10km from Ermioni,
lies a beautiful village by the sea, called Thermissia. The village acquired its
name from the temple of Demeter, goddess of Thermassia (Heat; from the heat of
the hot water springs), who used to be worshipped in the area and whose temple
was built by the sea. Today, a lagoon has been formed in that very spot. In the
Middle Ages, some fine salt pans were found here giving rise to all sorts of relevant
activities.
Today, it constitutes an important biotope and a stopping place for
rare migratory birds. At the entrance to the village, right opposite the lagoon,
stands an imposing rock rising to 350m, on the top of which the Castle of Thermissia
has been built. The structures which have survived into the present hint at a
Venetian construction of the 12th century. Access to the castle, which is worth
exploring, is quite easy.
Thermissia is mainly an agricultural area abounding in orchards with
citrus fruits, apricot and olive trees. At the same time, however, it attracts
a great number of tourists for the limpid waters of its sandy beaches that are
lined with traditional small tavernas. Along the coastline, smaller settlements
known for their garden produce and flowers are laid out in succession. A visit
to them is worthwhile: indulging in the fresh sea food of their seaside tavernas
and plunging in their waters can be a real treat.
The text is cited March 2004 from the Municipality
of Ermioni tourist pamphlet.
