Things to do in Loutraki, Greece – a Seaside Escape in the Peloponnese

Greece has always been the perfect getaway for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. The town of Loutraki in the Peloponnese, just over an hour from Athens, offers a blend of spa experiences, archaeological wonders, breathtaking landscapes and the cool blue sea to swim in. 

At the foot of the Gerania Mountains on the Gulf of Corinth, the charming seaside town of Loutraki is known for its natural thermal springs, stunning coastline, the rich historical sites nearby.

A special thank you to the team at the MyPeloponneseVibe for hosting me during my stay in Greece. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating soak in mineral waters, scenic hikes, or delicious Greek cuisine by the sea, this guide covers the best things to do in Loutraki, Greece.

Where is Loutraki

The coastal town of Loutraki is at the top end of the Peloponnese peninsula, about 80 km and just over an hour’s drive west of Athens. Loutraki is the ideal base to explore the rest of the Peloponnese region, or just to chill and take in the vibe here.

Loutraki is a year-round resort; quieter in the winter months and a popular destination in the summer months. My visit in mid-March was perfect. The temperature was pleasant enough to walk around in a t-shirt during the day, though I did need a jumper or jacket in the evenings. It was warm enough to lie on the beach and swim in the sea.

Things to do in Loutraki, Greece 

Let’s take a look at things you can do in and around Loutraki and a few day trips you can take throughout the rest of the Peloponnese.

Relax at Loutraki Thermal Spa

Loutraki has been famous for its natural thermal springs since ancient times, with its waters believed to have therapeutic properties. The mineral-rich waters are said to help relieve muscular pain, improve circulation, and provide deep relaxation. 

The Loutraki Thermal Spa is a modern wellness centre offering a range of hydrotherapy, rejuvenating treatments and mineral water therapy. During your visit, you can book a range of massages, hydromassage, therapeutic, relaxing or body rejuvenation.

The facilities have recently been upgraded and includes:

• 2 indoor thermal heated swimming pools with waterfalls and underwater hydromassage jets
• An indoor cold water pool
• An outdoor thermal pool with waterfalls
• A sauna
• 2 steam baths/hammams
• 2 mud therapy areas
• Gym and Yoga rooms
• Cabins with hydrotherapy bathtubs 

Whether you book a massage, indulge in a luxurious one-day wellness full of spa treatments, a beauty package of beauty treatments or simply soak in the warm pools, visiting this spa is a must-do experience.

• Location: Loutraki Thermal Spa – Epar. Od. Loutrakiou-Perachora 38, Loutraki 203 00, centrally located in the town
• What to Expect: Indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy, mud treatments
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
• Loutraki Thermal Spa is one of the oldest spa towns in Greece and the southernmost of the 49 historic thermal towns on the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns.

Taste the Thermal Waters at Loutraki Municipal Thermal Spring

Just along the road from Loutraki Thermal Spa, heading out of the town, is the Municipal Thermal Springs of Loutraki. The simple, white, round building with long, narrow windows hides a stunning interior.

The building was designed in 1932 by the architect L Bonis and completed in 1934. The simplicity of the exterior belies the stunning mosaics inside. 

Based on Ancient Greek mythology, the mosaics symbolise the Nereids (sea nymphs), the Chorus of the Dryads and in the dome, the god Helios and Night. Each tile was painstakingly hand-placed by Professor Stephanos Xenopoulos and his students from the School of Fine Arts. 

If the mosaics were not enough to entice you, in the centre of the building, under the dome, is a magnificent large piece of rock with a semi-circular pool of thermal waters at the bottom. Trailing my fingers in the water, it is warm, around 30.5 to 32 degrees Celsius. 

The water is naturally chlorinated, slightly alkaline, hypotonic and has a low mineral content. Tasting it is quite sweet, warm and doesn’t have the sulphurous smell normally associated with thermal waters. The waters are believed to be the water of life, relieving symptoms of various illnesses, including indigestion, gallstones, and hypertension, and to enhance a youthful complexion.

