Loutraki is a Greek resort with thermal springs. The fabulous picturesque Greek resort of Loutraki How to get to the “land of medicinal baths”

From Athens You can always take a day trip to the town Loutraki located on the shore Gulf of Corinth Ionian Sea. For a weekend trip, the most suitable distance from the capital is just under 100 km along an excellent three-lane highway.

The city itself, in terms of architecture, does not represent anything historical or interesting - a typical Greek urban development of modern times, but the location is right on the shore, balneology ( mineral water flows from the tap and right on the street), the presence of a casino, 7 Orthodox monasteries, a lake with sea water, ancient excavations of the temple of Hera are being done Loutraki an attractive place for Athenians.

In addition, there are not many places in Greece where the city (and not resort village) was located right on the shore and you can leave the house a couple of steps and start swimming. Therefore, by the way, housing prices are higher than the usual level for Greek resort real estate and are quite close to capital prices (say, 2000-3000 euros per sq.m. even at the beginning of the crisis in Greece). Many Athenians, instead of a country house, just have an apartment there, especially since the town is small and even from the outskirts it’s still no more than a 15-minute walk to the sea. However, Russians are also acquiring real estate there :)

In recent years Loutraki has also become a popular place to accommodate tourists from the countries of the former USSR - tour operators, in addition to the above, appreciated geographical location- equidistance from popular archaeological sites and historical places: Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi etc. Therefore, the presence of the Russian language in the city is felt: taverns and souvenir shops with inscriptions in Russian, advertisements for a fur store are also in Russian, etc. There is an "Arbat" store with Russian goods (around the corner of the "Gran Elit" hotel). German speech can be heard from other foreigners on the streets.

But it’s better to see it once, of course. So, some photos (all clickable) of the town Loutraki and other attractions in the area (most of the photos were taken on October 4 and 11, 2009).

Exit towards Loutraki from the Athens - Corinth highway (before the Corinth Canal)

Road with eucalyptus trees Loutraki from the highway Athens-Corinth, the entrance to the city and the central street of Loutraki (filmed from a car while driving, so the quality is not very good). The Russian flag on the street is no longer an accident :)

It is worth noting that in summer travel along the main street is very difficult, there is a lot of traffic. Therefore, if you need to head towards the hotels "Pappas", "Posidonas" or towards the lake, Temple of Hera And Perahora, then you should choose the route along the new ring road. While a small section is not yet ready, you need to get to the blue and white building of the Ivi mineral water plant and immediately turn right, soon the fresh asphalt of the surrounding area will appear.

Oh, all the familiar faces! ... The inscription reads "There is only one leader!"

Construction of a new building balneological hospital V Loutraki already finished. The construction of an outdoor swimming pool is in full swing and should be completed by the summer of 2010. The establishment is municipal, so the prices are divine (or divine?). If I remember correctly, a dip in a radon pool is 5 euros, the same + a sauna is 9 euros.

Examples of new architecture in Loutraki: houses at the entrance to the city and a city high-rise building

Fisherman's pier and cruise ship in Loutraki, which carries tourists to Corinth Canal

Park at the end of the embankment Loutraki, there is a children's playground and cafes and taverns start from there (in one of the photos you can see the monastery of the Prophet Elijah high on the mountain)

The spring is “two-faced”, with mineral water on one side and tap water on the other. Tap water in Loutraki is also mineral, only purified. Those. It’s simply delicious drinking water, but the presence of salts is felt in mineral water.

Embankment and beach Loutraki, with a blue flag for cleanliness, by the way

Loutraki embankment and Achilion hotel

In the end Loutraki at the exit near the old balneology building there are waterfalls with mineral water, next to a cafe, large parking and city views

After passing the waterfalls, you leave Loutraki towards the monasteries, Perahora village And Lake Vulyagmeni past the Posidonas Hotel. The road is a normal Greek country road: slightly winding narrow asphalt with these views:

On the way there will be a complex of two taverns “Eden” and “Panorama”, and a cafe “Egli”, made in the original style. The taverns offer a wonderful view of the Corinthian Gulf and Lake Vouliagmenis; in the evening the taverns are beautifully illuminated.

