EDIPSOS
In the settlement of Loutra of Edipsos, more than 80 thermal springs and a magnificent landscape with intense vegetation await the traveler.
A few words about the place
The town of Edipsos, situated on the North-west side of the island, is one of the most well-known resorts in Greece. This picturesque town, with its lovely houses and well-cared-for gardens, treats its visitors with a sense of wellbeing and rejuvenation with its thermal springs and spa facilities.
Edipsos is a charming village that has long been known. It is important to note that since antiquity, it has retained a strong current of tourists coming to the area for its thermal springs but also for religious purposes. Just in the residential area of Loutra, the traveller can find no less than 80 thermal springs but also enjoy lush vegetation which almost touches the teal waters of the gulf of North Evia.
What to see/highlights:
The charming town of Loutra of Edipsos offers various activities catering to the needs and wishes of even the most demanding visitor.
- The ‘Cave’ of Syllas
The ‘cave’ of the Roman General Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix with its thermal springs is located behind the EOT hydrotherapy facilities next to the Saints Anargyroi church.
The ‘cave’ of Sulla is a small domed building that has been covered by the sediment of the sulphur waters of the springs and so gives the impression of a cave. The entrance is framed by two large pedestals with inscriptions to honour the Roman Emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severous. The Roman General Sulla often visited this building which took on his name.
- Thermal Springs
Thermal springs abound throughout the residential area, , with a temperature reaching 82o Celcius. The waters come from a depth of 2,5 kilometres.
- St. Paraskevi Church, Edipsos:
It is located very close to Edipsos on the slopes of the mountain. It’s a favourite temple for the locals, and it has recently been rebuilt on the site of the previous one, of which only a few stones remain.
- The Convent of St. Georgios the Conqueror:
Although the original Monastery was officially built in 1670, at Ilia, Edipsos, local tradition reports the presence of monks since the 13th century.
Situated 13 kilometres from Loutra, Edipsos, and to the north of the seaside village of Ilia it is perched at 400 metres altitude, offering a spectacular view of the North Evia gulf.
During the era of the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the Monastery suffered significant damage due to its immense wealth. The last Turkish plunder was in 1821 and resulted in the destruction of many relics. The convent today still retains many of its temple relics, making it an exciting visit.
How to get here:
You can access Edipsos either by car or by ferry.
1. From Athens, head towards Chalkida (60 minutes) by road and then take the direction towards North Evia, to end up north at Loutra tis Edipsos through the intermediate stations (Nea Artaki, Prokopi, Limni, Rovies, Ilia).
2. From Athens, take the Athens-Lamia Highway and exit at Arkitsa Port. Take the 45-minute ferry ride to the port of Edipsos.
3. From Thessaloniki, Northern and Central Greece, take the Thessaloniki-Athens Highway and exit at Glyfa Port. Take the 25-minute ferry ride to the port of Agiokampos. Follow the Agiokampos-Edipsos regional road. It is a 15-minute drive.
