Description of Loutraki
A stone's throw from Athens, we give you reasons to visit Loutraki again and again!
It has been a recognized spa town since 1925, known for its thermal baths, mineral waters and casino, the city of Loutraki is an excellent resort, bordering the Gulf of Corinth, while dominated by Gerania Mountains. In ancient times, the area was known as Perea and location of Loutraki was ancient town of Thermae, known since antiquity for its thermal springs. Considered favourite city of the gods and its protector was Thermia Artemis. The current name of Loutraki was given due to the mineral springs - baths.
Climate
Loutraki has mild Mediterranean climate with dry and sunny weather throughout the year, because of the winds that often blow. Summer is hot, with high temperatures and no rain. Best time to visit is during the summer.
How to arrive at Loutraki
Located just 84 km far from Athens, visitors can reach Loutraki by car or by bus, via the National Motorway Athens - Corinth in approximately one hour. Alternative approach of Loutraki is through suburban railway. Follow the route Athens-Kiato and stop in Corinth. From there you take the bus, and in 15 minutes you have reached your destination.
Accommodation
The town of Loutraki attracts thousands of visitors every year, as it provides very good infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, nightclubs. There are many hotels that can meet all the requirements of visitors, varying from low priced hotels to luxury hotels with very high standards, while there is also a camping site.
Food
Along the beach there are many restaurants and taverns offering fresh fish from the rich fishing sites of the region and wonderful local delicacies.
Churches - Monasteries
The monastery of St. Patapios located on the mountain of Gerania, is an attraction for visitors mainly because of the three full-length murals found in the cave where the relics of St. Patapios are. The body is in a closed casket with glass, dressed in monastic robe with head and face cover. The only visible part is his right hand, while the coffin opens and the cover off his face is lifted every December 8th, the day honouring his memory.
Also, in the town of Loutraki, there is the church of St. Andrew, built in 1345 by Emperor John VI Katakouzinos in memory of the persecution of St. Andrew. The temple preserves the Byzantine features and is well worth the visit.
Points of Interest
The famous thermal baths (ancient baths), make the city of Loutraki internationally known and are the chief landmark of the city, while the visitor has the opportunity to enjoy their healing properties. The first municipal thermal bath started in 1874 and the first baths were built in 1934. Today the facilities have been expanded and renovated adopting the profile of a luxurious and contemporary Spa centre.
In 1928 the first casino in Greece opened in Loutraki. A few years ago the casino reopened in a luxurious environment attracting visitors from both Greece and abroad.
Leaving Loutraki and going up to the mountain, you will find one of the most beautiful lagoons of Greece, Lake Vouliagmeni, landscape of outstanding natural beauty. There you will discover the charm of a calm lake.
West of the lake stands the Cape of Heraion of Perachora or Melagkavi, where one of the largest lighthouses of Corinth stands, while near the rocks on which the lighthouse is built is the temple of the goddess Hera. The excavations carried out during the years 1928-1934 from the British School of Archaeology in Athens revealed significant findings and two temples of the goddess Hera. Near the temple are preserved ancient ruins and ancient forum and aqueduct.
Beaches
Loutraki has a cosmopolitan beach which enjoys each year the blue flag award. It is a 3.5 km beach that starts from the Corinth Canal and ending at the waterfront park in Loutraki. It consists of small pebbles and deepens shortly after the shore. All along the beach there are showers for bathers while most of the sunbeds available are given for free from cafeterias. It is worth noting that the beach is accessible for people with mobility problems, while the municipality ensures safe swimming with the presence of lifeguards.
Useful phone numbers
Health Center of Loutraki: (+30) 27440 63444
Loutraki Tourist Police: (+30) 27440 65678