Aidipsos, also known as Edipsos or Loutra Aidipsou, is a historic spa town located on the northwestern coast of Evia (Euboea) Island in Central Greece, renowned worldwide for its therapeutic thermal springs that have drawn visitors for millennia. As part of the Istiaia-Aidipsos municipality since the 2011 local government reform, it serves as a municipal unit covering approximately 115.461 square kilometers, with the town itself nestled at coordinates 38°52′N 23°03′E. The population of the municipal unit stands at around 5,766 as of the 2021 census, reflecting a gradual decline from 6,141 in 2011 and 6,482 in 2001, with a density of about 50 people per square kilometer. Aidipsos accommodates up to 40,000 tourists during peak summer months, transforming into a bustling resort while maintaining its serene, palm-lined promenades and neoclassical architecture. Famous for hosting over 80 of Greece's 752 hot springs, with water temperatures ranging from 28°C to 86°C, the town offers a unique blend of natural healing, seaside charm, and cultural heritage, making it Greece's premier spa destination accessible by a 2.5-3 hour drive or ferry from Athens.
Aidipsos boasts one of the oldest continuously used spa sites in the world, with evidence of thermal spring utilization dating back over 20,000 years to prehistoric times. The ancient town of Aedepsus, whose ruins lie within the modern municipal boundaries, was a prominent Hellenistic and Roman settlement mentioned by historians like Plutarch and Aristotle, who praised the waters for their curative properties against ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, and skin conditions. Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla famously bathed here in 80 BCE to treat his gout, establishing a tradition of elite visitors that continued through the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town evolved into a modern resort, attracting figures like Sir Winston Churchill, Greek Prime Ministers Eleftherios Venizelos and Theodoros Deligiannis, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, opera diva Maria Callas, and poets like Kostis Palamas. The municipality was formally established in 1997 by merging Loutra Aidipsou with nearby communities like Agios and Gialtra, and integrated into Istiaia-Aidipsos in 2011. Throughout its history, Aidipsos has symbolized wellness and rejuvenation, with its springs playing a central role in local lore and development, even as it recovered from challenges like economic fluctuations in the broader Greek context.
Situated on the lush, mountainous island of Evia—the second-largest in Greece after Crete—Aidipsos enjoys a privileged position along the coast, where steep rocks meet the blue waters of the North Evian Gulf. The town's microclimate is mild Mediterranean, with warm summers averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F) and mild winters around 10-15°C (50-59°F), moderated by sea breezes and the thermal activity that creates natural steam vents and warm cascades flowing into the sea. The landscape features verdant hills, pine forests, and fertile valleys supporting olive groves and citrus orchards, contrasting with the dramatic coastal cliffs and pebble beaches. Key environmental assets include the 80 thermal springs, some emerging directly from the seabed or rocks at temperatures up to 86°C, rich in minerals like sulfur, iron, and radium, which contribute to the area's unique biodiversity and therapeutic ecosystem. Nearby natural sites include the Ilia beach with its free thermal seawater pools and the broader northern Evia region, known for unspoiled landscapes and hidden coves. Environmental conservation efforts focus on sustainable tourism to protect these geothermal wonders, though challenges like overdevelopment have been noted in recent years.
Aidipsos embodies traditional Greek island culture, infused with a wellness-oriented heritage that blends ancient rituals with modern leisure. Local traditions revolve around the thermal springs, where communal bathing has fostered a sense of community and healing for generations, often accompanied by folklore about the springs' mythical origins tied to gods like Hercules. Orthodox Christianity plays a prominent role, with churches like the Agios Nikolaos Cathedral hosting festivals and processions. The town pulses with cultural events, including the annual Edipsos Festival in summer, featuring Greek and international dance performances, music concerts, theater, and art exhibitions that draw crowds to its open-air venues. Culinary customs highlight fresh seafood, local cheeses, and Evian wines, enjoyed in seaside tavernas amid lively evenings of bouzouki music and dancing. Notable cultural figures, from ancient philosophers to 20th-century celebrities, have left an imprint, preserving a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. In 2025, wellness holidays continue to thrive, with programs emphasizing holistic therapies, yoga, and mindfulness, reflecting Greece's broader trend toward sustainable cultural tourism.
The star attraction of Aidipsos is undoubtedly its thermal springs, with over 80 sites offering free public baths—like those under the town hall or at Ilia beach where hot water mixes with the sea—as well as luxurious spas. Iconic spots include the ancient Roman baths and the Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel, a historic 1897 building blending Byzantine architecture with modern treatments such as hydrotherapy, mud baths, and massages using mineral-rich waters believed to alleviate conditions like musculoskeletal issues, dermatological problems, and stress. Beaches like Paralia Loutron provide pebble shores for swimming and sunbathing, while hiking trails in the surrounding hills lead to waterfalls, monasteries, and viewpoints overlooking the gulf. Historical sites encompass the ruins of ancient Aedepsus, including remnants of temples and aqueducts, alongside museums showcasing artifacts from the springs' long history. Adventure options include boat trips to nearby Lichades islets, diving in clear waters, or exploring northern Evia's mountain villages. In 2025, Tripadvisor reviews highlight the town's serene vibe, great food, and rejuvenating experiences, with events like thermal bath tours and wellness retreats enhancing visitor immersion.
Aidipsos's economy is predominantly tourism-driven, centered on its thermal springs and spa facilities, which generate significant revenue through hotels, wellness centers, and related services. The town supports around 40,000 visitors annually, boosting local businesses like tavernas, shops selling herbal remedies and souvenirs, and transportation providers. Agriculture, including olive oil and honey production from the fertile hinterland, supplements income, while fishing adds to the fresh seafood supply. Daily life revolves around a relaxed rhythm, with residents—many involved in hospitality—gathering at cafes along the waterfront promenade for coffee and conversation. Community events and festivals foster a close-knit atmosphere, though population decline due to urban migration poses challenges, offset by seasonal influxes. Infrastructure includes a postal code of 34300, area code 22260, and vehicle plates prefixed XA, with good road and ferry connections. As of 2025, the wellness sector continues to expand, aligning with Greece's growing emphasis on health tourism, ensuring Aidipsos remains a vital economic and cultural hub on Evia.