4 Reasons Women Over 40 Are Choosing Greece for Wellness Travel

Author

M.L.

Much like a garden, our bodies and souls undergo seasons of stress, illness, and change. Such seasons do not call for harsh pruning or hurried fixes. They call for gentleness, compassion, and space. For plenty of women over 40, Greece holds the promise of all this and more. In 2024, the country saw around 40.7 million inbound travelers. That was a whopping 12.8% increase compared to the year prior.

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Among the top reasons for travel is restorative wellness, which is characteristic of the destination’s ancient stillness and soul-soothing traditions. Are you ready to be more than just a tourist? Then, Greece should be on your next itinerary. As for the reasons why, this article will share valuable insights. We will discuss four main reasons why women over 40 choose Greece for wellness travel.

A Culture That Celebrates Slow Living 

One’s existence in modern society is deeply taxing. For one, it's ruining our powers of concentration, as stated by the Guardian. In a survey involving 2,000 adults, 49% agreed that their attention span is shorter than it used to be. 

This happens mainly due to:

• The bombardment of constant notifications 

• Multitasking, primarily between work, caregiving, and social obligations 

• Media overload and rapid-fire information 

Greece is a country that naturally embraces slow living: seaside meals, naps during the day, and relaxed strolls through olive groves. This is especially beneficial for women over 40. The break from mental overload resets attention and restores emotional health and cognitive clarity.

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You get to enjoy calming activities like long walks in nature, leisurely meze meals, beach yoga, and traditional crafts like embroidery. The slow pace and intention involved in these can help stay grounded in the present.

Natural Thermal Springs With Healing Properties 

Greece is home to the timeless treasure of thermal springs. There are more than 750 of these natural wonders spanning across the country, with 82 revered for their healing properties. 

That's like hitting a gold mine for women over 40, who may be navigating hormonal shifts, joint stiffness, and sleep issues. Some of the most beloved thermal springs destinations include: 

• Edipsos in Evia Island - The warm waters of the springs found in this town are rich in sulfur and iron. They’re believed to ease arthritic pain and improve circulation.

• Pozar in Northern Greece - This place features open-air thermal pools surrounded by forests and rivers. They are ideal for women seeking quiet healing in the lap of nature.

• Loutraki in Corinthia region - Mid-life travelers love Loutraki for its therapeutic spas and seaside serenity. Its springs are known for digestive and metabolic benefits.

Photo by: Ggia, 20091128 Loutra Thermes Xanthi Thrace Greece 2, CC BY-SA 3.0

Besides the physical health benefits, such destinations in Greece offer women emotional healing as well. Featuring fewer crowds, thermal towns invite visitors to rest and reflect. 

Moreover, wellness programs catered to women’s needs are available in resorts located near these towns. They include hydrotherapy, massages, guided meditation, and walks in nature. Is there a better way to reconnect with one’s physical and emotional self?

A Gentle Haven for Post-Operative Healing 

Many 40+ women engaging in wellness travel do so, not just to recover from the demands of modern routine, but also from significant health challenges. Take the example of a condition that commonly affects this demographic: stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or an overactive bladder. Although it is a common mid-life issue, with one in five women over 40 experiencing SUI, the path to healing is not so straightforward. For instance, many women in the US have faced serious complications following surgical interventions that were once widely promoted. 

Click here for details on the transvaginal mesh lawsuit that highlighted the physical and emotional pain caused by poorly regulated medical devices. Most women were not even aware of the risks or complications involved with the procedure. TruLaw shares that the chronic pain and infections caused by the mesh necessitated further corrective surgeries. This also creates a profound need for safe, compassionate recovery.

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Women who’ve undergone similar experiences are choosing Greece, not for clinical treatments, but for restorative environments. Be it a customized wellness retreat or nature walks, the country has plenty to offer for mind and body healing post-surgeries.

The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle 

Did you know that in 2024, the Mediterranean diet emerged as the healthiest in the world? One of the main reasons behind the highest honor is the fact that this diet is not about cutting calories. Nor is it about obsessing over nutrients. It’s simply about nourishing one’s body with real, wholesome meals. 

The Mediterranean diet is composed of whole, seasonal foods, like legumes, whole grains, fruits/ vegetables, nuts, and olive oil. Red meat is rare, whereas processed foods are nearly absent from this diet. 

The Mediterranean way of life has nourished the Greeks for generations. More importantly, the emphasis is on enjoying meals slowly, without stress, and in the company of loved ones. For women over 40, this holds benefits in the form of better hormonal balance, osteoporosis prevention, and stable blood sugar. 

Besides the food, the broader Mediterranean lifestyle is also wellness-oriented. Daily walking, gardening, etc., are naturally built into the day. Naps are equally valued, and conversations are prioritized over screens. 

Women who arrive from multitasking environments embrace the Mediterranean rhythm to enjoy more peace and less urgency. A wellness retreat in Greece can be a reminder that health is not just about what we eat, but also about how we live.

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To Conclude

Greece is more than a fun destination to explore; it is a place to unwind and rejuvenate. And it is a part of the broader tourism market, which is huge. Wellness tourism is expected to have a global value of $1.35 trillion by 2028. That's a more than 100% increase since 2022 when the market was just $637 billion. 

Women continue to lead the way as primary seekers of meaningful travel that promotes healing. Since Greece is a top wellness hotspot, it should be on your bucket list. Get ready to enjoy a place where every moment is a reminder of what truly matters in life!