Smokovo

The curative thermal springs of Smokovo located 3.5-4 hrs drive from Athens, 35 km southwest of Karditsa (road Karditsa - Rentina), in the mountain range of Agrafa, at an altitude of 450 meters and are 6 km from the village of Smokovos (Loutropigi) and only 10 km away from lake Smokovo.

The first mention of the use of the Smokovo thermal springs was made in 1662. Among the most famous visitors of that time were Ali Pasha of Ioannina and Mahmout Pasha.

During the Turkish rule, the Convention of Tamasi was signed in Smokovo. According to this convention Agrafa were autonomous from the Turkish rule. It is very impressive that all settlements and churches follow the local traditional architecture.

The Hydrotherapy Centre is one of the most modern facilities. In June 2009, the new SPA complex began operating, offering guests relaxation and well-being through its combination with the beneficial and healing properties of the thermal springs. The new complex features a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, two classic saunas, two diathermy saunas, two Turkish baths, and two relaxation massage rooms. There are also individual inhalation rooms, a nasal wash room, and large, comfortable, clean private baths that, with the touch of a button, transform into a whirlpool (jacuzzi).

During their operation, qualified personnel and a doctor are permanently available during the Centre's operating hours. The Hydrotherapy Centre is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm from June 1st to October 15th (the normal bathing season), while the rest of the year it is open on all weekends and public holidays.

Properties of the thermal springs of Smokovo

The thermal waters flow from five springs at a natural temperature of 37 to 42 °c and are channelled to the hydrotherapy centre. They have an alkaline sulfide composition, a slight odour of hydrogen sulfide and are considered one of the best in Greece.

The thermal springs of Smokovo are recommended for the treatment of respiratory diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, myalgia, skin diseases, and gynaecological disorders. The use of thermal water for treatment has been known in our country since ancient times, both on an empirical and a scientific level. Herodotus (484- 410 B.C.) established the time of bath therapy in 21 days.

The ancient Greeks were well aware of some of the properties of the thermal baths which they used not only for therapeutic purposes but also to keep them in good physical condition.