Amazing Hot Springs in Europe to Soothe Your Senses!
Written on : 21 October 2020 By : Disha Pegu
A wonder of the world, hot springs are truly a gift of nature. Hot springs or thermal springs are bodies of water that warm-up due to geothermal activities in the earth's crust. These naturally heated bodies of water are nature's hot tubs! Yes, as exciting as it sounds, there are about 40 to 50 hot springs of different sizes around the world. Some research conducted around these hot water bodies also indicates that bathing in these waters could be beneficial for blood circulation, for the skin and also for the stress and pain relief due to the presence of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, to name a few. The hot water springs can have temperatures ranging from 37 degrees Celsius to 43 degrees Celsius and some are even so hot that they are not suitable for swimming or bathing.
Amusingly, there is also a branch of study on the therapeutic and health benefits of hot springs called "balneology," which is not yet very popular or well known in the world of science. Interestingly, some pictures on the Internet show that these hot springs are also part of the animal kingdom, as monkeys use them for bathing and relaxation! Today, we are going to show you some of the best hot springs and thermal spas in Europe that are a must on your list of things to see when you are in the cities or countries where they are located.
These hot springs have a long and fascinating history. Discovered by the Romans 2000 years ago, the Hedionda Baths are sulfur-rich hot springs located in the village of Casares in Malaga. The springs are part of the Manilva River and are free to bathe and take a relaxing dip. A popular tale tells that a pool in these hot springs was built by order of Julius Caesar to give his troops the benefit of its medicinal properties that still survive to this day and is open to visitors for bathing.
These hot springs are wonderful and seem totally heavenly. Located in the village of Saturnia, these hot springs come from Gorello Falls and Mill Falls. The temperature of these springs is about 37-38 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for a hot bath. These Tuscan hot springs are located on hilly terrain, which makes it very picturesque. There is also a spa around the springs where you can enjoy paid services such as massages and thermal treatments.
The best natural spa at the foot of the North Pyrenees after a long day of hiking. Bains de Dorres is a spa that is built in the village of Dorres on the foothills of the Puigmal which are the mountain range of the Pyrenees that borders Spain and France. These hot springs flow into space creating several hot water basins. It is a pure experience of relaxation in the presence of nature. The water is at 37-40 degrees Celsius all year round.
Palea Kameni is a volcanic island in the magical island of Santorini. Famous for its mud baths, another important feature found near the hot springs, are mud rich in minerals that are as hot as the thermal waters. Excursions to this island can be easily booked from the main island of Santorini or from Fira which is the capital of the island. These thermal waters are a must if you are in Santorini.
Almost 100 km southwest of Sicily, the island of Pallenteria is located, far away and isolated, in the Mediterranean Sea. This island is home to many hot springs. But the most remarkable is the Specchio di Venere, which means, the mirror of Venus, it is a volcanic crater that forms like a hot water lake. The water there is at 40-50 degrees Celsius. It is a natural hot pool that is ideal for lounging.
An astonishing thermal bath in Tyrol that is also a prolific example of engineering. These thermal baths are connected to a wellness hotel which has constructed the stunning spa. The waters of these thermal baths come from glacier water that rises to the surface through rocks at 40 degrees Celsius. A thermal dome is built around the heated pools to reflect the surrounding mountains and there are three enormous circular bowls of thermal water that serve as huge hot tubs. The Aqua Dome in Austria receives about 350,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most visited thermal spas in Europe.
It is the largest spa resort in the Swiss Alps. The source of the thermal baths is the hot springs from the deep mountains. The medicinal and therapeutic properties of these Swiss hot springs are immense. The spa also offers a hike to the spring of the thermal springs called the Dala Gorge. This nature trail along the springs is worth exploring.
