Imagine the moment when you immerse yourself in the warm, turquoise water at 37 degrees, while the mountain air above you smells of snow, and steam slowly rises towards the dense forest canopy. Lutra Pozar is not just another spa in Greece; it is a place where the healing power of nature meets the glorious history of our people.

Many of our tourists choose this place for a break on their way back from vacation or on their way out. Besides the beautiful nature, pools, restaurants, and shade, the spa is located at the foot, not far from Kajmakčalan, where Serbian history is proudly inscribed, where we can pay homage to the shades of ancient heroes, and where the heart of Archibald Reiss stood.

The spa complex is also known as Lutropolis (spa city in translation).

Lutra Pozar in 30 seconds

  • Location: northern Greece, Pella region (about 112 km from Thessaloniki).
  • Water temperature: constant at 37°C throughout the year.
  • Opening hours: the spa operates 24⁄7 (tickets for organized areas are sold during the day).
  • Entrance fee: €3 for the open pool/waterfall; from €13 for private hammams.
  • Main advice: It is forbidden to stay in the water longer than 30 minutes at a time! The water is extremely good for the skin and health, but staying over half an hour can lead to serious consequences: headaches, nausea, and even diarrhea (don’t ask how we know).

Thermal springs and pools: What can you visit?

At Lutra Pozar, you have three completely different ways to enjoy the water, depending on whether you want an adventure in nature or absolute privacy:
Closed area: With a total of 16 pools, hammams, and hydrotherapy tubs. Capacity for 2-6 people.
Outdoor area: 4 pools - 1 Olympic-sized, and 3 pools, one under a waterfall, outdoors and right by the river flowing through the forest.
The entire landscape is beautiful and unique.

You can also expect:
Well-maintained walking trails through dense forests.
A speleological park and the discovery of mysterious caves.
A large, well-appointed restaurant within the spa with a spacious outdoor terrace.
Professional massage services.
A café-restaurant and a general store.
In December, there is an organized Christmas village that is a fairy tale for all ages.
A museum with a valuable exhibition from World War I where you will see the Serbian rifles of our fighters.

The village itself is also very lovely and picturesque, with stone houses and beautifully landscaped courtyards to enjoy. There are also other amenities such as taverns, cafes, and shops.

Open waterfall and river: An experience worth a fortune

This is what Lutra is most famous for. Imagine a warm waterfall cascading down a rock directly into a pool, with a cold stream right next to it where you can cool off. This natural “spa” is available year-round, and most interestingly, in winter when it snows outside. Here, there are no walls – just you, the forest, and the steam rising from the turquoise water.
The water is shallow and crystal clear, with a bottom sprinkled with natural pebbles (confirmed!). Right next to the waterfall is a beautiful and romantic little bridge, which is a great place for photography. The entire ambiance is surrounded by deep greenery, and along the river, there are spots where thermal water springs, allowing you to bathe in complete privacy. In these unmarked spots, just be extra cautious about the water depth.

The glass pavilions are particularly interesting, providing resting spots from bathing where you can enjoy the view of nature while gradually cooling down.

Indoor private pools (16 units - operating in 30-minute slots) For those seeking peace

Although waterfalls are the number one attraction, inside the facilities lies a completely different world. For those who do not like crowds or seek a more intimate atmosphere, Lutra offers closed rooms for hydrotherapy:
Individual tubs and tubs for two: Ideal for couples.
2 Hammams: Traditional ambiance in marble.
Indoor pools: For smaller groups up to 6 people.

They are open to visitors every day, and some rooms operate well into the night (until 2 or 4 in the morning), so you can spend a very interesting evening or night with friends in an unusual setting. These facilities are well-maintained and clean.
Important note: Booking is mandatory here as capacities are small.
Towels can be rented within the complex for an additional fee.

Pool and hammam prices (2025)

Here are the prices of all pools, hammams, and hydrotherapy tubs (updated for 2025).

Pool / hammam type Capacity / Notes Price
Open pools with waterfalls (river) individual €3 per person
Daily pass – open pools 3 entries throughout the day €7
Large outdoor (Olympic-sized) pool adults / children 6-12 years €5 / €3.50
Private Hammam 1 and Hammam 2 up to 6 people €13 (1-2 people)
€24 (6 people)
Two larger indoor pools (Male / Female) up to 12 people, can be private slots from €13 (1-2 people)
+€3 for each additional person
12 private indoor pools / rooms 1-6 people €13 (1-2 people),
€15 (3 people),
€18 (4 people),
€21 (5 people),
€24 (6 people)

All private pools are closed and can only be used by reservation in 30-minute slots.

Opening hours (Updated for 2025)

Spa opening hours: The spa is open every day of the year from 07:00 to 21:00. The exceptions are the Alexandria Hydrotherapy and Waterfall 1 pools, which are open until late at night – until 02:00 on weekdays and until 04:00 on weekends and holidays.

Check the opening hours of individual pools in the table.