After passing the taverns, there will be a fork to Perahora and to the right up to the monasteries. During the day, only the monastery of St. Potapius is open, the rest are closed for lunch. Therefore, depending on the time of day, you can choose: go straight to the monasteries or first to the village of Perachora, to the lake, lighthouse and temple of Hera.

Perahora- a fairly large and pleasant-looking village. History says that next to the temple of Hera there was antique city, which is now under water, and it was located opposite Corinth on the opposite shore of the bay, the Corinthians called it “pera choir” - “the city further / the city opposite.” One of the delights of Perahora is the presence of a local shop right on the road olive oil producer, which, by the way, is held by the head of the district administration (unless, of course, he lost his post after the last local elections). Finding the store is very easy - at the entrance there will be a U-shaped fork: right into the village, left towards the lake and the Temple of Hera, go left and immediately after the fork there will be a store. You can find olive oil inside good quality, many types of olives, many of which are prepared according to unique recipes, olive oil soap, as well as other local products: honey, wine, capers, herbal teas, etc. The man really loves Russians and his occupation, so he treats them with his products and gives small gifts to clients. In a word, we stocked up on oil, honey and giant white olives with garlic and moved on.

Perahora, "olive shop"

If from Perahora you drive a little in the other direction into the mountains above the village, you can enjoy another beautiful view, and also admire the wild flower beds of cyclamen under the olive trees

We return to Perahora and continue our journey towards the lake, about 10 kilometers. The lake was once freshwater, but then a narrow channel opened, which now connects the lake with the sea and the water is, of course, salty. The reservoir has two names - Lake Vulyagmenis(not to be confused with the lake of the same name, located in the Athens district of Vouliagmeni) or Lake Iraeu(after the name of the excavations of the temple of Hera, which in Greek are called Iraeo or in Russian Heraion). However, in antiquity the lake was called by another name, “Eschatyotis”. The lake is large and beautiful surrounded by green mountains. When in Loutraki When the wind blows, everyone comes here to swim.

There are several fish taverns around the lake, the first two are found immediately at the point where the road reaches the lake shore. Others are further away if you go to the side Temple of Hera, going around the lake on the right. The largest tavern in that direction (by the way, it is open in winter time) is called "Lindo".

You can feed the schools of anchovy plying along the shore with bread and see the “fish mayhem” - the struggle for their daily bread :)

Loutraki, Vouliagmenis Lake, Lindo Tavern

There is another smaller tavern next to Lindo's, open in the summer and on weekends the rest of the year. To visit it, drive around "Lindo" from above.

In front of the tavern there is a small boat dock and a small man-made decorative rock with variations on the Greek maritime theme :) In the distance you can see a small church near the canal connecting the lake with the sea.

The beach of the lake in front of the Lindo tavern is sandy, very pleasant with sun loungers and umbrellas. Two local seagulls can keep swimmers company. There are also aquatic species sports

Admire the tiny church, located right on the seashore and painted in typical Cyclades Islands white and blue colors

And sit down for coffee at the coastal bar-restaurant Ypanema

Very nice place, good music, eucalyptus trees, tables next to the sea. True, the prices are at the level of Athens, but the place is very pleasant, you don’t want to leave there. Nearby there is an organized beach with umbrellas and sun loungers, a volleyball court, and water sports. There is parking for clients.

Loutraki is located at the base of a small peninsula, on the edge of which in the very west on Cape Melagavi, as you might guess, stands a lighthouse built in 1897. The southern and northern shores are visible Gulf of Corinth, mountains of Boeotia, Loutraki and Corinth in the distance. Very a nice place, many come and sit there for a long time on the edge of the rocks, relaxing. It is especially beautiful in the evening, before sunset.

Under the lighthouse on the shore of a small bay there are excavations Temple of Hera that's why the place is called Herayon(Iraeo in Greek). The place itself is very beautiful and the excavations are interesting; you can see a stone cistern and the bases of the columns of the temple, or rather, two temples. Above the excavations there is a small church of St. John, like a balcony. There is a small beach under the excavations. Somewhere near the shore in the sea there should be a sunken ancient city. Apparently, for this reason, a free diving championship was held in this place a couple of years ago. By the way, when you live in Greece and see ancient excavations all the time, it’s somehow difficult to be impressed by new ones (especially after the Acropolis, Corinth, Delphi, Olympia). But you don’t want to leave this place, there is some kind of energy point here, a unique combination of antiquity, Orthodoxy, sea and rocks. After staying there for some time, you notice that other people are also in no hurry to leave this place. Yes, admission is free, by the way.

Well, now to monasteries, of which in the area Loutraki 7 pieces: St. Potapius, St. John, St. Gerasim, St. Stephen, St. Nicholas, Holy Trinity and Prophet Elijah. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is located to the right of Loutraki, if you look from the Corinth Canal, St. Nicholas and Stephen somewhere above the road to the lake, perhaps the dirt road leads there, next time we’ll find out. And the other four monasteries are located above Loutraki, an asphalt road leads there. The first ones on the way are nunneries located opposite each other. St. Gerasim(to the right of the road) and St. John(left).

Monastery of St. John small, in the church there are copies of the icons of the Mother of God and the Birth of St. John, the originals of which are on Mount Athos, there is also one old icon of the Mother of God, blackened by time. To the right of the entrance is a church bench. The monastery closes at lunchtime from 14-30 to 16-30.

The most important thing is that the monastery is an Old Believer and representatives of the modern Greek Church do not favor schismatics, as well as vice versa.

Monastery of St. Gerasim Kefalonia is much larger in territory and is located on the edge of a cliff with a beautiful panoramic view to the Gulf of Corinth. At the very edge of the monastery courtyard there is a platform on which stands a large cross, which is visible from afar and is illuminated at night. There are two churches in the monastery, one larger, the other smaller. The bell tower, unlike what is generally accepted for Greek churches, is built directly on the ground in the form of three arches, through which you can see the sea and Lake Vouliagmenis. There is a large church shop.

The Peloponnese Peninsula is rich in attractions. One of them is the town of Loutraki. Located surrounded by mountains, it is known throughout the world for its healing springs. The picturesque coast of the Gulf of Corinth and the peak of Gerania make this city truly enchanting.

Loutraki is the center of the Loutraki-Perachora district. The city's 197 thousand square kilometers area is home to 21 thousand people. Loutraki is 84 kilometers away from Athens; the resort is closest to Corinth (4 kilometers).

Since the recognition of the city medical resort(1925), it still remains the most popular Greek health resort.

The local climate is healing in itself. The purest untouched nature welcomes guests. The mild Mediterranean climate, fresh sea air - everything worked out ideally for a city where people come for treatment. The hot Greek sun warms the earth 340 days a year, the hottest period is July. In winter, Loutraki will not be caught off guard by snowfalls or frosts, and therefore tourists will enjoy their holiday even in February. The holiday season begins in May and ends in October.

The sea waters here are warm and calm, so vacationers with children do not have to worry about safety. The sea warms up to 26 degrees. Summer is a great time to enjoy the fresh azure surface. A complement to the charming picture of Loutraki will be the pine aroma that permeates the air

Story

The territory of Loutraki has been known for a long time. In ancient times, here was the city of Thermae, where people from various parts of Greece came to the hot springs. It was believed that this place was loved by the Olympian gods. The city and all its springs were patronized by Artemis Thermia (that is, “hot”). The current name of the city also arose thanks to sources: the meaning of the Greek word “Loutra” is “therapeutic baths”.

The modern city gained wide popularity and its colorful history in 1847. It was then that the healing qualities of the waters of Loutraki, as well as the beneficial effects of bathing in the springs, became known to the Italians. The renewed interest in the territory led to the settlement of the land by Greek settlers and the founding of a city here.

The Corinth earthquake of 1928 almost razed Loutraki to the ground. Several buildings survived, located on the headland between the current park and the hot springs. The city was rebuilt, however, given the seismic activity, the builders used modern technologies to protect the buildings from destruction. Simple structures were erected, mostly two-story. These buildings are now located in central region cities. The ruins from the earthquake, as well as the soil that came down from the hill, were used to create a park on the northern coast of Loutraki. A hydropathic hospital, traditionally round in shape, was also erected at that time. The inside of the room is decorated with rich mosaics. 1981 brought a new wave of damage. After this, Loutraki was restored again.

Another calling card of Loutraki is the casino. The first gambling establishment was built in 1930, and the current one has been operating since 1995. Club Hotel Casino Loutraki is one of the largest European entertainment complexes. The mountainside where the casino is located offers a wonderful view. So tourists over 23 years old will have something to do besides getting healthy.

Resort city

The rejuvenating effect of the waters of Loutraki was known back in the time of the gods of Olympus. They loved to spend their holidays here, swimming in healing springs. Perhaps this was the reason for their longevity. Following the era of the gods, the era of people began who appreciated the living power of water. Under the Romans, baths were built where residents bathed. The Byzantines built temples near the springs, where priests treated diseases. Scientific confirmation healing properties of waters only increased the popularity of Loutraki, began active development resort.

The spring water is rich in magnesium and sodium and has a pleasant taste. The temperature of the springs exceeds 30 degrees. You can use water for drinking without limiting the amount, but you can drink it directly from sources. The unique chemical composition and effect on the body makes Loutraki water truly alive. Local water therapy helps with diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system, problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The sources also have a beneficial effect on those suffering from liver failure, kidney stone disease, and are used for gynecological, skin, and joint diseases. The modern hydropathic clinic is equipped with modern devices for carrying out various water procedures.

Excursion holidays

The centuries-old history of Loutraki lures here those who seek to learn more about the history of the ancient state. The atmosphere of the city streets, buildings, buildings - everything is saturated with the air of the past. The tourist immediately finds himself in the rapid whirlpool of local life. Here they intertwine natural beauty and the crazy rhythm of the city, memory of the past and modernity. This mixture fascinates the traveler, immersing him in an atmosphere of mystery and mystery.

The Loutraki excursion program takes tourists into mythical stories. The labyrinth of the city, where past and present coexist, leads to iconic landmarks, weaving the path into Arianda's tangle, leading him to revelations and discoveries.

The best place to start your walk and get to know the city is from the Temple of Hydra. The legendary monument towers over the city, shrouded in the greenery of Perahora. The enchanting picture is complemented by the lighthouse of Cape Malagavi, which served as a guiding star for Greek sailors. The Temple of Hydra begins its history in Roman times of Loutraki, but historians have still not been able to find out more precise dates for the construction of the structure. Such mystery only further lures travelers to the ruins of the monument. The beautiful mosaics of the temple, as well as marble slabs, have been preserved to this day.

The next stop on the excursion will be the lagoon at the Gulf of Corinth. Archaeologists have discovered remains here ancient civilization. The preserved vases and household utensils tell the life story of the inhabitants of the ancient Bronze Age settlement.

The temples of Poseidon and Helios deserve special attention. The population of the city says that the deities clashed here in a bloody battle, trying to divide power over the area. Having divided the possessions of Loutraki, Poseidon and Helios erected monuments to themselves. The Temple of Poseidon has been the center of religious life since the 11th century BC, being a precious treasure that attracted foreigners. During the reign of the Romans, they erected a large-scale monument to the god of the sea.

Perahora is a real historical treasury. The northern territories of Loutraki, surrounded by the peaks of Gerania, were a place of veneration for Hydra. In the 10th century she was canonized and worshiped. Modern Perahora is a small settlement fraught with numerous mysteries of the past.

Most famous beach city - Loutraki Beach. The pebble gray finish contrasts brightly with pure water Ionian Sea. Northern part The beach has mineral springs, so you can combine relaxation with wellness. The territory is quite narrow, but tourists love this place very much. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Coming from the beach, you can look into one of the local cafes, bars, restaurants serving delicious dishes local cuisine. All kinds of seafood deserve special attention. They are caught directly from restaurants, so there is no doubt about freshness. Pair your meal with local wine to maximize the resort atmosphere. The eastern influence on the cuisine of the area adds bright colors to the seemingly familiar dishes of Greece, and the hospitality of the townspeople makes the warm lands even more comfortable.

