through Mount Kaimakchalan to see caves and the Kounoupitsa waterfalls.
• Take a day trip to the city of Edessa to visit the ancient town of Edessa and waterfalls in the area.
• Visit ancient Pella and its archeological museum–the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the ancient capital of the Macedon Kingdom.
• Perfect for a day trip from Thessaloniki.

Looking for a unique winter or summer destination where you can let your body relax and heal from all the stress? The Loutraki Pozar thermal baths in the village of Loutraki Aridaia in northern Greece offer the perfect escape to those that are looking to unwind and restore their body with natural healing properties of its hot springs.

The thermal springs complex of Loutra Pozar features an Olympic-size outdoor pool, two outdoor waterfall pools with a temperature of 37 °C (98.6 °F), indoor private baths, hammams, four new hydrotherapy pools, massage and spa services, and jacuzzis. With only an hour and a half from Thessaloniki, Loutra Pozar makes for a great day trip for those visiting Greece.

In this Guide

• Ticket Prices Pozar
• Working Hours of Pozar Baths
• Spa and Massage Centers In Loutra Pozar
• Things To Do in Pozar
• Days-Trips To & From Pozar
• Accommodation & Hotels
• Restaurants & Quick Bites
• The Benefits of Hot Springs
• How To Prepare For A Thermal Bath
• Who Should Avoid Hot Springs?

Loutra Pozar Entrance Fees

The prices for Loutra Pozar Thermal Baths as of 2020 are:

• The outdoor Waterfall pools are €2 per person.
• The outdoor Olympic-sized pool is €4 per person.
• Indoor private pools are €15 for one to two people, and €3 for every other person.
• The “Afrodite–Apollo” private pools are €20 for one to two people, and €3 for every other person.
• The private pool “Erato” is €15 for 1-2 people and €3 for every other person.
• The hydrotherapy pools are €5 each for women and men and are all individually operated.

Issuing Tickets For Waterfall Pools

They cannot refund an issued ticket at a Pozar Waterfall. The voucher is only valid while you remain around the waterfall thermal pool. A quick trip to the bathroom is acceptable and will not invalidate your ticket.

Tickets are not valid to all pools, but only to the one you enter. You will need to pay a new entrance fee to the outside thermal pool.

Last ticket purchasing is 30-minutes before closing. See below the working schedule of Loutra Pozar.

The Working Hours Of Pozar Thermal Baths

The thermal springs of Pozar open at 7:00 AM and work late into the evening hours.

Monday through Thursday, the waterfall pools close at 10 PM. While Friday – Sunday, the waterfall pools close at 2 AM.

The outdoor Olympic-sized pool works from 7 AM–9 PM in the Winter, and 7 AM–10 PM in the summer.

Locations	Monday – Thursday	Friday - Saturday
Waterfall Pools	7 AM–10 PM	7 AM–2 AM
Outdoor Olympic Pool	7 AM–9 PM	7 AM–10 PM

Spa and Massage Centers In Pozar

In the Loutra Pozar complex, three spa and massage centers are available. The spa facilities are Pozar Pallas, Saman Relax Center, and Spa To Spa.

Massage and spa treatments offered in Pozar Baths Spa Complex:

• Relaxing, Aroma, Hot Stone, Chocola, Sea Holistic, or Aromavedic Therapy,
• Full body, Back, Neck, Face, or Scalp Massage, 
• Detoxifying body treatment,
• Slat cave therapy,
• Therapeutic massage,
• Massage with electronic devices,
• Spa manicures and pedicures, and
• Saman massage.

Tourism And Things To Do At Loutra Pozar

Thermal baths of Loutra Pozar are in the lower mountain range of Kaimamtsalan. Even though they are in the mountains, there is plenty to do around the Pella village of Loutraki Arideas.

7 Things To Do In Loutraki Pozar

1. Hiking

There are multiple hiking trails around the Pozar baths and its complex. Plan a short hike to the beautiful church Agios Panteleimonas.

2. Cave Exploration

Only a 400m walk to the local cave right above Loutra Pozar. Currently, the cave is closed, but expect to see an excellent view of the gorge and river below. 

Note: When reaching an intersection on the stone pathway, turn right and head up the steep stairs to get to the cave. Continue straight toward the waterfalls.

