Trips and tips: Road trip in the north of Greece - Aridaia Baths
As I started describing in my previous post, I began this trip from Galaxidi, then to Nafpaktos and then headed north via the new road network connecting the mid with the north of Greece, named Ionian way or A5. Then in Ioannina, I followed the Egnatia motorway or A2, which is an also relatively new highway, nevertheless constructed partly following the ancient Egnatia street that connected the West and East of Northern Greece, starting from Albania and reaching Byzantium.
Egnatia Highway was of great importance and difficulty to construct, due to its length and geography, as it crosses the mountains of Pindos and Vermio, has 76 tunnels and is of 670klm length. My first major stop was at the Aridaia Baths in the Edessa county, or else Pozar Baths, or Loutraki Aridaia Baths.
These are natural spa baths, which you can enjoy, either in natural small swimming pools next to the river, or in the large swimming pool, or in private baths which you rent for 30’ and can accommodate a group of friends. The latter are open 24hrs-7days.
If you chose to take a bath in the open air, the landscape is magnificent. The only difficulty is the cold atmosphere until you enter the waters, as you walk from the changing room to the swimming pool, wearing your bathing suit. Nonetheless, this fuss lasts only a few moments as you are soon in the swimming pool where the waters are hot.
This place is now run by the municipality, but up until a few years ago, a businessman was running this business for about 50 years and was the one to create all the facilities. There are places to enjoy a drink, take a massage and have a nice time.
Personally, as I feel rather cold this period of the year, I rent a private bath for 30’. I went early in the morning and was quiet and tranquil. Nice experience and highly recommended.
I resided in this hotel Thermes Pozar Resort, which is a rustic place with comforts and good breakfast.
I ate in this restaurant Karatzovitissa, which has mostly meat cuisine and very large portions!!
Until next time, enjoy!
I wonder how far is the changing room from the swimming pool that takes several minutes, let's say a step every second and at least two minutes of travel time, it sums up to 120 steps and around 60 meters, sounds pretty far.
awesome photos by the way ;D
No no..for the open air natural swimming pools, changing rooms are 5 meters away from the staircase into the pool.it is doable.. if you look at the pic the changing rooms are next to the stairs of the pool..oh well who am I kidding??? it is cold !!! 🍁🍂🍁
The place looks really beautiful and the hotel even more so :)!
It was really beautiful and I personally had no idea till I saw it..
Nymfaio, found at 4,400ft on Mount Vernon, is a customary settlement whose stone-constructed guesthouses and cobblestone ways are encompassed by an amazing beech timberland.
A seven-hour drive (330 miles) from Athens or two hours (110 miles) from Thessaloniki, the town is extraordinary and immortal.
Its history is noteworthy: from the late seventeenth century, for roughly 300 years, Nymfaio was one of the biggest silversmithing focuses in the Balkans.
The inheritance of these lavish days is obvious in the settlement's noteworthy stone chateaus and in the Folklore and History Museum finish with divider artistic creations, wooden Macedonian etched roofs and one of a kind household items.
You seem to know a lot about this region..why not write a post??
That was nature at its finest! I enjoyed so much browsing the views through your photos. You make me feel being with you and seeing these beautiful places along your road trip. Road trip from one state to another is one on my bucket list. I am sure it's gonna be more memorable if you are with your loved one.
Keep exploring. Cheers! :)
I am glad you liked my post! Travelling is one of life's pleasures!
travel us @tikotiko!
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The pictures are very nice. Which device did you use to take them?
Mob Samsung galaxy s7 edge