• Location: Municipal Thermal Spring of Loutraki – 70, G. Lekka str., Loutraki 20300
• What to Expect: Stunning mosaics, taste the thermal waters
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

Enjoy Loutraki’s Beaches

You can’t visit a seaside town without visiting the beach. Loutraki boasts some of the best beaches in the region, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. 

Loutraki Beach: The town’s main beach, with the town end lined with cafes and restaurants as it curves around the bay. The clear waters of the Gulf of Corinth lap gently on the long sandy beach.

Loutraki Beach is clean, calm and rightly deserves its Blue Flag status and is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is long enough that you should be able find a quiet spot, or if you don’t mind it being a bit busier, head to nearer the town end.

You can also enjoy the following beaches just outside Loutraki:

• Skaloma Beach: A quieter, more secluded spot for those seeking relaxation.
• Mylokopi Beach: A hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and a pebbled shore.
• Tip: Rent a sunbed and umbrella at one of the beachside tavernas for a more comfortable experience.

The Holy Church Of Saint Andreas

Close to the Municipal Springs, tucked away to the side is The Holy Church of Saint Andreas. The church was built in 1345 to commemorate the persecution of St Andrew by the Roman soldiers. Legend has it that St Andrew hid in the entrance to a cave in the rocks to the side of the church. A thick cobweb then covered the entrance, obscuring him from the soldiers, thus saving his life.

• Did you know: St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, who is celebrated on November 30th. However, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Romania (who also celebrate St Andrew’s day on 30 November) and even Barbados consider him to be one of their patron saints.

Holy Monastery of Saint Patapios

On the slopes of the Geraneia Mountain above Loutraki is the Holy Monastery of Saint Patapios. With stunning views across the Saronic and Corinithian Gulf, it attracts thousands of visitors every year who make the pilgrimage to see the Holy Relic of Saint Patapios.

Saint Patapios was born in the 4th Century AD and lived most of his life as a hermit.

In 1904, the cave with the relic of the saint was discovered, although it wasn’t until 1952 that the monastery was founded. The monastery and the relic are looked after by around 40 nuns who live there.

• Location: Holy Monastery of Saint Patapios, 203 00 Loutraki, Greece
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and when it is cooler
• Opening Hours: 8 am – 6:30 pm daily

Experience the Local Food Scene

Indulge in some traditional Greek cuisine. Loutraki is home to excellent tavernas and seafood restaurants. Wander along the seafront where there are plenty of places to eat, drink or have an ice cream.

It would be wise to book a table as the restaurants get very busy, especially on Sunday. When I took a Sunday stroll down the promenade, many of the restaurants were full and had queues waiting for free tables.

In the sunny weather, I love how the bars and restaurants spill out past the promenade and onto the beach. Perfect for keeping your cool while having an afternoon drink.

Like most Mediterranean countries, the Greeks tend to go out to eat later in the evening, and are very much family-oriented affairs. Don’t be upset if there are kids at other tables when you are haging your meal, just embrace it.

If you are a foodie, look out for delicious olive oil, the dried seedless Corinthian raisins, Nemea wine and the succulent oranges sold by the roadside.

• Must-Try Dishes: 
  • Freshly grilled fish and seafood, divine and you know they are fresh
  • Skordalia – garlicy mash
  • Seafood Saganaki, cooked with kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta
  • Gyros – classic Greek wraps
  • Moussaka – Aubergines and mince with a rich tomato sauce
  • Loukoumades – Greek honey doughnuts often served with your coffee
• Recommended Restaurants in Loutraki:
  • Paolo Nikos Tavern: Famous for its seafood and Greek mezze.
  • Di Giorgio: Generous portions, salads and great garlic bread
  • Giannis Fish Tavern: A seaside spot with freshly caught fish and local wine – it does get very busy, so book if you can
  • Maistrali: Perfect for a romantic dinner with sunset views.
  • Ormos: Very popular family-run restaurant with great food
  • Paladar: Gorgeous Eatery with divine food

Try Your Luck at the Loutraki Casino

If you enjoy a bit of nightlife, Club Hotel Casino Loutraki is one of Greece’s largest casinos. With slot machines available 24 hours a day, the main tables open at 2 pm until 5 am, while the poker tables are only available from Wednesday to Sunday.