3. Waterfalls

There are multiple waterfalls, natural and human-made, that break up the thermal waters of the river in Mount Varros. With a marked 4km pathway to the Kunupitsta Waterfalls, starting above Pozar Natural Café, expect to enjoy the breathtaking mountain and forest landscape.

4. Swimming

If you enjoy swimming or need physical therapy, the outdoor Olympic-size pool is the perfect place for you even in the Winter. With a temperature of 37 °C (98.6 °F), your body will stay warm while rejuvenating and absorbing the healing properties of the thermal waters.

5. Spa treatment

As mentioned before, there are three spa facilities on the Loutra Pozar premises. Enjoy the day and relax with a full body massage or in a personal hammam.

6. Festival Pozar

The Festival Pozar happens once a year, but it brings people from all over the world. Expect to look forward to enjoying free camping, music, and nature in the mountain of Kaimamtsalan.

7. Taste Greek Food & Wine

Go to a local restaurant or popular spot from TripAdvisor to try local traditional Greek food like souvlaki or moussaka. See our list below for recommended restaurants in Loutraki Pozar.

Day Trips From Loutra Pozar

The Pella region in Greece near Pozar Baths is rich in history and archeological sites. So, if you are staying in Loutraki Pellas for a few days, here is what should be on your must-see travel list:

1. Ancient Edessa, Park, and Waterfalls in the City of Edessa

The city of Edessa is a 30 km south of Loutraki Pella, or 35 minutes by car. Here, there is a large geopark, which encompasses the archeological site of ancient Edessa.

In the park of Edessa, expect to see and enjoy the following sites:

• Multiple waterfalls,
• Cave,
• Museum,
• Aquarium,
• The ancient town of Edessa,
• The old city of Edessa–Varosi
• Mill of Water and 5 Senses, and
• Mill of Flavours.

There are two Waterfalls of Edessa.

The Twinfalls in Edessa are Karanos on the left, which is a single drop waterfall, and the Lamda Falls on the right. The height of the single drop is 70 meters, and tourists can walk behind the waterfall curtain of Karanos.

The Waterfall Cave in Edessa is next to the Karanos waterfall and has an entrance fee of €0.50 per person.

Travel Tips To The Edessa Waterfall GeoPark

Edessa is a great day trip location from Thessaloniki because of its 90-minute drive (90km) from the city. Before you head to see the ancient city of Edessa, here are some travel tips and information: 

• Best time to visit: Spring or Autumn after a rainy day or late Winter when the snow melts.
• Parking: Free parking is available by the information center.
• Working Hours of the Mills: 10 AM–4 PM.
• Ticket Prices for Edessa: Ancient Edessa and the Waterfalls of Edessa have free admission. The Aquarium, Mills, Varosi, and the Swimming Sports Center has a general admission fee of €2.00 per person. The Waterfall Cave is €0.50 per person.

We recommend purchasing the Edessa City Card for €5.00 per person, which includes a free guidebook and map.

2. Ancient Pella Archeological Site and Museum

Pella is known as the ancient capital of the Macedon Kingdom and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Today, on the outskirts of the Pella village, the archeological site of ancient Pella still exists, and it’s open to visitors.

The entrance fee to the archeological site of Ancient Pella in Greece is €5.00 per person.

The ticket price also includes free entry to the Archaeological Museum of Pella. You can purchase a ticket at either location and visit both in the order you prefer.

3. Giannitsa (Ottoman Monuments)

Giannitsa is west of ancient Pella, but a significant historical town from the Ottoman period. Giannitsa is known for the famous Clock Tower in the center of the city built by the Turkish in 1667-1668.

What else to see in Giannitsa:

• The Clock Tower,
• Tombs of Gazi Evrenos,
• Folklore and Military Museums of Giannitsa,
• Monument of the Balkan Wars,
• Several statues, and
• The city center of Giannitsa.

Day Trips To Pozar

Did you know that you can visit the Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa by going on a day trip from Thessaloniki? That’s right, GetYourGuide has a popular 1-day trip to Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa. The duration of this excursion is 8 hours. You depart at 8 AM and then have a day filled with beautiful nature, sights, and experiences.

The package includes relaxation in the thermal water of the Pozar Baths alongside walks through Edessa. There, you get to witness the biggest waterfalls in the Balkans in its full majesty. This one-day trip from Thessaloniki offers an English-speaking tour guide, transportation, and even basic travel insurance. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys the relaxation plus exploration combo.