Opening hours Monday-Sunday Saturday and holidays
Alexandria hydrotherapy 07:00 – 02:00 (until 2:00 at night) 07:00 – 04:00 (until 4:00 at night)
Old hydrotherapy 07:00 – 21:00 07:00 – 21:00
Waterfall 1 07:00 – 02:00 (until 2:00 at night) 07:00 – 04:00 (until 4:00 at night)
Waterfall 2 07:00 – 21:00 07:00 – 21:00
Outdoor pools (winter-summer season) 07:00 – 21:00 07:00 – 21:00
Fridge – Coffee shop 08:00 – 22:00 08:00 – 22:00

Total number of pools and bathing areas

  • Indoor private pools: 16
  • Outdoor pools and waterfalls: 4

Total: 20 places for bathing and relaxation, with different usage regimes and prices.

How to get to Lutra Pozar and where to park?

To reach Lutra Pozar from Thessaloniki, take the old Thessaloniki-Edessa highway, following the signs to the village of Loutraki, located 3 km from the spa. The road is excellent, with normal asphalt, drivable, mostly flat, without major turns and inclines. Passing through beautiful landscapes, you will see steam rising from the warm springs from a distance.
In the village of Loutraki itself, you can find plenty of different types of accommodation, taverns, cafes, and shops. The entire surroundings are picturesque, with stone houses and landscaped courtyards. Once you pass Loutraki, you will arrive directly at the spa. There are open barriers at the entrance, and employees will kindly direct you where to park exactly. There is ample parking space, so you won’t have to worry about that.

What to visit in the surroundings: From caves to Edessa waterfalls

Lutra Pozar and Kajmakčalan: The fusion of hot springs and glorious history

When you are at Lutra Pozar, it would be a great shame not to gaze towards the peaks of Mount Voras (known to us as Nidže) surrounding the spa. There, over 2,500 meters high, stands proudly Kajmakčalan. For many of our tourists, this is not just a passing point on the map but a place of special reverence.
Our recommendation is to plan your visit to the spa so that you dedicate one day to a pilgrimage to the summit, to the chapel of St. Elijah. The journey up is an adventure in itself, and the feeling when you stand at the place where the history of our people was written is something that is hard to put into words. It is a special experience when, after a day spent in the sharp mountain air and visiting the chapel, you return to the spa and immerse yourself in the warm 37-degree water. It is the moment when the body relaxes completely, and the impressions settle in the best possible way.

Ethnographic museum

Within the complex itself, there is a small museum. At the entrance, you will be greeted by a kind lady who is extremely fond of Serbia.
In addition to traditional costumes and jewelry, the central piece is the Serbian rifle from the battles at Kajmakčalan. You will be welcomed by a kind lady who loves Serbs very much. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (09:00 - 16:00), and the ticket costs 2 €.

Natural beauties and caves

The natural environment is ideal for hikers, and there are even 15 cave shelters scattered throughout the gorge. Fossils found in these caves give evidence of life thousands of years ago. Excavations conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have yielded finds such as a part of the fossilized skull of a brown bear dating back 10,000 years (the finds are in the museum in Aridea).

Edessa (City of waterfalls)

About 30 km from the spa is Edessa. It is a city where water literally flows through the center and falls into a chasm, creating one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Balkans – Karanos. Our colleague visited and says it is wonderful, and we will soon shoot and share all personal impressions and photos in a separate article.

Where to eat and stay

Although the village of Loutraki is the closest, the Pella region offers beautiful places to stay just a few minutes’ drive away, providing much more comfort. You can find plenty of different types of accommodation in the village itself. We have accommodation a bit further away, 15 minutes from the spa, in the village of Tsaki, near Aridea, so you can check it out at the link below and book your trip or vacation at this spa.
Our recommendation: The Cozy Nook Apartment. This apartment is truly a “cozy nook” that will provide you with the warmth of home. It is modern and functional, an ideal base for exploring the spa and its surroundings.

Food and market: Within the spa is an excellent restaurant with a terrace, and at the entrance, be sure to visit the traditional market. Local producers offer honey, jams, mountain herbs, cheeses, and pasta that you can try and take with you.

Curiosities about this region

This region is closely tied to Serbian history, and many residents speak at least a few words in our language.
The name of this river in Greek is Termopotamos (warm river), and the Byzantine name for it was Toplica.
The name of the spa is Loutra (spa), and Pozar is derived from two words: “πο” and “ζαρ” - “po” and “zar”, meaning “under fire”.
In the vicinity is a village called Kerasia, but it also has a Serbian name - Visino (cherry), and it is known for the cultivation of that fruit. Older generations know many words in Serbian.

FAQ - Everything you need to know in one place

1.      “Is the water in Lutra Pozar too hot during the summer?” Although the springs are warm, the river is cold, providing perfect refreshment and circulation even at +35 degrees.
2.      “How much is the entrance fee, and do I need to book a private pool in advance?” Entrance to the open area is €3, and closed pools/hammams (from €13) are best booked as soon as you arrive at the parking lot to secure a slot.
3.      “Is it safe to bathe in the open waterfalls with children?” The water is not deep, but be cautious as the rocks can be slippery. There are also play areas for children, making the spa excellent for families.
4.      “What should I bring with me?” Be sure to bring your rubber slippers for walking on slippery rocks, a bathrobe, and a towel.
5.      “Can I visit Lutra Pozar as a day trip from Thessaloniki?” Yes! The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Our advice is to start early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds.