Thermal springs, beaches for every taste, trails alongside ancient ruins and unforgettable sunsets. An affordable and close to Athens destination, Loutraki is an ideal choice for a mini getaway that has it all.
A recognized spa town since 1925, a resort known for its thermal baths, its mineral waters and its casino, Loutraki is a great choice for weekend getaways, and not only, since it is just 80 km. from Athens. If you prefer destinations… next door, to change your scenery easily and quickly, in the seaside spa town of Corinthia you will find more than you can imagine.
A city with timeless charm, pristine beaches for every taste - organized beaches as well as hidden gems for utter peace and relaxation -, archaeological sites by the sea, unforgettable sunsets and opportunities for interesting excursions. Loutraki offers many different experiences, as long as you decide to go.
A stroll in Loutraki
Loutrakiremains a lively seaside resort, all year round, with an organized beach, modern and retro hotels and lovely tavernas along the classic promenade. Near the northern exit of the town, the Byzantine chapel of Agios Andreas, dating from the 14th century, has been impeccably restored and is well worth a visit. Take an afternoon stroll along the seafront road with the palm trees and sip your coffee beside the town’s famous little waterfalls.
At the new hydrotherapy center Loutraki Thermal Spa you can relax and enjoy treatments with the famous thermal water in a luxurious and modern environment. A little further along the same road, make a stop at the semi-circular building of the «Municipal Thermal Spring of Loutraki» (old baths), which is decorated with mosaics by Stefanos Xenopoulos depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Finally, don’t miss the chance to watch a film at the wonderful open-air cinema Elektra by the sea.
In the Geraneia Mountains
The Geraneia Mountains, which tower over Loutraki, occupy the easternmost section of the prefecture of Corinthia and reach as far as the borders of West Attica. There lies the historic Monastery of Hosios Patapios, dating from the 11th century. It is worth visiting to enjoy the impressive views it offers towards the northern Peloponnese, the Isthmus of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.
The... other Lake Vouliagmeni
There is another Lake Vouliagmeni and it is just 15 km. from Loutraki. At Lake Vouliagmeni or Heraion you will encounter a beautiful landscape. It is essentially a lagoon with salty water that is renewed via 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 loveliest beach lies on the western shores and is carpeted with fine white sand. Around the lake there are a few tavernas serving fish and meats, while the visitors can enjoy watersports and cycle along the lakeside road. If you come this far, the nearby archaeological site of the Heraion, cannot be left out of the plan. Here, the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera reach almost into the sea.
Sunset at the Melagavi Lighthouse
It is worth the trip to the impressive Melagavi Lighthouse that dominates the cape of the Heraion of Perachora or Melagavi near the ancient temple of Hera, 18 km. away from Loutraki. If you find yourself there late in the afternoon, you will enjoy perhaps the most beautiful sunset on the Corinthian Gulf. The emblematic Melagavi Lighthouse, also known as the Lighthouse of the Heraion, guides the ships that sail on the Corinthian and move towards the port and the Corinth Canal. It first operated in 1897, while since 2001 it has been designated as a listed monument. To reach the lighthouse, you must leave the car and follow a walkable path of about 300 m.
Beaches in Loutraki
The city’s enormous beach has all the amenities, but there are many more options to enjoy your swim. On the road from Loutraki to Perachora, at a particularly steep point, the sign Flabouro points the way to an idyllic beach. A nice, alternative choice for dips is also the small beach that lies in front of the archaeological site of the Heraion at the tip of the Perachora peninsula.
Beautiful and exotic is Mylokopi (access via dirt road), a sandy beach with fine pebbles that gives you the feeling that you are on an island. It lies within a spectacular pine-forested landscape that combines mountain and sea and is divided into two parts. For the more adventurous, there are also the hidden beach of Sterna, an enchanting cove for quiet dips, the remote and ruggedly beautiful Skalosia and the Seal Cave (access by boat or from a rough trail).
