Thermes d'Ikaria — Therma

Therma is the main thermal bathing village on the island of Ikaria in the North Aegean, where naturally radioactive (radon) spring waters flowing at temperatures of 33-55 degrees Celsius have been used for therapeutic bathing since at least the 3rd century BC, documented by ancient Greek physicians as effective for rheumatic and skin conditions. Ikaria is globally recognized as one of the world's five Blue Zone longevity hotspots — the island has one of the highest concentrations of people living past 90 years of age of anywhere on Earth, and researchers have identified the radon thermal springs, Mediterranean diet, daily naps, evening social culture, and strong community bonds as contributing factors. The simply designed stone spring pools of Therma, accessible free of charge at the sea's edge, represent the most minimalist and authentic expression of therapeutic mineral bathing in Greece — unchanged in form from the pools that ancient Greek physicians recommended to their patients two and a half millennia ago.