Lesbos: Thermal springs in Lesvos

Although Neptune (the god of sea) dowered Lesvos with cold sea-water,Hephaestus (the god of fire and volcanos) donated 5(!) thermal springs-unique phenomenon for the size of the island.The baths are easily accessible by car.None of them are sulphide,so you can enjoy your bath without the characteristic odor.The baths are not quite advertised.You will have to approach enough to the area of each one,to find the signs.

Polihnitos’ thermal baths.In the outskirts of Polihnitos (a village in the southern part of the island).From the center of the village take the direction to Vatera.In 300m you will find the brown sign for the baths.In a dry scenery you will enjoy the hottest thermal spring in Europe:70-90 C.Chloride and sodic water,recommended for rheumatic and mu/skel diseases.You can choose between the pools (one for men,one for women) with water temperature about 45 C,and the private bath (lutiras) where you can mix the spring water with cold water.Very well-kept and recently renovated facilities.You can also enjoy a massage therapy.There is a small beauty shop-mostly based in the famous Lesvian soap.Finally,there is a nice cafe.

Lisvori thermal baths.In the 5th Km of the main road from Polihnitos to the capital,Mytilene,there is the sign to Lisvori and its thermal baths.The thermal water has almost the same composition and recommendations with the Polihnitos’ thermal water.Closed for unknown period due to renovation.

Thermi’s thermal baths.In the 12th Km of the coastal road Mytilene-Mantamados.The most historical baths of the island.Parts of the ancient facilities can be visited.Chloride-sodic-ferruginous water of 47 C.Recommended for rheumatic and gynecological diseases.The modern building has 11 lutiras.The facilities are a bit aged,but well-kept.Just outside the baths there are cafe and tavernas.Close by,towards Mytilene,there is Panagia Truloti (church of Virgin with domme),the most ancient church of the island,with an amazing view.

Korphos’ thermal baths or Therma.In the 7th Km of the road Mytilene-Kalloni.In the very end of Geras’ gulf,in a charming position with magnificent view.Thermal water of 40 C.Recommended for rheumatic and skin diseases.Improves the female fertility.Two beautiful pools (one for men,one for women).Aged facilities and unfortunatelly not quite well-kept,but the view will reward you.

Finally,Eftalou’s thermal baths.3 Km east of Molyvos (in the northwestern edge of Lesvos).The most cult thermal baths in Greece!Aged yet beautiful small building on the seaside (right in front of the sea).Thermal water of 46 C.Recommended for rheumatic,mu/skel,nerve and gynecological diseases.There is a small pool (for both men and women) and 5 lutiras.It is strongly recommended to interrupt the stay in the pool by swimming in the cold sea!Alternatively there is a shower just outside the building.In the well-kept lutiras you can mix the water and create a cooler mixture.The sea breeze from the open window and the view of the Turkish coastline will create un unforgettable memory!Towels for hire (1 euro).Cold refreshments and water from a fridge.If you intend to enter the sea,don’t forget your sea-shoes!Following the coastline towards east (30m) you can reach Saint Isidoros’ beach.Nice pebble beach,with a picturesque cafe-taverna.

Adding the rich history of Lesvos,the unique lunar scenery and the petrified forest of Sigri,the famous sardines of the Kalloni’s gulf and the picturesque scenery of Geras’ gulf (one of the most beautiful places in Greece,birthplace of the famous nobelist poet Elitis),Lesvos seems to be the paradise for those who need or just like thermal baths.