9 Best Things to Do in Loutraki Greece

Loutraki is 88 km from the center of Athens, just an hour’s drive away by car, in the northeast Peloponnese on Corinthian Bay. You can visit Loutraki on a day trip from Athens but you need a couple of days to explore all the places I suggest.

1. Club Hotel Casino Loutraki Greece

Situated within the Club Hotel Loutraki, the Loutraki Casino boasts a separate entrance, ensuring the privacy of its guests. Operating 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except for Good Friday and Good Saturday during Greek Easter, it offers an uninterrupted entertainment experience.

Tip: Visit the casino for the fun and the experience, but remember to keep your money in your pocket!

2. Archaeological Site Heraion Perachora

Just 17 km northwest of Loutraki, Heraion (temple of Hera) of Perachora is the perfect spot to explore ancient ruins and cool off with a swim nearby.

The temple of goddess Hera Akraia is of Doric style and dates back to the late 6th century BCE. The temple remained intact until 146 CE when the Romans destroyed it.

On the same spot, there is also the small Agios Ioannis Greek Orthodox church.

This is an amazing area where you can visit an archaeological site, swim in the pristine, clean waters with the ruins of the Heraion as your backdrop, and take a 10-minute hike to reach the Melagkavi Lighthouse.

Other Heraion Sanctuaries in Greece can be found:

• UNESCO-listed Heraion of Samos Island
• The Heraion Temple in Argos Peloponnese
• The Temple of Hera inside the Ancient Olympia Archaeological site

3. Melagkavi Lighthouse

Just 300 meters from the ruins of the Hera Temple stands the impressive Melagkavi Lighthouse. The lighthouse first operated in 1897. Although it remained closed during World War II, it resumed operation in 1947 as part of the reconstruction of the Lighthouse Network.

Melagkavi Lighthouse offers spectacularly scenic views, featuring sublime coastal vistas and romantic sunsets. No entrance fee is required for any of the sites.

Tip: Convenient parking is available nearby to visit the Temple and the Lighthouse by car. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to bring your hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

4. Turquoise Lake Vouliagmeni

If all those sites around Loutraki haven’t convinced you to visit the place, this Lake will change your mind!

Just 3 km from the Heraion Temple, you’ll find Vouliagmeni Lake—famous for its clear blue-green waters and stunning natural beauty. The lake stays fresh thanks to a narrow canal that connects it to the Corinthian Gulf.

You can choose from a couple of taverns to have a meal or drink a Greek beer.

5. Loutraki Greece Thermal Spa

Loutraki is built on top of thermal springs and is one of the best places in Greece for spa and alternative water therapy.

The water is enriched with precious trace elements, salts, and minerals, believed to be connected with Sousaki, an inactive volcano in Agioi Theodoroi with strong hydrothermal activity.

If you would like to have a fun spa day, check out Loutraki Thermal Spa for their programs.

6. Monastery of Osios Patapios

A 20-minute drive from Loutraki, Peloponnese, towards the Gerania mountains, leads you to the Monastery of Osios Patapios, one of the most important pilgrimages in Greece.

The monastery is built around a small cave where the miraculous relics of Blessed Patapios were discovered in 1904 by Father Constantine Sosanis.

You can call them at +30 2744 022496 to make sure they are open to the public. Normally during the summer, the Monastery is open between 8.00 -14.00 and 17.00 – 20.00.

7. Hike Seaside Loutraki

Sterna is an isolated and unspoiled beach with many small coves and bays, boasting turquoise crystal-clear waters, rugged impressive rocks, and sea views that extend to the Corinthian Gulf.

It’s also a popular seaside hiking trail, offering a perfect blend of hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.

The trail begins at the small settlement of Sterna, guiding you through a gentle downhill path amidst the pine tree forest to the rocky seaside. Follow the path towards the Melagkavi Lighthouse, keeping an eye out for the not-always-easy-to-find yellow hiking signs.

• Length: 6km
• Estimated Hiking Time: 2,5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: 1/5 but not recommended for young children; there are some tricky slippery spots and cliffed areas. A large part of it is not under shade, so not recommended in the summer heat.

As you walk, you’re treated to incredible sea views on your right and the wild beauty of Mount Gerania on your left.

The salty breeze fills your lungs, mixed with the earthy scent of wild thyme and mint. In some spots, you might even spot sea salt glistening on the rocks.

Hiking in Loutraki, you’ll follow the coastline at times, and other times, you’ll dip slightly inland through a low pine forest—though the sea never really leaves your sight.

While hiking in Sterna, you’ll probably catch yourself pausing just to take in the sea views or the wild, rugged landscape around you—it’s such a rush.

Honestly, I feel pure joy every time I get to wander through Greece’s stunning nature.

The best season for hiking in Loutraki Sterna is late spring (April or May or a very cool June) or late fall (October or a warm November).

8. Walk at the Top of the Corinth Canal

Leaving Athens and heading towards Loutraki, the first significant Greek landmark we encounter is the Corinth Canal, a true engineering marvel.

Connecting the Corinth Gulf to the Saronic Gulf dramatically reduces travel time around the Peloponnese by sea. The canal is quite narrow, allowing only smaller boats and yachts to navigate through.

One of the best things to do is book a Private Corinth Canal Crossing.

9. Visit Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth

Ancient Corinth is the town where Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Corinthians while staying there for over a year.

In the Ancient Corinth archaeological site, you can see the Bema where Apostle Paul preached Christianity to the local Greeks and Romans of his time. Ancient Corinth is only 15 15-minute drive from the Corinth Canal.

Sitting high above Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth is an incredible old castle with amazing 360-degree views all around. It is a 10-minute drive from the Ancient Greek city of Corinth.

From Loutraki, you can explore further the region of Argolis, with the UNESCO Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, and the stunning town of Nafplion.

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Plan Your Next Trip to Greece

• Greece Packing List – What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
• Enjoy a Trip to Club Hotel Casino Loutraki
• Discover Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth
• Explore Ancient Isthmia near the Corinth Canal
• Mamma Mia Greece Locations – All the mainland and island shooting areas in Greece
• Salamina Island – So close to Athens, so unknown to the mass tourism

Essential Travel Info for Greece