HOT
SPRINGS
 The
volcanic activity in Lesvos resulted in the formation of several hot springs
with therapeutic properties. Bathhouses date back to antiquity. Many of
the springs have been disused, but fortunately the local authorities are
little by little seeing to their development and promotion. The most significant
are the following:
Loutropoleos
Thermis : They are northwestern of Mytilene, at the area of Thermi.
As the large number of Hellenistic marbles, Roman inscriptions and Ottoman
buildings found in the area indicate they have been used since ancient
times. They are ferrous, with an average temperature of 46.9o C (0.6 units
of radioactivity) and are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism,
skin diseases and digestive trouble.
Therma
at Geras Gulf : They are in the eastern coasts of the Bay of Geras.
Archaeological finds prove that they too have been used since ancient times.
During the years of the Turkish occupation they were renovated in the model
of Turkish baths (hamam). Today they are under the jurisdiction of the
Municipality of Mytilene. The water has a temperature of 39.5oC (1.8 units
of radioactivity) and is sub saline, carbonic, contains chlorine and is
recommended for the treatment of problems of the abdominal area, dropsy
and other diseases.
Hot
Springs of the municipality of Polichnitos: They are at the western
part of the island, southwest of Polichnitos. There are five hot springs
which flow from the banks of the river Almyropotamos, 60 m. above sea level.
The Municipality of Polichnitos has renovated two of them. The spring nearest
to the bathhouse has a temperature of 87.6oC (1.6-6 units of radioactivity),
a fact that makes it the hottest spring in Europe. They contain chlorine
and sodium and are recommended for the treatment of sciatica, myalgia,
and gynaeological disorders.
Eftalou
(Mythimna): They are at the northwestern part of Lesvos, at a distance
of 3 km away from Mythimna at the site Eftalou. The water has a temperature
of 46.8oC and contains chlorine and radium. They are recommended in the
treatment of rheumatism, blood pressure problems, gallstone, neuralgia,
etc.
Lisvori
Ayios Ioannis : They are north of Polichnitos. The water has a temperature
of 69o C and its chemical composition is similar to that of the hot springs
of Polychnito. |