A walk along the Embankment is also a stunning sight. Hotels and sanatoriums lead to it. Endless spaces seas, kilometers of beaches, combined with a warm Mediterranean climate, create ideal conditions for relaxation. Local residents often swim even in winter, when the air temperature drops to minus 10 degrees. For those who are not ready for extreme sports, there are milder options: stock up on a cup of coffee from nearby cafes and take a walk, or sit down at a table in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.

Peculiarity local beaches– tourists don’t have to pay money for sunbeds and umbrellas. At least in their material terms. The payment is a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of water or juice, purchased at local cafes. The equipment usually belongs to such establishments, so you need to order something from the menu from the waiter - and you can enjoy your vacation all day long. What’s also interesting is that you don’t even need to leave the sea to place an order, because the waiters come by themselves.

More details

Attractions

Loutraki

The city of Loutraki is located on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth. This world-famous resort is a center of medical tourism.
The infrastructure of Loutraki is widely developed. Water sports lovers can enjoy diving, surfing and fishing here. A football field, sports grounds, and tennis courts are open to tourists. You can relax in cafes, restaurants, cinemas. The city has many shops and jewelry stores.

The central square deserves special attention. This is where the journey around the city begins. The historical name of the square “March 25” symbolizes the Greek uprising against the Turks in 1821.

Embankment - popular place among local and visiting youth. There are hotels, restaurants, cafes, night discos, as well as the largest casino in Europe.

Religious attractions include the ancient Church of St. Andrew, founded in 1345. A centuries-old altar and iconostasis are kept here. According to legends, St. Andrew the First-Called hid from his pursuers in a cave under the church.
The Monastery of St. Marina is located in an incredibly picturesque place. While walking through its territory, tourists feel peace and tranquility.

Monastery of Saint Potapius

At an altitude of 1000 m above the city of Loutraki is the monastery of Agios Potapios. There are 144 steps leading to the top of the mountain on which the monastery stands. According to legend, by climbing the steps you can be cleansed of your sins.

Legend has it that Saint Patapios lived in a cave at the top of the hill. A monastery was built on this site in 1952 and dedicated to St. Patapius. In the rock where he lived there was a church decorated ancient frescoes. During the reconstruction of the cave at the beginning of the 20th century, the relics of St. Potapius were discovered. The relics are kept in a cave along with ancient frescoes and are the main values of the temple.

WITH observation deck There are stunning views of the surrounding area.

The temple is open to tourists. On its territory there is a church shop where you can buy rare icons. IN convent Today there are 40 nuns living there.

Thermal springs

The main asset and value of Loutraki are its thermal springs, which brought the city world fame. Loutraki is a legendary health resort. Back in ancient times, hospitals, baths and temples were built here, which had a healing effect on the body. Since ancient times, people believed that the springs of Loutraki were capable of healing, rejuvenating, restoring strength and vigor.

The healing properties of thermal springs are not a legend or a myth. Using chemical analysis, scientists found that the unique waters contain magnesium, sodium and mineral salts. They are able to calm a weakened nervous system and heart, cure arthritis, skin diseases and other ailments. Many women come to Loutraki to get rid of gynecological problems. Miraculous mineral waters and pine-saturated air fight for the health and longevity of residents and guests of the city.
Today you can improve your health in a modern hydrotherapy center built in the city. In the center you can undergo a whole course of treatment, swim in pools with thermal water, and visit the sauna. Also on the territory of the center there is a beauty salon, restaurant, bar and recreation area.

Those who want to enjoy nature and improve their health at the same time go to Loutraki Waterfall. A waterfall with thermal water is located near the village of Perechora. Crowds of tourists gather here to swim in the mineral water pool. The area around is well equipped. There is a cafe with a terrace, which offers incredible views of the Loutraki coast.

Lighthouse at Cape Malagawi

The lighthouse at Cape Malagavi is located in a picturesque area in the north-west of Loutraki. It was built in 1897 to protect ships and fishing boats from wrecks. In the 19th century, in bad weather, many ships crashed on a rock near the shore. Literally 100 meters from the shore, a beautiful lighthouse was erected from light stone.

