Winter getaways with thermal baths: 6 destinations for warm waters

Thermal baths are the surest way to enjoy winter: warm water at 30-40 degrees, cool air above, and zero need for organisation. In Greece, there are dozens of springs, but few are combined with a worthwhile destination.

Six suggestions where the baths are the main draw, but not the only attraction.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before we go into details, here's a summary of what each destination means in terms of kilometres, hours, and euros. The table will help you quickly choose according to your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Evia	165 km	2 hrs 25 min	€1.90	€48
Loutraki	84 km	1 hr	€2.80	€29
Karpenisi	300 km	3 hrs 35 min	€9.60	€100

*Estimate based on petrol at €1.92/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and tolls in both directions. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Loutra Pozar

The first destination we recommend is Loutra Pozar.

• Natural hot pools within the gorge
• Waterfalls and hiking trails
• Close to Edessa and Kaimaktsalan

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled meats and local Goumenissa wines. Ideal for a winter weekend with thermal baths. Tip: go early in the morning or late at night — weekend lunchtimes can have queues.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Pozar Salt Cave Hotel Spa, Thermes Pozar Resort, 4 Epoxes Hotel Spa. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Loutra Pozar.

2. Evia — 165 km, 2 hrs 25 min

If you're looking for something that works all year round, put Evia on your list. The distance from Athens is 165 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 25 min, with €1.90 in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around €48 — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The thermal baths of Edipsos
• The Drimona waterfalls and the forests of northern Evia
• Endless beaches such as Hiliadou and Agios Dimitrios

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh seafood and local fir honey. Ideal for a two-day trip with swimming, mountains, and thermal baths. Tip: northern Evia requires at least two days, as distances within the island are significant.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Elaia Apartments, Lou Apartments & Hostel, Ritsoni Studios. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Evia.

3. Loutraki — 84 km, 1 hr

One of the most reliable choices is Loutraki. The distance from Athens is 84 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr, with €2.80 in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around €29 — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Thermal baths and a thermal spa centre within the town
• Long seafront with cafes and tavernas
• The casino and Lake Vouliagmeni 20 minutes away

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish at the beachfront fish tavernas. Ideal for a relaxing day trip with swimming and spa. Tip: the Loutraki gorge and the Temple of Hera in Perachora are worth an afternoon visit.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Grand Olympic Hotel Loutraki, Hotel Excelsior, Dave by the Beach Loutraki. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Loutraki.

4. Edessa

A little further, but entirely feasible, is Edessa.

• The waterfalls within the city
• Varosi, the old quarter with its stone houses
• The aquarium and the cave behind the waterfall

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: local wines and Florina peppers. Ideal for a family day trip. Tip: combine with Loutra Pozar, which is a 40-minute drive away.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Hagiati Guesthouse - Edessa Cozy Mountain Retreat, Varosi 4 Seasons, Hotel Elena. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Edessa.

5. Kastoria

For something different, try Kastoria.

• Lake Orestiada with its scenic walking path
• Byzantine churches and the mansions of Doltso
• The Dragon's Cave

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: lake fish, pies, and wine. Ideal for a romantic winter two-day trip. Tip: the lake circuit is 9 km — rent bicycles instead of a car.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Hotel Orestion - Bike and motorcycle friendly hotel, Paraliako Katerina Lakefront - Biker Friendly Hotel, Hotel Kastoria in Kastoria City. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Kastoria.

6. Karpenisi — 300 km, 3 hrs 35 min

Among our favourite destinations is Karpenisi. The distance from Athens is 300 km and the driving time is approximately 3 hrs 35 min, with €9.60 in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around €100 — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio with their stone houses
• Rafting on the Karpenisiotis river and zip-lining
• Velouchi Ski Resort

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: rooster with hilopites (traditional pasta), trachanas (fermented milk-and-grain product), and local formaela cheese. Ideal for a winter three-day trip with activities. Tip: in mountainous villages, the road requires snow chains from December to March.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are City Apollonion, Melegos Hotel, Lecadin Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Karpenisi.

Practical advice for car travel

Travelling by car from Athens has a major advantage: freedom. You're not tied to timetables, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per toll station. For long journeys, we're talking €10-€22 each way, so double that for a round trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around €1.92 per litre, a medium-sized car spends about €13-€14 per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and three-day breaks, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — the good options in popular destinations go first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination completely changes its character depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountainous villages work in reverse: from November to March they have fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they offer coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, the high-level lakes, and the empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to depart in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that gets tiring. For couples, mountain two-day trips outside of holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your trip

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. It's the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway through the journey. Second step, book your accommodation before meals and activities: in popular destinations, good lodgings sell out first, and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed itinerary with two fixed points a day — one sight and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these types of getaways often arise from spontaneous stops in villages and views you hadn't anticipated. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

Budget: what does a getaway actually cost?

A two-day trip for two people by car usually costs €180-€280: €60-€140 for accommodation, €40-€70 for fuel and tolls, €50-€80 for food and coffee. With children, add €30-€50 for entrance fees, ice cream, and small activities. A three-day trip does not increase the cost by 50%, but by approximately 35%, as transport remains constant.

The biggest potential for savings comes in two areas. Firstly, the day of arrival: Sunday to Monday accommodation prices can drop by as much as 40% compared to Saturday. Secondly, meals: a good lunch at a taverna outside the main square costs €15-€20 per person, while in the tourist centre it can exceed €30.

If you book accommodation with free cancellation, reserve a room early and recheck ten days before departure; it's very common for a better price to appear for the same accommodation or for a better category at the same cost.

What to pack

For short getaways, one small bag per person is usually enough, but some items make a difference. Comfortable walking shoes are first: even in a city, walks on cobblestones and uphill paths can be tiring with the wrong footwear. A light windbreaker is useful almost all year round, especially in mountainous and coastal destinations where the temperature drops significantly at night.

Practical items: power bank, car charger, reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit with painkillers and plasters, and sun cream regardless of the season. If you're travelling with children, add snacks, wet wipes, and a toy or tablet for the journey.

In winter, for mountain routes, keep snow chains or snow socks, an ice scraper, and a blanket in the boot. You won't need them most of the time, but the one time you do, they'll save the day.

How to book accommodation at the right price

Accommodation prices in Greece are dynamic, so booking time matters more than the choice itself. The rule that works: for summer islands, book February to April; for mountainous destinations, October to November; and for three-day breaks, at least six weeks in advance, because demand skyrockets then.

Always read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. A property with an 8.6 and recent comments about cleanliness and a quiet room is a better choice than a 9.2 with three-year-old reviews. Focus on three points: soundproofing, breakfast, and parking — these are the three things that aren't visible in photos.

Finally, choose an option with free cancellation even if it's a few euros more expensive. On road trips, the weather often changes plans, and flexibility is worth more than the small discount of a non-refundable rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

It's Loutraki, at 84 km and approximately a 1 hr drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Loutraki: approximately €29 for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Karpenisi, with approximately 3 hrs 35 min of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: on our list, tolls range from zero to €9.60 per direction. Always calculate double that for the return journey.

What are the best thermal baths in Greece?

Loutra Pozar for its natural setting and Edipsos in Evia for its temperature and numerous facilities.

How much does entry to the hot pools cost?

Usually €5-€10 per person for public facilities, while hotels with private pools include usage in the accommodation price.