Vouliagmeni lake, Athens's wonder

Vouliagmeni lake is one of those hidden treats Athens offers to its visitors usually leaving them speechless. This lake is, in fact, what you might call a wonder: located at the bottom of a rocky yet lush hill, it's constantly replenished both by the sea and the underground thermal springs, and shines brightly as its water welcomes visitors of all ages to dip in and benefit from its therapeutic qualities. 

Scientific research and studies have found out that millions of years ago instead of the lake there was a large cave with a great number of hot springs. The high temperature and moisture of these springs caused the roof to collapse, creating today's stunning layout. The underwater cave at the edge of the lake has never been fully explored. Among the 14 tunnels which make up the cave there is one which at 800 metres is believed to be the longest in the world.

Minerals such potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, iron, chlorine and iodine are found in the lake’s water. These, combined with high concentrations of salt and the water’s hot temperatures, are what make this place such a good destination to get relief from afflictions of the “musculo-skeletal system, to promote post-traumatic rehabilitation, and to help with gynecological, and dermatological diseases”.

But even if you are perfectly fine, you’ll feel the beneficial outcomes of visiting this place. Just hanging out in the gardens or sitting down at the bar staring at the beautiful view this location offers (no need to pay the general admission fee of 12 euros to get to these facilities) will make you think you've invested your free time well, no doubt. Plus, you’ll be right in the centre of Athens’ riviera, so you'll have plenty of options. If you are in Athens during the winter, you can still go and take a swim; the mix of the city’s mild winter temperatures and the water’s high heat work well together. 

From Athens the lake is about an half hour drive. There are also several buses that stop at the entrance of the lake and you can find these in the Athens Bus Schedules or take the KTEL bus that uses the coast road to Sounion which stops in Syntagma and Fileninon Streets. You can also take the metro to Ellinikon and catch the bus 122 Saronida Express there. A regular street taxi should cost about 20 euros from downtown.