Today the lighthouse is very popular among tourists. The stunning views, natural landscape and beauty of the lighthouse itself make for great photos.

Sanctuary "Perahorian Gereon"

To the north-west of Loutraki there is another historical attraction - the Sanctuary of the Perachor Gereon. The lighthouse on Cape Malagavi will be an excellent landmark in search of the ancient sanctuary.

The ruins are located in a picturesque location, surrounded by the sea, mountains and pine trees. The first building here appeared in the 8th century BC. It was an arched temple, which has not survived to this day. In the 6th century BC. in its place, a temple was erected in honor of the ancient Greek goddess and patroness of marriage, Hera. The sanctuary was built in the shape of a triangle, decorated with an altar on one side.
The ruins of the sanctuary are also famous for the fact that in the 60s of the last century the famous film “Three Hundred Spartans” was filmed here.

Gerania Ridge

Loutraki is literally surrounded by the Gerania mountain range. Hiking enthusiasts enjoy heading to the mountain slopes. There are several interesting and picturesque routes along which ancient Byzantine churches, monasteries, buildings and other attractions are found. Most high point is Mount Aetorahi.

Surprisingly, even many residents of Athens do not suspect that they have a real tourist paradise right next to them. Loutraki, a city located on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, is a Greek Miami with tall palm trees, a glamorous promenade, crowded beaches and the most famous casino in the country. Loutraki is also associated with Brighton Beach, an area of the Russian-speaking diaspora in New York.

And not only because this greek resort We love it with tourists from the CIS - during the season, Russian speech is heard everywhere here. In addition, quite a lot of Russian-speaking compatriots live scattered in Loutraki, and they have an officially registered society, which teaches Russian and organizes various thematic events. No matter what they say, it’s a joy to meet relatives in hospitable Greece - you can always ask for advice or, even better, make new friends.

How to get to Loutraki

Loutraki is located 85 kilometers from Athens and you can get to the city in different ways. The most convenient and enjoyable way is, of course, by car.

Car rental at Athens airport

You can choose in advance and book a car for traveling around Greece here

(instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world's leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible conditions, discounts, super offers)

But there are others: by KTEL intercity buses, which depart in this direction from the Athens bus station Kifisu, or by commuter train following the Aerodromio-Kiato route. The train line, or as it is called in Greece, “proastiakos,” intersects with the blue and green lines of the capital’s metro. While in Athens, you can choose a metro station that is convenient for you and transfer to Proastiakos. However, if you're not used to it, you can get confused about which train is yours and which platform it departs from. In this case, it is better to definitely clarify the information with other waiting passengers, repeating the word “Corinthos” (corinth in Russian is correct, but this may make communication somewhat difficult). Thus, by train you will get to the suburban station of the city of Corinth, from where you can take a taxi at regular city prices directly to Loutraki.

Naturally, if you are going on holiday to the resort of Loutraki with children and luggage, the option is to travel public transport not suitable with many transfers. In this case, the best option would be pre-ordered from home . Pros: large reliable company, international taxi service local prices; confirmation of the order comes to your email, and a Russian-speaking driver waits at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it (no need to look for anyone or negotiate, since the fare is known in advance); payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place.

By Greek standards, Loutraki, with a population of about 12 thousand people, is considered a large city. Yes and its unusual modern look in general, it is atypical for Greece, where each region has its own stylistic traditions.