Hotels and Accommodation

There is no shortage of hotels and apartment bookings in Loutra Pozar. Expect to spend an average of $60 per person/night for a moderate room, and up to $100 for a luxurious one.

Our Pozar Baths Hotel Recommendations:

• Best Location: Situated just 150 meters from the Pozar Thermal Springs, Rose Suites beats any other place regarding location. Plus, the building is in a beautiful natural surrounding with lots of greenery and a river.
• Great Reviews: With a 9.3 guest rating on Booking, Thermes Pozar Resort is worth the consideration. It’s favorite among couples for a two-person trip.
• Apartment For Value: Xenonas Arxontiko boasts with a location score of 9.6, free parking, and excellent facilities. It’s a top pick for those who want to relax in Kato Loutraki, which is only a minute away from Loutra Pozar.
• Luxury: For a luxurious hotel in Loutra Pozar, Irene’s Resort is one of the best sellers on Booking. It even has a seasonal pool for guests to enjoy in the summer season.
• Unique: Looking for something exclusive? The Pozar Salt Cave Hotel Spa has a salt cave that attracts many visitors in Kato Loutraki. The hotel has a full spa complex with a sauna, hot tub, hammam, and salt cave filled with mineral salts to help you unwind.

Recommended Restaurants

Greek cuisine is delicious to most, and with its robust flavors, it’s no wonder why people love Greek food. If you don’t know what to eat in Greece, check out our Tasty Greece Food Guide.

For a quick bite, the Pozar Natural Café and Pozar Caffiteria restaurant are near the waterfall pools.

For a sit-down dining experience, Tsolias is your go-to place. Tsolias is at the edge, closes to the Lautra Pozar baths, of the Loutraki Pellas village on the main road. Expect to find a spacious venue created for significant events, but with fantastic service and great food. We suggest ordering at least one Souvlaki dish and some wine.

Pozar Thermal Spring Benefits

The geothermal water in hot springs is rich in sulfur, which provides many therapeutic benefits. It’s no wonder ancient cultures have used thermal baths to treat respiratory and muscular injuries for centuries.

Balneology, or the scientific study of the benefits of natural occurring sulfurous water minerals, has led to many scientific studies proving that not only soaking in these mineral water baths are beneficial, but even topical treatments show positive influence.

And the Pozar thermal baths are no different. 

The benefits of hot springs therapy include:

• Detoxifying your body,
• Promoting healthy skin,
• Treating skin infections and irritations (eczema),
• Reducing stress,
• Improving sleep quality,
• Reducing arthritis and rheumatism symptoms,
• Enhancing muscle and bone health, and
• Lowering high blood pressure.

How To Prepare For A Thermal Bath

If it is your first time visiting a thermal springs facility, here are some tips on how to prepare for a thermal bath.

• Wear a comfortable bathing suit,
• Bring a towel and a bathrobe,
• Bring flip-flops, slides, or sandals,
• Remove all jewelry and watches,
• Drink plenty of water before to stay hydrated during your stay,
• Use the showers provided for proper hygiene before entering the thermal pools,
• Soak for a reasonable time (15 to 30 minutes),
• Don’t bath more than 3-times a day,
• Rest before entering a hot spring again, and
• Soaking alone is not recommended.

Remember the suggested time for being in a hot spring, steam bath (Swedish or Turkish), and thermal pools are 30-minutes to prevent overburdening of the heart.

Who Should Avoid The Thermal Baths?

As we mentioned before, thermal baths or hot springs are known for their beneficial properties to heal people from arthritis or help with their rheumatism. In most cases, the natural healing properties of the geothermal water are helpful to people, but some must avoid them.

Do not enter a hot spring if you:

• Have high blood pressure or hypertension,
• Have heart problems, including a recent heart attack,
• Had recent surgery or have any open wounds,
• Are pregnant,
• Are menstruating,
• Have urinary tract infection,
• Have diabetes,
• Have varicose veins,
• Have a fever, and
• After eating, drinking alcohol, or using drugs.

If you have any doubts, consult with your doctor before entering any therapeutic baths to prevent any injuries.

Pozar Thermal Baths – Bottom Line

The Loutra Pozar Baths, in the Edessa Municipality in Greece, are a summer and winter getaway destination for visitors from around the world. Loutra Pozar is a natural hot spring thermal destination only an hour and a half from Thessaloniki, providing natural healing properties making it a great day trip for anyone.

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