This location is #69 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
Pozar Thermal Baths, also known as Loutra Pozar, are located in the Pella region of northern Greece, about 56 miles northwest of Thessaloniki and 8 miles west of Aridaia, at an elevation of approximately 1,280 feet above sea level. The baths feature naturally heated water at a consistent temperature of 98.6°F, sourced from geothermal springs that rise through the earth, enriched with minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. The facilities include a large outdoor pool measuring 82 feet by 41 feet with depths ranging from 3.2 to 9.85 feet, suitable for swimming and diving, as well as 48 individual baths, six indoor pools, hamams, jacuzzis, and spa services. Visitors can also experience the unique contrast of soaking in the hot springs next to the cool waters of the Thermopotamos River, which flows through the scenic Loutraki Gorge at the foot of Mount Voras (Kaimaktsalan).
The Pozar Thermal Baths are renowned for their therapeutic properties, attracting visitors seeking relief from ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, circulatory issues, respiratory problems, and kidney diseases. The mineral-rich water is both bathable and drinkable, offering benefits for the liver, digestive, and urinary systems, while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Beyond the baths, the area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with hiking trails leading to the Almopia Cave Park, the Kounoupitsa Waterfall, and the dense Black Forest of Orma, where sunlight barely penetrates the thick canopy of pines and beeches. The baths are a year-round destination, particularly popular in cooler months, and the nearby town of Loutraki offers accommodations, traditional Greek restaurants, and local specialties like fish from Vegoritida Lake and xinomavro red wine from Amyntaio.
Historically, the Pozar Baths have been known since ancient times, with traditional stories linking the area to the era of Alexander the Great, as well as the Roman and Byzantine periods. Local legend suggests that timber from the nearby Black Forest was used to craft the 20-foot-long sarissa spears for Alexander’s Macedonian army. Archaeological discoveries in the region’s 15 prehistoric caves, part of the Almopia Cave Park, include pottery, tools, coral fossils, and the fossilized jaw of a Pleistocene-era cave bear, dating back 120,000 to 10,000 years. These artifacts are displayed at the Natural History Museum in Aridaia’s old railway station. The baths’ enduring appeal as a “nature sanatorium” stems from their centuries-old reputation for healing, combined with the area’s natural beauty and historical significance tied to the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia, once ruled from nearby Pella.
