Pozar Thermal Springs

Though the Pozar Springs, also known as Loutra Pozar, are not known to most visitors to Greece, they are no secret to the people of Thessaloniki and even the tourists who drive to Greece from the Balkans. Located north of Edessa just below Greece's border with the Republic of Northern Macedonia, about an hour and a half from Thessaloniki near the base of the Voras Mountains, these thermal baths have facilities which include 6 indoor pools, a large outdoor pool, hamams, jacuzzis, spa services and individual baths and are noted for their healing properties for such ailments as arthritis, rheumatism, as well as dermatological, gynecological, and respiratory and circulatory system conditions and of course muscle aches and back pain. The most unique thing about Loutra Pozar is the cold stream and waterfall located right next to the hot springs.

With hotels and guesthouses nearby as well as restaurants which specialize in trout and wild game, the hot springs can be visited as an overnight trip if you are exploring northern Greece or a daytrip from Thessaloniki. In the winter the nearby Kaimáktsalan Ski Resort on the northeastern slope of Mt. Voras has 6 ski lifts and 13 ski runs, 15 km in total length and 4 ski trails and a snowboard park as well as a snow tubing park and is one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece. See Skiing in Greece. The area is also full of hiking trails along the thermal river and into the nearby mountains. The spa is crowded in the summer but after September it gets quieter and in the winter you will find the true spa lovers bathing in the hot springs while the surrounding area is covered in snow.

Restaurants

The Kokkino Pepperi (Red Pepper) is one of the best restaurants in northern Greece, serving local specialties and familiar favorites, they also feature live rembetiko, laika and local Makedonian music as well as rock and roll and jazz on occasion. The restaurant has a shop that sells wine and local products. It is open for lunch and dinner and is popular with the kalofagades, the people who love to eat and even travel and live to eat. Large portions, attractive decor and reasonable prices too. Be sure to eat at least one or two of the local specialties like saganaki with the local cheese and red pepper jelly, hortokeftedes (like fried meatballs but made with local greens), their grilled meats including kokoretsi, roast lamb and wild boar and beautiful salads as well as really nice mezedes. Be sure to try the local ksinomavro wine.

Going and Staying in Loutra Pozar

The best way to get here is to drive in your car or a rental car. From Thessaloniki you can take the KTEL bus which leaves every 2 or 3 hours and takes an hour and a half more or less to the town of  Aridaia and from there take a taxi to the springs. It is about a 15 minute drive. If you factor in the cost of the bus and 2 taxis and do the math you may come to the conclusion that it makes more sense to do a tour or rent a car for the day. Panayotis Kosmidis, a licensed tour guide in Thessaloniki may be able to organize a trip there for you with a driver and you can also try Thessaloniki Limo and Taxi.  

Hotels and Guest Houses

Roes Suites

Roes Suites features an enviable location, only 500 feet from the Thermal Springs of Pozar, in an beautiful setting among lush greenery and next to a small river. The intimate complex offers 6 luxurious suites, free Wi-Fi and home-prepared, traditional breakfast. It offers luxurious suites, each with autonomous entrance and crafted with local wood and stone. All suites have an elegant bedroom with iron bed, living room with fireplace and handmade furniture, marble-lined bathroom and kitchen. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Archontiko Emmanouilidi Suites

The traditional, stone-built Archontiko Emmanouilidi Suites is 2,450 feet from the Pozar hot springs. Classically decorated, its self-catered suites boast hydromassage shower, fireplace and a balcony overlooking the mountain or garden. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The spacious, 2-room suites feature stone walls, handmade furnishings and wooden beamed ceilings. They offer 2 flat-screen satellite TVs, CD player, fully equipped kitchen and separate bedroom with Coco Mat mattresses. The bathroom is designed with colorful tiles and includes a shower with hydromassage column, hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers and organic toiletries. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Irene's Resort

Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and views of the mountains, Irene's Resort is located in Kato Loutraki in the Macedonia Region, 1.9 mi from Loutra Pozar. The hotel has a sun terrace and a ski school, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area where you can relax. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and slippers. Irene's Resort features free WiFi throughout the property. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Hotel Nymfes

Sitting on the foot of Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan, in the picturesque Loutraki, Hotel Nymfes offers rooms with flat screen TVs and free WiFi. Aridaia and the thermal springs of Pozar are close by. It offers a variety of rooms, some with hydromassage, some with fireplace, as well as disability friendly rooms. All include plasma TVs and internet access. Guests will find plenty to do at the Nymfes Spa, with hot tub, hamam and sauna. A fitness room is available for those wishing to work out, while massage and body treatments can be arranged. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Thermes Pozar Resort

Located within 0.8 miles of Loutra Pozar in Kato Loutraki, Thermes Pozar Resort provides a garden and a terrace. Among the various facilities are a shared lounge and a bar. Some units at the property have a balcony with a mountain view. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while selected rooms will provide you with a patio. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the property. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Eliton Hotel and Spa

Eliton Hotel is located in the village of Loutraki and features spa facilities and a well-equipped fitness room. It offers accommodations with views to Kaimaktsalan Mountain and free Wi-Fi access throughout. Eliton Hotel & Spa rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated in earthy colors and all include Coco-Mat mattresses. Each includes a kitchenette and comes with a satellite LCD TV, hairdryer and air conditioning. Some units feature a hot tub, while they all open out to a balcony with mountain or garden views. The hotel’s spa features an indoor swimming pool, a hammam and a sauna. It also includes an on-site solarium, while relaxing massage sessions can be arranged upon request. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information

Guesthouse Athanasiou

Guesthouse Athanasiou is located in Kato Loutraki, 2.1 miles from Loutra Pozar. Among the various facilities are a garden and ski storage space. Free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk are featured. All guest rooms in the guesthouse are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The rooms come with a private bathroom with free toiletries, and oven and some feature mountain views. A continental breakfast is served daily. Click here for photos, guest reviews, maps and booking information