The dress code for the casino is smart-casual, though I found at weekends, visitors to the casino made a special effort to dress up.

• What’s Inside: A variety of slot machines, poker tables, and live entertainment.
• Other Amenities: Fine dining restaurants and a luxury hotel.
• Tip: Dress smart-casual and set your budget for gaming; you don’t want to lose it all!

Things to do close to Loutraki

Visit the Corinth Canal

Just a short drive from Loutraki, the Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Completed in the 19th century, the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, with sheer limestone rock walls, is a feat of engineering and a must-see landmark.

The first attempt to cut a channel between the two seas was in 67 AD. Over the centuries, there have been other tries, but finally in 1881, the current narrow channel was started. It took 12 years to finish. The sides of the canal were cut down to sea level, so that ships could pass through without having to use locks. While the Corinth Canal joins the two seas, it also separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese peninsula.

Park just off the A8 and walk across the bridge. If you are lucky, you can watch a ship pass through. 

• What to Do: Take in the views from the bridge, watch ships pass through, or embark on a boat tour to experience the canal from the water.
• Best Viewpoints: The pedestrian bridge at Isthmia and the bungee jumping platform for thrill-seekers.
• Photography Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting.

Explore the Heraion of Perachora

History buffs will love a visit to the archaeological site of Heraion Perachora, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera. The site has ruins of temples, baths, and a cistern, along with stunning coastal views.

Follow the road north out of Loutraki and drive for about 20-25 minutes through the beautiful landscape. You will catch glimpses of the coast along the way.

There is parking at the top, and then you wend your way down to the site.

• Highlights: The remains of the temple of Hera, a small lagoon, and a scenic hiking trail.
• How to Get There: A 20-minute drive from Loutraki.
• Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and water, as the terrain is rocky and there are few shaded areas.

Hike to the Lighthouse of Melagavi

If you are visiting the Heraion of Perachora, take a short hike to the Melagavi Lighthouse, also known as the Heraion Lighthouse. From here, you will have stunning panoramic views over the whole Gulf of Corinth. 

Try to head there in the late afternoon for some amazing sunset shots and stunning sea views. There is parking nearby and a short walk to the Lighthouse.

• Tip: If the path is closed, you can still take beautiful photos of the bay
• Why Visit: Overlooks the Gulf of Corinth with breathtaking coastal scenery.
• Best Time for Photography: Late afternoon for golden hour shots.
• How to Get There: A short hike from the Heraion of Perachora.

Take a Trip to Lake Vouliagmeni

If you take the coastal road just outside Loutraki to the Lake of Vouliagmeni is a beautiful lagoon with turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for watersports.

• Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, and sunset views are breathtaking.
• Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at the lakeside tavernas.

Enjoy Water Sports and Outdoor Activities

Loutraki offers plenty of opportunities for adventure lovers.

• Windsurfing & Paddleboarding: The calm waters make it ideal for beginners.
• Snorkelling & Diving: Explore the underwater world of the Gulf of Corinth.
• Hiking Trails: There are scenic coastal and mountain trails for nature lovers.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

One-Day Trips from Loutraki

Discover Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth

In Ancient Greece, Corinth was one of the wealthiest cities, known for its trade, particularly in pottery. 

A short drive from Loutraki, Ancient Corinth is home to impressive ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, an ancient agora. You can wander around the ruins, explore the museum and admire the stunning views.

A short drive up the winding hill road above Ancient Corinth is the Acrocorinth fortress. Commanding views across the valley below and over towards Loutraki, it is worth a visit.

