Ikaria

Ikaria's therapeutic radioenergized springs have been identified as one of the best in the world in terms of healing qualities, radioenergy & temperature variance.

Properties of the thermal springs of Ikaria

The output of Ikaria’s radioactive thermal springs ranges between 19.2 units Mache (spring of Lefkada) and 1,204.3 points Mache (spring Apollo).

Based on the level of radioactivity springs are divided as follows:

• Weakly radioactive as the springs of the Spilaio and Therma in Lefkada.

• Moderately radioactive as the springs Chlio-Thermo, Agia Kyriaki, and Pamfyli.

• Strongly radioactive as the springs Mustafa, Kratsa, Apollo, and Artemis.

Read more about radioactive (radon) water healing properties here.

Outdoor natural hydro- therapy is also popular on Ikaria. Along Ikaria's coastline there are several areas where radioenergic hot mineral springs flow into the sea.

Since the 1st century B.C. Therma town in Ikaria has been a known for its hydrotherapeutic facilities. This evidenced by numerous references in historical texts and by the archeological remains of ancient baths and facilities such as the Roman baths in ancient Therma town.

The therapeutic effects of Ikaria's radioenergic hot mineral baths are delivered to the body primarily through inhalation when bathing (90%), while the remaining 10% is absorbed through the skin. 80% of the active therapeutic elements are expired by the lungs after one hour of their inhalation and the remained within twenty three hours.

Apollo Spring:

The Apollon Spa is located in Therma town center and is operated by the municipality of Ikaria.

The therapeutic spring source of Apollon is radio-energic and is known to heal and relieve a variety of ailments and disorders.

Lefkada Springs:

Access to the area is free of charge. Access is easy on foot, by bike or by car, as it is located 2km west of Agios Kirikos near the main road. The path to springs descends down to the beach and then 50 m walk along the boulders (sturdy shoes are recommended). The natural sea pool is especially soothing and curative for many types of dermatological problems.

Apollon Spring Chemical Analysis:

• Radioactive saltwater spring

• Temperature: 49,5°C (air temp.: 19,1°C)

• pH at 20°C = 7,6

• The Water contains: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Aluminium, as well as Chlorine, Bromine, Fluorine, Iodine; Sulphuric ions, Hydrophospheric ions, Hydrocarbonic ions, Nitric ions.

Lefkada Spring water properties:

• Radioactive saltwater spring

• Temperature: 59°C

• pH at 20°C = 7,7

• The Water contains: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Aluminium, as well as Chlorine, Bromine, Fluorine, Iodine; Sulphuric ions, Hydrophospheric ions, Hydrocarbonic ions, Nitric ions.

Today, the municipality has fenced the hot spring water, with large stones in the sea, creating a small "pool". At this point, the sand has acquired a characteristic red color. Applying it on the body has a positive effect on the reduction and cure of various skin diseases.

It is recommended not to bath for longer than 20 minutes.

Cave Spring/Spa:

The Cave(Spilaio) Spa is located in Therma town center at the end of the beach and is operated by the municipality of Ikaria. The therapeutic spring source of the Cave Spa is radio-energic and is known to heal and relieve a variety of diseases, ailments and disorders including: Rheumatic, Endocrine Gland, Gynecological, Respiratory, Kidney, Bladder and traumatic-postoperative diseases; Neuralgia, Neuritis, Arthropathies, skin problems, Gout, lower back pain, Sciatica, indigestion, fatigue, anxiety and stress.

Cave Spring has the following properties:

• Radioactive saltwater spring

• Temperature: 55,5°C

• pH at 20°C = 7,1

• The Water contains: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Aluminium, as well as Chlorine, Bromine, Fluorine, Iodine; Sulphuric ions, Hydrophospheric ions, Hydrocarbonic ions, Nitric ions.

Asklipios Spring/Spa:

The Asklipios Spa is located in Agios Kirikos town and is operated by the municipality.

• The supply of the spring is 50 m3 / h and is characterized as Radioactive, with radioactivity 396.6 units MACHE or 41.6Nc / L and temperature 40.3°C

• Use of the facilities should be on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after your latest meal

• Medical permission is typically required but can usually be issued by local doctors.

Through the spectrographic analysis of the residue of 100ml water, the following elements were detected: Ca, Mg, Fe, Si.

The physical and chemical properties of the water that make it beneficial to the human body are the heat, the component called Radon, not in radium salts, the rich content of solid components and the considerable content of rare components, such as radium, sulfur, sodium chloride and others.

"Immortal Water" ('Athanato Nero') is a hot spring close to the village Xylosyrtis, from which gushes cool water. Studies have found elements in this water that make it suitable for treating diseases such as gallstones and kidney ailments. For this reason the locals have named it Immortal Water.

Ikaria's thermal springs, located mainly on the southeast and northeast coasts:

• Agios Kyrikos: Springs Mustafa - Litza (ASKLIPIOS SPRING), Lower Loumakia and Kleftolimano.

• Therma: Cave(CAVE SPRING), spring Pamfyli, KRATSAS SPRING, APOLLO SPRING, Artemis, Patero, Apollo Hotel, Chalasmenon Thermon.

• Lefkada - Xylosyrti: Springs Chlio-Thermo, Thermo and ‘Athanato nero’(=Immortal Water) - LEFKADA SPRINGS

• Springs of Agia Kyriaki - Armyridas.

Today, Therma is the principal region on Ikaria for organized hydrotherapy with numerous hotels/guesthouses, restaurants and various active bath/spa facilities.