Loutraki is only an hour away from Athens and it can be a great choice either for a daily or a weekend excursion. Visitors have many choices. They can enjoy the beach or visit the archaeological sites. There are restaurants offering very good food at reasonable prices. Also, one can have fun in the busy nightlife!
Beautiful beaches in Loutraki
Loutraki has a 3.5 km long beach that starts from the Corinth Canal and ends at Loutraki Beach Park. It consists of small pebbles and deepens fast. Many cafes on the beach road provide swimmers with sunbeds and umbrellas, free of charge.
The municipality ensures safe swimming, as there are many lifeguards. After your swim, there are many showers free of charge along the entire length of the beach. The beach is also accessible for people with mobility limitations.
Visitors enjoy the sunset behind the coastline of Corinth on one side and Cape Heraion on the other.
At the edge of Loutraki city, there is Cape Heraio.
This is an archaeological site with ruins of an ancient temple devoted to the goddess Hera. The area is also called Perachora and you can find it just 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the north of the city of Corinth.
One of the most beautiful nearby beaches is Vouliagmeni with turquoise waters. It is a memorable experience to swim on a beautiful sunny beach right next to an ancient Greek temple.
What to Do and See in Loutraki
Assuming you have finished swimming or are not that fond of the sea, what is there to do in Loutraki?
Thermal Springs
Thermal springs are springs whose waters have healing properties. The thermal waters spring from rocks. During their journey, they get their mineral components and their therapeutic power.
Thermal Baths of Loutraki started operating in 1921! The therapeutic thermal spring has been there for thousands of years. In ancient times Greeks called the area “Thermi” which means warm.
There is rich historical evidence about the Thermal Baths. Soldiers used them after the battle. Kings for rejuvenation. Also, anyone who wanted to cure some illness. Bath therapy is the first treatment used by man and continues to be as effective today.
Loutraki Thermal Spa
Loutraki takes its name from the Greek word “loutro”. The word means “bath”. This is a distinct area in Greece famous for its beneficial springs.
While in the Thermal Spa, the skin tissues and the body’s blood vessels relax. The spa activates the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Also, the metabolism increases, and the good functioning of the heart increases. For more information, you can check this thermal spa here.
Loutraki is for the history lovers
One of the most well-known archaeological sites in Loutraki is the Temple of Poseidon.
Ancient Greeks dedicated this temple to Poseidon, the god of the sea. They built it in the 5th century BC on the Cape of Kantharos, overlooking the Corinthian Gulf.
The temple has Doric columns and an altar. There is also a pedestal for sacrifices to Poseidon and a purification well. The temple was an important site for the ancient Greeks.
If you enjoy archaeology, there is a Roman mansion in the area of Katunistra of Loutraki. The luxurious complex dates back to the 2nd century AD. It overlooks the Corinthian Sea. There is an impressive bath complex of large dimensions and a large swimming pool.
The place is still under excavation and the findings show that it belonged to a very prominent Roman.
Another location worth a visit is Acrocorinth. This is next to the city of Corinthus, only half an hour away.
Acrocorinth is a steep rock 575 meters high that dominates the plain of Corinth. Ancient Corinth at its northern foothills. Due to its morphology, warriors in ancient times used it as a lookout point. It is a castle-fortress, the city’s Acropolis. (Acropolis is the “edge of the city”. It is a top caste to protect citizens. Many ancient Greek cities have their own Acropolis. The Athens one is the most famous one).
Visit the Monasteries and the Churches
In the area of the thermal springs, one could also visit the church of Agios Andreas built in 1345 by Ioannis Kantakouzenos a Byzantine Emperor and historian.
Finally, one should visit some of the beautiful monasteries in the region. For example, there is the 11th c. monastery of Saint Patapios, on Mount Gerania above Loutraki. It is accessible by car. Visitors enjoy the view of the Peloponnese, the Isthmus of Corinth, and the Saronic Sea.
Summer Open-Air Cinema
In one of the most beautiful parts of Loutraki right next to the sea, you will find Electra Summer Cinema.
This is one of the first summer open-air cinemas in Greece as it operates non-stop since 1937. Imagine your refreshment and a movie among centuries-old eucalyptus, jasmine, and bougainvillea.
You can see the program and get your ticket here during the summer months of course.
Food and drinks by the sea
As you walk by the sea on that long beach you will notice many food and drink choices. Mediterranean cuisine at its best will provide you with options for a variety of dishes. Fish, meat, salads, and traditional greek food.
You can complete your excursion with a drink or two in the many bars you will see. They are right next to the beach, you cannot miss them! In some of them, you are having your drink as the light wave of the sea showers your feet.
One of the most well-known is Cocoon Bar, open day and night!
The first Casino in Greece was in Loutraki!
The first Casino in Greece was in Loutraki back in the 1930s. This is why this type of entertainment is well-established in the area.
So, if you are older than 21 and you are a fan of casino games, or if you are just curious about them, Loutraki offers the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki where you can try your luck at gambling… with style.
But, if slot machines, dice games, or roulette is not your cup of tea, the venue offers dinner and drinks.
How to reach Loutraki from Athens
It is very easy to reach the city of Loutraki.
- By car. All you need is to take the Greek National Road Athens-Corinth. This highway is part of the European road network E-75.
- By bus. There are continuous connections from KTEL KIFISSOU ( the Athens bus service towards Peloponnissos) to KTEL LOUTRAKIOU. The ticket price is 8 euros or 14 euros for a return ticket. Busses leave every two hours.
- KTEL Kifissou station: 100 Kifissou & Drakontos, Peristeri
- Phone KTEL Kifissou for the prefecture of Corinth: 210 5150 220, or 210 5150 287
- By train. The Athens Suburban Railway system will take you there in a fast and safe manner. The trip will take 1h 5 min and expect to pay 3 to 10 euros for the train ticket and another 20 euros for the taxi up to Loutraki.