Galery

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There is no need to travel abroad in order to enjoy the life-giving and healing qualities of mineral waters. Edipsos is only two and a half hours away from Athens, and is one of the best cities with mineral water in the world. The waters here contain metal salts in larger amounts than most springs. The city welcomes visitors throughout the year and is currently re-entering the stage of Greek tourism, inviting young and old to relax in the magnificent waters.

This is a city that has known fame ever since ancient times. Now, that we have parted with the myth that mineral baths are only for adults and spa facilities have become a dream destination for holidays and relaxation for most people, medical tourism is back in the game. Edipsos on the Island of Evia not only offers magical mineral waters, but beautiful scenery around the city, too - with pine forests and beautiful beaches. The revival of the city began a few years ago with the opening of the Thermae Sylla Spa Hotel - a hotel spa centre with super modern facilities. Ever since, other hotels around it have been built or renewed, too. This is a small town that is growing, but does not get older, instead it remains young and elegant. Here you will find everything you need in terms of tourism - from luxury restaurants to fast food eateries and small pubs.

Some history

Because of the beneficial effects of its mineral waters, Edipsos has been an important centre ever since ancient times. During the Roman period, General Silas often visited it. He found relief for his pains here and therefore he built baths, the ruins of which have been preserved. Besides Silas, many Roman emperors also visited Edipsos – such as Augustus, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. They expressed their gratitude for the healing waters by the numerous sculptures they donated to the city. Roman emperors were not the only famous personalities who honoured the city with their presence. Between the two world wars, Onassis, Churchill, Greta Garbo and many other famous personalities also came here.

The surrounding area

From Edipsos you can head to the coast of Lihnada - the "cape" of the island of Evia, in the Gulf of Maliakos. During this journey you will pass through Yaltra, a picturesque village which also has thermal baths. Then you will go through Gregolimano and its magical beach, where the Club Med Gregolimano is located. From there, the rest of the coast boasts many beaches and coves with clear waters and pine trees that reach the sea. Another walk you must take is to the waterfalls of Drimonas, located just after the monastery of Osios David. At a height of 400 m in an area that is rich in firs, you will see beautiful scenery of flowing waters and small ponds. Limni is also worth a visit - this is a picturesque town on the sea, with charming streets and neoclassical buildings.

How to get there

In the northern part of Evia, besides beautiful beaches and villages, you will also appreciate the journey itself. If you choose the long road through Halkida, you will travel about two and a half hours and 140 km from Athens. The road, for the most part, goes through the forest and is extremely beautiful. All you need is good music and good company for the journey.

You can also reach Edipsos by ferry through Arkitsa. In this case you will drive about 114 km from Athens and travel by ferry for about 40 minutes.

Where to stay

Thermae Sylla Spa Wellness Hotel (phone: 22260-60100, www.thermaesyllaspa-hotel.gr) - a five-star spa hotel in Edipsos, one of the ten best thermal spa hotels in the world. A double room with breakfast costs 148 euro.

9 Queens (phone:22260-22328, 6948087968, www.9queens.gr) - a new hotel built in one of the most beautiful locations of the mineral baths, overlooking the baths and the magnificent sunset. The hydro- therapeutic centre of Skourtanioti is also located there, with its own thermal springs and super modern spa facilities. A double room with breakfast costs 65 euro; a package including a room + spa costs 75 euro.

OverseaRooms & Villas (phone: 22260-24013, 6979668189, 6942229356, http://www.oversea.gr/index_en.html). A tourist complex only 1 km from the city of Edipsos with a beautiful beach and 4 apartments with a kitchen and living-room (accommodating 2-4 people) and 5 comfortable studios: 60 euro for a double studio with breakfast and 100 euro for an apartment.

Knossos City Spa Hotel (phone: 22260-22460, 22560, 22175, www.knossos-spa.com) – a renovated 3 star Executive Hotel providing spa services, a beauty parlour, hydro-clinic, aromatherapy facilities, a Royal Vichy Shower, Reiki, Pilates, tai yoga, holistic massages, weight loss programmes, and a laser. A double room with breakfast costs 45 euro; a package including a room + spa costs 65 euro.

Where to eat

• Maravelis (phone: 22260-60240, 6973317644, 6942673736) - a very good fish tavern in the area of Agios Nikolaos in Edipsos offering fresh fish and seafood.

• Armenizontas (phone: 6988458844, 6939486148) – a pub in Edipsos, where you can try pasta with shrimps and fresh seafood.

• Karnagio (phone: 6948087198) – a tavern and cafe on the beach of Agios Nikolaos offering very good appetizers for ouzo, as well as fish and meat dishes. Try the meatballs stuffed with cheese – you’ll love them!

• Amphitryon (phone:22260-60420) – at the mineral baths. This is a simple restaurant with traditional dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, octopus, shrimps, etc.

• BellaVista (phone:22270-31418) - on the way to Rovies. This place offers exceptional seafood dishes and great fish soup.

• Stous7 Anemous (phone:22270-32121) – at Lake Evia. This tavern provides a cosy atmosphere inside a stone house, with a preference for European cuisine. The pasta here is very good.

• Astron (phone:22270-31487) - on the way to Katounia, 4 km from Limni. This is an old-style tavern with nice dishes and fresh fish.