A stone's throw from Athens and just 20 minutes from Loutraki, the Melagavi Lighthouse is one of Greece's most beautiful lighthouses. The trip to Cape Heraion will reward you with a sunset over the Corinthian Gulf that you'll never forget.
Loutraki, just 80 km from the center of Athens, is a nearby and affordable destination that's an ideal choice for whirlwind escapes. A short distance from the town lie hidden gems, beautiful beaches and spots that guarantee absolute tranquility and relaxation.
After your stroll along the seafront promenade, it's worth a trip to the impressive lighthouse that dominates the cape of the Heraion of Perachora or Melagavi, 18 km from Loutraki. If you're there late in the afternoon, you'll enjoy perhaps the most beautiful sunset on the Gulf of Corinth. The Melagavi Lighthouse, along with the wonderful Lake Vouliagmeni that you'll encounter as you head toward the lighthouse, make the perfect day trip.
The iconic Melagavi Lighthouse
The iconic Melagavi lighthouse, also known as the Heraion Lighthouse, stands on the rocky cape of the same name near the ancient temple of Hera. It is located at the northern entrance of the bay of Corinth and separates it from the gulf of the Alkyonides. This lighthouse guides ships sailing in the Gulf of Corinth as they head toward the port and the Corinth Canal. The Melagavi lighthouse first operated in 1897 using oil as its energy source. During World War II it remained unlit and resumed operation in 1947. In 1982 the lighthouse was electrified, the oil machinery was replaced, and since 2001 it has been designated a preserved monument.
Access to the lighthouse is by road from Loutraki toward Lake Vouliagmeni (Corinthia). To reach the lighthouse, you need to leave your car and follow an easy path of about 300 m. Many visitors arrive here from early afternoon to capture the magical sunset. From here, the view of the Gulf of Corinth is exhilarating.
The archaeological site of the Heraion of Perachora
On the southern side of the cape and around a picturesque little cove, lie the remains of a significant ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, which almost reach into the sea. In front of the archaeological site, a small sandy beach with fine pebbles and wonderful waters awaits you for your swims.
The... other Lake Vouliagmeni
A trip to the lighthouse can be combined with a visit to Lake Vouliagmeni or Heraion, which you'll encounter as you head toward the lighthouse (15 km from Loutraki). In reality it's a lagoon with salty water that's renewed through a narrow channel at its edge that connects it to the sea. Its waters are considered particularly warm and allow swimming until late autumn. The most beautiful beach lies on the western shores and is laid with fine white sand. By the lake there are also a few tavernas serving fish and meat, while the visitors can enjoy water sports and go cycling along the lakeside road.
