Most Greeks when you mention the seaside resort of Loutraki Greece think of three main things: the Loutraki Casino, the famous mineral water and thermal spa, and the summer vacation at the family house. However, there are many things to do in Loutraki Greece, a beautiful seaside area in the Peloponnese.
Loutraki is located 88 km from the center of Athens, just an hour’s drive away, in the northeast Peloponnese on the Corinthian Bay. The town boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a thriving nightlife and fantastic restaurants for food enthusiasts.
Surrounding the Loutraki area, you’ll discover major archaeological sites, lakes, mountains, monasteries, and amazing hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers.
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Top Things to Do in Loutraki Greece
You can visit Loutraki on a day trip from Athens but you need a couple of days to visit its sites and explore all the places I suggest.
In this post, you will discover the best things to do in Loutraki Greece, and explore the nearby sites, which are quite a few! Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, Corinth Canal, the Archaeological site of Heraion, the Melagkavi Lighthouse, and the beautiful Vouliagmeni Lake!
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
Located 17 km northwest of Loutraki, the archaeological site of Heraion Perachora invites you to freely roam the ancient Greek ruins and enjoy a refreshing dive in the nearby sea.”
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 it was destroyed by the Romans.
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 for visiting both 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! Only 3 km away from Heraion Temple, the light blue and green diaphanous water Vouliagmeni Lake has been declared an area of exceptional natural beauty with waters that are refreshed through a narrow Canal of 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 captivated by the stunning sea views, the vast expanse of the sea to your right, and the untamed wilderness of Mount Gerania to your left. Your lungs are filled with refreshing sea breeze, accompanied by the robust scents of wild thyme and mint. In certain spots, you may even catch a glimpse of sea salt sparkling on the rocks.
Hiking in Loutraki Peloponnese you sometimes walk right along the rocks of the coast and sometimes a little inland, where there is a low pine forest, which does not obstruct the sea view.
While hiking in Sterna, you may find yourself wanting to spend some time simply gazing at the sea view or soaking in the wilderness of the surrounding rugged landscape—an exhilarating experience for me. I often feel overjoyed just being able to roam the beautiful Greek 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 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 the Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth
Ancient Corinth is the town where Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to 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.
Right above Ancient Corinth, on top of the mountain is Acrocorinth, an impressive ancient castle with a panoramic 360-degree spectacular view. 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.
Where Best to Stay in Loutraki Greece
If you like casinos, then you should stay at the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki. Club Hotel Casino Loutraki is a luxurious 5-star beachfront hotel famous for its cuisine, both in quality and abundance. The Casino is close to Cocoon Loutraki Bar, the legendary beach bar and a landmark in the area’s nightlife!
Hotel Pappas Loutraki: Unbeatable superb location, by one of the best beaches in Loutraki Greece inside a lush green environment. Fantastic for families.
If you are looking for an Airbnb in Loutraki, then you should check out the wonderful Aegean View Villa.
Where to Eat in Loutraki Greece
- Paladar, Bar Restaurant: One of the best gourmet restaurants in Loutraki by the sea. An ideal place to live a unique gastronomic experience. Greek and European Food.
- Panorama Restaurant: It is located on the road of Loutraki – Perachora. It has a unique view as it is amphitheatrically built facing the sunset. Perfect for a romantic dinner with Greek recipes
- Ichtioessa: a brilliant fish restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. It is located in a beautiful spot on the seaside of Loutraki
When is Best to Go to Loutraki?
Loutraki, as it is a large town with its Casino and so close to Athens, is an all-year-round destination. The warmest period is between May and September. If you are visiting during Christmas or July and August it is better to book your accommodation in advance.
How to get to Loutraki Greece
Loutraki is 1 hr (87.8 km) via E94 from Athens. You can get there by:
- Public bus (KTEL) to Loutraki and from Loutraki town you can use the local buses or taxis for the other destinations
- Rent a car
- Train to Corinth and from there take a taxi for the last 15 km to Loutraki
- Private Transfer and Tour from Athens
Interactive Google Map for Loutraki Peloponnese
Get your interactive map here of Loutraki, to drive to any of the places listed on hiking Loutraki Greece.
Did you visit Loutraki town? Let me know what you think about visiting Loutraki in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list! Till next time, Evgenia❤️
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
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com mostly for Europe. It has over 1 Million properties to choose from, including everything from hotels to apartments and even hostels. And free cancellation!
- Expedia: I use Expedia for the best hotel descriptions and amenities and a rewards points system for the rest of the world.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Map of Athens Metro
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
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