Loutraki Corinthia – Greece
Loutraki is a small spa town in Greece, which, for the past forty two years, I’ve called home.
It’s the place where my two children were raised, the place where I saw them both marry, and it’s most likely the place I shall spend the rest of my days.
Loutraki (Corinthias) a lively little seaside resort, is located on mainland Greece, on the Gulf of Corinth, about eighty kilometers West (an hour’s drive) of Greece’s Capital city, Athens.
Loutraki, dotted with natural, therapeutic, thermal springs, is visited by people from all over the world who take advantage of the wonderful, modern spa resort, located in the heart of the town.
The history of Loutraki
Back in ancient Greece Loutraki was known as Thermai Artemis, which found fame through its natural, therapeutic thermal springs.
Mythology has it that, Artemis (Diana), goddess of forests and hills, while travelling through ancient Greece, made a stop in this mystical place.
Artemis was so enchanted by Loutraki (Thermai), with its beauty, the bright sunshine, the landscape, and the hot natural water in which she bathed, that she invited her twin brother, Apollo, who was so mesmerized by this magical place that he couldn’t wait to tell the Gods of Mount Olympus all about it.
The Gods just had to come and see what all the fuss was about, from that moment onwards, it became their favourite city, which they named Thermai Artemis after the goddess Artemis.
Today, this little piece of paradise is called Loutraki, translated into English as “small bath”.
Thanks to an announcement in Italy, in 1847, which took the world by storm, stating how therapeutic it was to bathe in thermal waters; thermal spas became the trend, and modern day Loutraki was firmly on the map!
Below are just two fabuolos vintage, Greek tavel posters, taken from a post I created showing 50 of the Most Beautiful Vintage Travel Posters of Greece.
Something else which firmly put Loutraki on the map is one of the largest casinos in Europe and its adjoining hotel:
‘Club Hotel Casino Loutraki’
Loutraki is quite a modern town, although, there are a few examples of classical Greek architecture.
Park Irene
After being destroyed by an earthquake in 1928 Loutraki
was completely rebuilt with rubble from the destroyed buildings, being used to create what is now, a lush, green park: Park Irene, on land reclaimed from the sea.
Loutraki has something for everyone whatever the time of year; spring is especially beautiful.
In the spring, trees have their new leaves, bougainvillea is a riot of colour, trailing its branches over garden walls, and the air is thick with the intoxicating smell of jasmine and honeysuckle.
At Easter time, the main Greek celebration of the year; bakeries display traditional Greek Easter bread; tsoureki, and Easter cookies; koulouria, it’s difficult to resist trying them!
On Easter Sunday, the tantalizing smell of roast lamb hanging in the air, will send you rushing to the nearest taverna!
Beautiful beaches
Come summer, enjoy swimming, along the inviting four kilometers of beaches, stretching from one end of the town to the other.
Since 1987, and every year since, Loutraki has been awarded with the blue flag, from Europe, for clean seas and beaches.
If the heat is just a little too much; sit with a cool drink, at one of the many beach bars and cafes that line the seafront and watch the world go by.
Step down onto the beach and relax on a lounger after a wonderfully cooling dip in the crystal clear, blue sea.
If you love sport, try out some water fun in the form of water skiing, windsurfing and sailing.
Why not visit the outdoor summer cinema; Cinema Electra, located on the beach front, surrounded by aromatic Jasmine shrubs, their divine aroma wafts through the air with the slightest breeze.
Take time to stroll around the town, buy some of the delicious, pure and natural, local Greek honey, aromatic dried herbs, olives, golden olive oil, wine or ouzo (the national Greek drink) the choice is endless.
Take them home as unique gifts for family and friends and of course, keep some for yourself, to remind you, of what a wonderful time you had in Loutraki.
What could be better on these chilly days, than to sit, warm and snug, in one of the many restaurants and tavernas, in front of a roaring log fire, sampling the hearty Greek traditional dishes and warming soups, along with local wine?
More than welcoming, if you have been on one of the organised hikes, or mountain biking along the spectacular Gerania Mountain!
And yes is the answer to a question I am often asked; Does it snow in Greece?
Nowhere, in Greece is ever very far from interesting, ancient ruins, telling the stories of thousands of years of ancient Greek culture.
Loutraki is no exception.
Loutraki nestles at the foot of the Gerania Mountains, one of the most splendid mountain ranges of the Peloponnese.
Here on the mountain is the tiny village of Perahora, meaning “The land beyond”
The area surrounding the village of Perahora is unspoilt, natural beauty, Blue Lake, called Lake Vouliagmeni by the locals, a salt water lake, is situated here.
A little further along the road are the ancient ruins of the Ancient Sanctuary of Heraion of Perachora, where, in ancient times, a temple was dedicated to Hera Greek goddess of Women, marriage, childbirth, children and family
Today Heraion is a very well-organised archaeological site, well worth seeing, along with the Melagavi Lighthouse.
The views from up here at the lighthouse, looking out over the Gulf of Corinth, are absolutely astonishing.
The Monastery of Osios Patapios, also on the Gerania Mountain, houses the relics of Patapios and is inhabited by kind, friendly nuns, who always make you feel extremely welcome.
When you visit the Monastery, the nuns usually offer you Greek coffee and Turkish delight, then they will show you into a wonderful, mysterious cave, where the relics are kept.
The town of modern Corinth, reached by crossing the amazing Corinth canal, a man made wonder, is eight kilometres to the west of Loutraki, a bustling, busy town.
A short drive from ‘New Corinth’ is ancient Corinth, steeped in three thousand years of ancient history, a magnificent archaeological site, and the main attraction being the Temple Of Apollo. There is also an interesting museum here.
Other ancient attractions nearby to Loutraki, which really should be visited, are the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, on the Saronic Gulf, known for its amazing acoustics and Mycenae, a place full of myths and legends, a major part of Greek civilisation.
Nearby to Epidaurus and Mycenae, is Nafplion, a small, Venetian style, seaside town, once, for a day, the Capital city of Greece!
After a busy day in Loutraki, sample the mouth watering Greek food, at one the many restaurants and tavernas, near the harbour, or sit at one of the beachfront cafes, and savour a cup of coffee, or a glass of ouzo, while watching the amazing sunset over the Gulf of Corinth.
Why not visit Loutraki?
You might just wish you could stay forever!
Useful Phone Numbers
Loutraki Bus Station:Τel.+30 27440 – 22262.
Loutraki Railway Station:Tel.+30 27440 – 61277.
Loutraki Radio-Taxi Service:Tel.+30 27440 – 61000.
Athens KTEL Bus Station:Tel.+30 210 – 5124910.
Athens Railway Station for the Peloponnese: Tel. +30 210 – 5131601 & 1440