Talassotherapy, or sea healing, has its roots in antiquity, but it wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that it began to be treated as a full-fledged therapeutic method. Doctors in Britain, France or Germany began sending their patients for 'sea cures' that included bathing in the sea, walking on the beach and breathing in sea air. Today we know that these recommendations had a solid scientific basis.

Seawater contains more than 80 elements and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iodine and selenium, which penetrate the skin during bathing. Studies have shown that regular immersion in the sea can alleviate symptoms of skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Seawater also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps heal wounds and regenerate tissues.

The beach sand itself also has therapeutic properties. Walking barefoot on the sand is a natural form of reflexology - it stimulates nerve endings in the feet, which can provide pain relief and improve circulation. Psammotherapy, or burying the body in warm sand, is used to treat rheumatic diseases, muscle pain and circulation problems. Warm sand relaxes muscles, relieves joint pain and speeds up metabolism.

The air by the sea is rich in iodine, trace elements and negative ions, which have a positive effect on the respiratory system. People suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis or respiratory allergies often experience significant improvement when staying by the sea. Studies have shown that sea spray has mucolytic (mucus-thinning) and anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract.

The impact of beachcombing on mental health should also not be overlooked. The sound of the waves, the blue of the sea and sky, and contact with nature have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Research in environmental psychology confirms that being by the water lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improves mood. Just 20 minutes spent on the beach can significantly reduce anxiety and tension levels.

The therapeutic effect of beachcombing is also enhanced by exposure to the sun, which stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, calcium absorption and maintaining healthy bones. Of course, sun use should be moderate and safe, with proper sun protection.

Also worth mentioning is heliotherapy - treatment with sunlight, which was used as early as in ancient Egypt. Moderate exposure to sunlight can help treat psoriasis, acne and even some forms of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder.

Scientific studies confirm that regular sunbathing can provide health benefits in the form of lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, boosting the immune system and increasing levels of endorphins - the hormones of happiness. This is why doctors have been recommending 'sea cures' to their patients for centuries.

However, not all beaches have the same healing properties. Factors such as the salinity of the water, the mineral composition of the sand, the purity of the air and water, as well as the climate of the region affect the therapeutic potential of a particular beach. There are many places in Europe that are particularly conducive to thalassotherapy. Let's take a look at some of them, starting with Croatia's famous Zlatni Rat beach.

Zlatni Rat, also known as 'Golden Horn,' is one of the most distinctive beaches in Europe. Located on the island of Brač in Croatia, it impresses with its unusual shape - a long tongue of gravel and sand that changes direction depending on sea currents and wind. The water around Zlatni Rat is exceptionally clean and rich in minerals, which promotes the treatment of skin and respiratory diseases. The high iodine content in the air makes it an ideal place for those suffering from thyroid problems. In addition, the beach's pebble bed acts as a natural foot massage, stimulating circulation and bringing relief to tired legs. The beach is well landscaped, offering both active recreation zones and areas for relaxation and meditation.

Seitan Limania is a hidden gem of Crete, located in the northeastern part of the island. This small bay surrounded by high white cliffs offers an intimate space to enjoy the benefits of the sea. The water at Seitan Limania has an intense turquoise color and is exceptionally rich in mineral salts, which promotes the treatment of rheumatic diseases and skin problems. The sand on this beach contains a large amount of calcium, which has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The bay is partially sheltered from the wind, which creates a specific microclimate conducive to people with respiratory problems. Due to its location, Seitan Limania is not overcrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy its healing properties in peace.

Għajn Tuffieħa in Malta is a beach whose name in Maltese means 'Apple Spring'. It is one of the most beautiful coves on the island, surrounded by lush vegetation and reddish cliffs. The sand on this beach has a distinctive golden-red color, which is due to its high content of minerals, including iron. Contact with such sand is particularly beneficial for people with anemia and iron deficiencies. The water in Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is rich in iodine and bromine, which has a soothing effect on the nervous system and helps treat insomnia. The beach is part of a protected area, which guarantees a clean environment and no industrial pollution. Micronutrients in the water and air support the treatment of thyroid diseases and hormonal problems.

Praia da Comporta in Portugal is a vast, sandy beach located on the Tróia peninsula. It is characterized by fine white sand and the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The region's water is rich in magnesium and potassium, which promotes muscle relaxation and lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that bathing in the Atlantic waters in this region can bring relief to those suffering from fibromalgia and chronic fatigue. The beach is surrounded by dunes covered with vegetation, which creates a natural barrier against the wind and provides clean, oxygen-rich air. Comporta is known for its low level of urbanization, which allows for deep relaxation and regeneration in contact with nature.

Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz is a unique river beach located on the Alqueva Reservoir in Portugal. Unlike sea beaches, it offers bathing in fresh water, which is less irritating to the skin and eyes. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies to sea salt. The water in the Alqueva reservoir contains natural organic compounds that have moisturizing and regenerative properties for the skin. The area is famous for its clean air and low pollution levels, which is conducive to treating respiratory diseases. In addition, the areas surrounding the beach are rich in aromatic herbs, whose airborne essential oils have calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plage de Wissant in France, located between the Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez capes, is a vast sandy beach on the English Channel. The region is famous for its strong winds, which make the air extremely clean and rich in sea spray. Such a microclimate is particularly beneficial for people with lung and bronchial diseases. The sand on the Plage de Wissant contains a large amount of silica, which has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes tissue regeneration. The water in the Channel, although cooler than the Mediterranean, is rich in iodine and bromine, which helps the immune and endocrine systems. The beach is part of a natural park, which guarantees its ecological nature and lack of pollution.

Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) on the Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Surrounded by high white cliffs, with a distinctive shipwreck on golden sand, it offers not only spectacular views, but also unique healing properties. The water in Navagio Bay has an intense blue color and is exceptionally clear, a testament to its purity and high mineral content. Studies have shown that bathing in such water can relieve symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. The sand on this beach contains a large amount of calcium from crushed shells and coral, which gives it exfoliating and regenerative properties for the skin. Due to its location, the beach is accessible mainly from the sea, limiting the number of visitors and allowing them to quietly enjoy its healing properties.

Cala Mariolu in Sardinia is a true jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This small bay, accessible mainly by sea, impresses with its crystal clear water and white fine sand mixed with pink and white pebbles. The water in Cala Mariolu is exceptionally rich in magnesium and calcium, which promotes the regeneration of the osteoarticular system. Studies have shown that regular bathing in Sardinian waters can alleviate symptoms of arthritis and osteoporosis. The limestone rocks surrounding the bay saturate the water with minerals with anti-inflammatory properties. Cala Mariolu's microclimate, characterized by stable temperatures and high humidity, is particularly beneficial for people with skin problems such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Due to limited access, the beach is not overcrowded, allowing visitors to quietly enjoy its therapeutic properties in harmony with nature.

Tropea Beach in Italy, located at the foot of the picturesque town of Tropea in Calabria, is a beach famous for its intensely white sand contrasting with the turquoise water. The sand on this beach contains a large amount of silica and volcanic minerals, which have exfoliating and regenerative properties for the skin. The water in Tropea Bay is rich in iodine and bromine, which supports the functioning of the thyroid and nervous system. The region is famous for its microclimate combining marine and mountain influences, which creates ideal conditions for treating respiratory diseases. In addition, the area is famous for growing the Tropea red onion, whose volatile airborne compounds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The beach offers both areas with loungers and umbrellas, as well as wild stretches where you can fully reunite with nature.

Plage du Coz-Pors in Brittany is a unique beach nestled among pink granite rock formations. This distinctive pink granite contains a large amount of potassium and quartz, which, when exposed to the sun and water, release micronutrients beneficial to health. The water in this part of the Atlantic coast is rich in iodine and marine algae, which have detoxifying and metabolism-boosting properties. Brittany is famous for its high tides, which means that the beach regularly 'breathes' and cleans itself naturally. Brittany's microclimate, characterized by high humidity and moderate temperatures, is particularly beneficial for those with respiratory problems. Plage du Coz-Pors also offers natural rock pools that fill with seawater heated by the sun at low tide, creating a natural jacuzzi rich in minerals.

To take full advantage of the therapeutic properties of beachcombing, it is advisable to follow a few rules. First of all, it's best to visit beaches outside the peak tourist season - in early spring, late autumn or early morning during the summer season. That's when the air is cleanest and the beaches are less crowded, which promotes relaxation and deep breathing.

Sea bathing is best started with short immersions of a few minutes, gradually increasing the time spent in the water. People with health problems should consult a doctor before starting a 'sea treatment,' especially if they suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure or have open wounds.

It's also a good idea to practice conscious breathing while on the beach - deep inhalations through the nose and slow exhalations through the mouth maximize the beneficial properties of sea spray. Walking barefoot on the sand or gravel not only stimulates nerve endings in the feet, but also helps grounding - connecting to the Earth's natural electromagnetic field, which can reduce inflammation in the body.

Those with skin problems may find it beneficial to gently massage their skin with sand while sunbathing - this acts as a natural scrub, removing dead skin and stimulating circulation. After such a session, it is a good idea to take a dip in the sea so that the minerals from the water can penetrate the cleansed skin.

Comparing the beaches described in terms of their healing properties, there are some differences. Mediterranean beaches, such as Cala Mariolu or Tropea Beach, have a higher mineral content in the water and a stable, warm climate, making them ideal for people with skin and rheumatic problems. Atlantic beaches, on the other hand, such as Plage de Wissant or Praia da Comporta, offer air richer in iodine and stronger waves, which is good for treating respiratory diseases and stimulating circulation.

In terms of accessibility, beaches such as Zlatni Rat and Tropea Beach are well developed and easily accessible, making them suitable for the elderly or those with limited mobility. In contrast, wilder and more inaccessible bays, such as Seitan Limania or Shipwreck Beach, offer more intimacy and a cleaner environment, but require good physical fitness.

Price-wise, beaches in less popular regions, such as Plage du Coz-Pors in Brittany or Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz in Portugal, are the most affordable. Beaches in popular tourist destinations, such as Zlatni Rat or Cala Mariolu, can be more expensive in terms of accommodation and services.

Regardless of the choice of a particular beach, just being by the sea, breathing iodine, bathing in mineral-rich water and contact with the sand have scientifically proven healing properties. This is why for hundreds of years doctors have been recommending 'sea cures' to their patients as a natural method of improving physical and mental health. Nowadays, when we live a hectic and stressful life, returning to these simple, natural treatments can bring not only relief from specific ailments, but also a profound regeneration of the entire body.