If you're lucky, in Greece you can keep swimming through November. But by the holidays, you have to be really tough. Or you can try a thermal spring- you can see the steam rising from Lake Vouliagmeni on a cool day.
The lake is sheltered by a cliff that catches the sun, and has a small beach at one edge, There is a narrow wooden deck running all along one long side, across from the cliff. It's just wide enough for a chaise lounge and a little room to walk by. Then it's just big enough for a chair. These are the best spots- get out the stack of magazines you have brought, read, nap, watch the light change over the cliff face. Time to go in? The steam rising off the surface really only means that the water is warmer than the air. It doesn't mean it is warm. What you do is you go in, then get out and feel how much cooler the air actually is, especially when you're undressed and wet, wait a minute and get good and cold, then plunge back in. Not too bad now. Keep moving, slowly. Were you spoiled by the salty thick waters of the Aegean all summer, where you can keep yourself afloat paddling gently with one hand while you hold a gin tonic in the other? (not every time- I had my godmother visiting). You will sink like a stone in this lake if you don't swim like you mean it.
Anyway it's good to keep moving- there are small fish that will come and nibble the dry skin off your feet if you stay still for more than a minute. So keep moving gently if you don't want an involuntary pedicure. but some people come here just for that! They roll up their pants legs and sit on the deck, swarms of fish obscuring their feet. I tried it. It's described as a "relaxing massage" on the lake's own website, but looking down and seeing myself being gnawed by a swarm of fish was not relaxing.
There is a pleasant feel of gentle convalescence- more spa than beach party. The lake is supplied from a spring rich in salts and minerals (potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, iron, iodine) - good for muscles, bones and joints, and good for the skin. Many people are here for therapeutic reasons. Give yourself over to the spa mood, and take your time. Your ten euro admission entitles you to lounge in comfort all day, so bring some magazines, and a sketchbook.
Lake Vouliagmeni's winter hours are 8 am - 5 pm.
Visit their site for a phone number and information on how to reach the lake by public transportation:
More spa experiences in Greece:
Bliss Springs Eternal at Thermae Sylla
The Ultimate Spa Holiday
Walden meets Breakfast at Tiffany's in Almopeia
Anyway it's good to keep moving- there are small fish that will come and nibble the dry skin off your feet if you stay still for more than a minute. So keep moving gently if you don't want an involuntary pedicure. but some people come here just for that! They roll up their pants legs and sit on the deck, swarms of fish obscuring their feet. I tried it. It's described as a "relaxing massage" on the lake's own website, but looking down and seeing myself being gnawed by a swarm of fish was not relaxing.
There is a pleasant feel of gentle convalescence- more spa than beach party. The lake is supplied from a spring rich in salts and minerals (potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, iron, iodine) - good for muscles, bones and joints, and good for the skin. Many people are here for therapeutic reasons. Give yourself over to the spa mood, and take your time. Your ten euro admission entitles you to lounge in comfort all day, so bring some magazines, and a sketchbook.
Lake Vouliagmeni's winter hours are 8 am - 5 pm.
Visit their site for a phone number and information on how to reach the lake by public transportation:
More spa experiences in Greece:
Bliss Springs Eternal at Thermae Sylla
Walden meets Breakfast at Tiffany's in Almopeia
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