Baden bei Wien: Austria’s Great Spa Town of Europe

Baden bei Wien, which translates to “Bathing Near Vienna” is a charming spa town located just 15 miles (24km) southwest from from Vienna. Austria’s capital consistently ranks among the world’s best cities to live, for an abundance of reasons. Nearby Baden bie Wien is Austria’s lone destination among the Great Spa Towns of Europe, which includes 11 inspiring spa towns that are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Historic Thermal Towns: A Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

There is nothing like stepping into a bath to soak away the stresses of the week. Thermal baths are no exception, with added benefits to our health and well-being. The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) plays an important role in growing this tradition thanks to fantastic thermal spa members around Europe. I recently explored historic thermal spas in Europe, and besides fantastic wellness facilities, I also enjoyed seeing remnants of thermal baths at ancient Greek archeological sites!

Photo overlooking people swimming in the Gellert Spa indoor thermal pool in Budapest, Hungary.

Spa Towns in Greece for Fantastic Wellness Getaways

Last updated on February 6th, 2025 at 06:15 pmThe cradle of western civilization, Greece is an idyllic destination for sun kissed beaches, an excellent culinary scene and inspiring history. Set amongst gorgeous landscapes, it is also a fantastic country for natural thermal spas and springs. Bathing in thermal waters is both relaxing and rejuvenating, making…

Alex raising his arms below the waterfalls in an outdoor natural pool of thermal water in Loutra Pozar, Greece.

Andros: An Authentic Greek Cyclades Island

Last updated on February 4th, 2025 at 01:54 pmThe closest Cyclades island to Athens’ port of Rafina, Andros is the first stop on a ferry route that also connects Tinos and Mykonos. It is the second largest Cyclades island after Naxos, another Greek island especially popular with local tourists. Andros is a wonderful island to…

The Venetian Fortress and Bridge in Andros Chora, with a clear blue sky

Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO Site

The gorgeous Wachau Valley of Austria is nestled along the Danube River between the towns of Melk and Krems. It welcomes visitors with hilltop vineyards, scenic Austrian villages and storied castles. Quaint towns offer an idyllic setting for a relaxing and romantic getaway. Highlights include Melk Abbey, a striking example of Baroque architecture, run by the Benedictine Monks. Another is sweeping vistas from atop Dürnstein Castle.

Passengers aboard Emerald Cruises' Emerald Destiny ship watching as we sail into Into Durnstein, Austria along the Danube River.