Vouliagmeni Lake and Health Spa

Landing in Athens is always a thrill for me. I really love flying over the islands as we make that big turn to come in from the south. For about 30 years I have noticed what looks like a volcanic crator filled with the bluest water I have ever seen, which comes into view outside the right window about a minute before the wheels touch ground.

It is called Lake Vouliagmeni and it is a mineral spa that is reported to have many healing properties for such ailments as eczema and dermatalogical diseases, neuralgia, headaches, disfiguring arthritis, chronic gynecological diseases, lumbago, sciatica and other problems.

The lake is about 50 centimeters above sea level and so it is constantly overflowing and being replenished by the hot springs beneath it.The composition of the lake is brackish and full of such minerals as potassium, natrium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, ferrum, chloride, iodine and is slightly radioactive (the good kind, I guess). These minerals are known for giving relief to bone and muscle problems as well as those listed above.

The lake is recognized as a wonder of nature because of its unique appearance and the surroundings. Scientific research and studies have discovered that millions of years ago, where the lake is now, there was once a large cafe with a large number of hot springs. Eventually the high temerature and moisture of these springs caused the roof to collapse.

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The lake is surrounded by beach chairs and umbrellas and there is a cafe-bar-restaurant too. The lake is excellent for swimming for therapy as well as for pleasure and there is equipment for helping those who find it difficult or impossible to get into the water on their own. During the summer Lake Vouliagmeni offers hotspring baths, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. English is spoken as are a number of other languages. Children are welcome.

The Lake is across the street from the very popular Vouliagmeni beach, one of the best in the vicinity of Athens.

There are many hotels in the area including the very nice Armonia Hotel on the beach. There are also plenty of cafes, bars, tavernas and restaurants nearby. From Athens the lake is about a half hour drive. If you require assistance contact George Kokkotos the famous taxi driver.

There are also several buses that stop at the entrance of the lake. The lake is open year round. In the winter season the hours are from 8am to 5pm. In the summer from 6:30am to 8pm.

Used with permission from Matt Barrett's Athens Survival Guide