• Why Visit: One of Greece’s most significant historical sites.
• Acrocorinth: A fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Getting There: About 20 minutes by car from Loutraki.
• Restaurant Tip: To Tavernaki Tou Gabrou, just next to the lower entrance, has a terrace overlooking the ruins, and serves the best Greek salad.

Explore the UNESCO sites of the Peloponnese

There are five UNESCO sites in the Peloponnese, which is a quarter of the total number of UNESCO sites in the whole of Greece.

• Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns: The ruins of the great Mycenaean city (approx 50 kms, 45mins by car from Loutraki)
• The Medieval City of Mystras: Byzantine ruins cascading down a hill (approx 150 kms, 2 hours by car from Loutraki)
• Ancient Olympia: The home of the Olympic Games (approx 225 kms, 2 hours 45 mins by car from Loutraki)
• Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae: Stunning temple with soaring columns (approx 160 kms, 2 hours 20 mins by car from Loutraki)
• Epidaurus – The Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Ancient Theatre: Amazing amphitheatre and ruins (approx 58 kms, 1 hour by car from Loutraki)

Towns & Villages to Visit

If you want to explore other towns and villages in the Peloponnese, try some of these:

• Napfoli: About an hour’s drive from Loutraki, Napfoli is a charming seaside town to visit for castles, museums, cobbled streets and squares.
• Kalamata: Home to the fabulous Kalamata olives, visit the busy markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays for colourful local fruits and vegetables. But also the art galleries, museums and castles.
• Monemvasia: An amazing walled fortress town sticking out into the Aegean.

Getting To Loutraki 

Loutraki is easily accessible from Athens (approximately 80 km away) by car or public transport.

By Car

You can pick up a hire car at Eleftherios Venizelos airport. The Car Hire desks are to the right after you exit Customs.

The car pick-up point is a short walk from the terminal. take the E94 route. The highway does have tolls, but you can pay by card as you go through, and they are generally only a few Euros.

During my trip, I hired my car from Avis Car Hire and my zippy little white Škoda was perfect for taking me around Loutraki and the rest of the Peloponnese.

Do remember to fill up your car before you return it. There is a petrol station close to the airport, in case you forget.

By Public Transport

If you are travelling by public transport to Loutraki, you will have to get into Athens first:

Bus to Loutraki

First, take the bus from the airport to KTEL Kifisou station, and from there a bus to Loutraki. The buses to Loutraki leave every four hours. Your total travel time will be around 3.5 hours

Train to Loutraki

There is no direct train from the airport to Loutraki. The closest station is Corinth. From there, you will need to take a bus or taxi to Loutraki.

Take the train from the airport to Athens Central Station. From there, take a train to Corinthos. It will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Taxi to Loutraki

If you are not driving and have a lot of luggage, getting a taxi from the airport to Loutraki may be the easiest, though maybe not the cheapest option. Prices for taxis vary due to time of day and season.

Where to Stay in Loutraki

Options range from luxury spa resorts to cosy guesthouses. During my stay in Loutraki, I had a room in the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki. I was a bit concerned that it might be noisy, but actually it was really quiet. I also liked that my room had a bath and a shower.

With views over the beach and my own private balcony, it was the perfect place to base myself. A continental breakfast with hot and cold dishes, salads, breads and fruit was included in my stay. There was use of the spa and the outdoor swimming pools.

Check out other options for accommodation in Loutraki.

Final Thoughts

Loutraki is a fantastic destination that blends relaxation, adventure, ancient history, and gastronomy. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters, exploring ancient ruins, or simply enjoying fresh seafood while watching the waves ebbing and flowing, Loutraki is a magical place to spend your time.

Have you been to Loutraki? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Use these Greece Travel Tips to plan your adventure!

• Plan your trip with these Greek Travel Guides.
• Get the best deals on flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the perfect place to stay in Greece with these accommodation options..
• Explore more about Greece with local experiences.
• Don’t forget to arrange your travel insurance.
• Take your own portable wifi with you
• Buy your e-sim before you go with Airalo.

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