Greek thermalism is one of the most unexploited natural treasures of the country, combining history, science and centuries-old tradition. Dr. Zisis Angelidis, Hydrogeologist and Vice President of the Soci?t? Europ?enne de Culture, emphasizes in Tornos News that it is a “national reserve”, part of our natural and cultural heritage, which can contribute decisively to health education, economic development and sustainable tourism progress.
Today, Greece has 85 recognized thermal natural resources, but only 34 carry a Special Operating Label and only seven companies operate systematically throughout the year. He explains that the thermal landscape in the country is characterized by great contrasts. While there are exemplary facilities such as Thermes Syla in Edipsos and Miraggio Thermal Spa in Halkidiki, many operate only seasonally, while historic spa towns such as Methana, Thermopylae, Platystomo and Thermi in Thessaloniki have fallen into oblivion. At the same time, dozens of natural springs, from Crete to Drama and from Chios to Kalymnos, remain unexploited.
Dr. Angelidis recalls that Greece was one of the first countries in Europe with a comprehensive legislative framework for thermal springs as early as 1920, while the scientific school of medical hydrology was also developed at that time. However, in 1952 the school was abolished, resulting in the country being cut off from the European development of thermalism, at a time when other countries were integrating it into their national health systems.
The situation, according to the Greek scientist, has worsened with the non-implementation of the European Directive 2011/24/EU on cross-border healthcare. The directive allows citizens of member states to be reimbursed for thermal treatments in other countries, as long as they are recognized by their national health system. In Greece, however, this framework has never been implemented, leaving hydrotherapy and related practices outside the National Health System, depriving citizens of the possibility of accessing wellness and rehabilitation treatments using natural means.
The Vice President of the Soci?t? Europ?enne de Culture underlines that the absence of thermal education and an integrated sustainable development plan is holding the country back from international developments. The lack of an institutional framework and the limited connection of thermalism with health tourism prevent, as he says, the exploitation of a sector that could create thousands of new jobs and upgrade local economies.
According to Dr. According to Mr. Angelidis, the relaunch of Greek thermalism requires a new legislative framework that will integrate hydrotherapy into the National Health System and establish a model for linking tourism with health education. At the same time, it is necessary to classify facilities based on quality and medical criteria, simplify operating procedures and strengthen local investments.
As Mr. Angelidis concludes, healthy thermalism can develop into a powerful lever for social and economic development, provided there is strategic foresight and will from the institutional bodies. “Greece has the natural resources, knowledge and tradition; what is missing is the decision to exploit them with a plan and vision.”