Where to stay in Loutraki

A little history and sights of the city

Loutraki, which became at the beginning of the last century official balneological resort of Greece, around the same time it was seriously destroyed by a strong earthquake. It was not the only one that befell the city in the 20th century, but it was it, according to the recollections of witnesses, that practically wiped Loutraki off the face of the earth. We had to rebuild the city almost from scratch. Moreover, he had many fans - first from noble Athenian families, who suddenly began to consider treatment with water a panacea for all diseases, then from various European countries, where the fame of the miraculous power of the mineral springs of Loutraki had spread. Even the French, having stepped on the throat of their own song, were forced to admit that in terms of their composition and quality, the thermal waters of Loutraki are almost as beautiful as their famous springs in the city of Vichy. But, for example, Italians, in the wake of a large construction project, began to emigrate to Loutraki. First, workers and engineers who helped restore the city, and later - their friends and relatives, who learned about the land that gave birth to “living water.” In general, to be precise, be the first to use the health potential mineral springs The Romans began to attack Loutraki in full force. Crumpled in battle and exhausted by campaigns, the Roman generals gladly improved their health in this area. The range of diseases that the richest springs of Loutraki help to cope with is very wide. They especially help with all sorts of delicate women's problems. IN modern Greece It is believed that “lutra”, or “thermal spring”, is fun for pensioners. To tell the truth, Greek old people really adore “mineral tourism” - what else would you care about if not your health in old age? But, of course, pensioners are not the main audience of the Loutraki thermal spas. Guests from all over Europe come here for the noble effect of mineral baths.

Without moving away from the topic, let's move on to another water attraction of Loutraki - Lake Vouliagmeni. Every visitor to the region should definitely visit this place. This lake is located a few kilometers north of the city and just a few meters from the sea; in fact, it is the sea, for some reason squeezed into a tight shell of the earth. Lake Vouliagmeni is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, but, as if not recognizing this obvious fact, it avoids its powerful relative. And how not to get too proud - enterprising locals have taken a fancy to this beautiful place, building taverns and cafeterias around it. At the same time, the developed infrastructure does not spoil the natural beauty of the place. The Greeks, despite their established reputation as slobs in the mass consciousness, know how to competently interact with nature, even in a market economy, like no one else. With his natural heritage Residents of Greece try to be tactful and respectful: they do not subordinate it to their goals and needs, but implement the principles of reasonable good neighborliness. Whether this is true or not, if possible, observe for yourself - enjoy the serene view of the lake, plunge into its azure waters, and then go to the nearest restaurant to philosophize over a delicious meal. By the way, Lake Vouliagmeni has its own mythological story, although it is sad: the daughter of a king who had offended the gods drowned here. Having spared the innocent girl, the gods turned her into an underwater inhabitant - a mermaid. According to one version, since then mermaids in Greece have been called by the name of this mythical heroine, namely “gorgons”.

Not far from the lake there is an important archaeological site of the region, or rather, as usual, the remains that have survived over the centuries - ruins of the temple of the once all-powerful cult of the supreme goddess Hera. In Russian-language guidebooks the object is called Ancient Heraion. It consists of two parts: the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess, and the remains of an ancient Greek port that served the commercial interests of the religious public. All of these artifacts date back to around 800 BC. Sometimes the mind simply refuses to perceive such information. Today, generations are growing who do not believe in life without the Internet, and these seemingly deliberately forgotten evidence of the creative life of the ancients remind us: nothing lasts forever. Here, on one of the shores of a bygone civilization, you desperately want to see even the slightest shadow of it, to hear even a distant echo. But the ancients seemed to have consigned us to eternal oblivion, leaving behind them the quiet noise of pine trees and the monotonous rustle of waves.

The versatility of tourism in Greece does not stand up to any comparison. In this, perhaps only neighboring Italy can compete with Hellas, which, succumbing to extreme snobbery, can be called, albeit talented, but still an epigone. What their Catholic neighbors definitely don’t have are inspiring Orthodox shrines. In addition, the Greeks are very flattered by the fact that the powerful Slavic peoples became their religious followers. Therefore, pilgrims from Slavic countries are always welcome in Loutraki, who, in turn, reverently visit the holy places they pray. In Loutraki it is church Saint Helena, Monastery of the Prophet Elijah And Monastery of St. Potapius, located in geographical increasing order on Mount Gerania. This mountain, together with all its green areas, is a protected natural area. In the Gerania area there is a famous Perahora village, surrounded by pine forests and olive groves. From the top of the mountain there is a stunning view of the coast of the Gulf of Corinth. You have to have an extraordinary gift to be able to put even a fraction of this beauty into some non-trivial words. The Greeks, by the way, were the first to fall under the onslaught of the inexpressible beauty of their nature. For example, there is an eternal debate about why there are practically no famous painters among the Greeks. No, many people paint here, and they paint well and with high quality, especially marine painters. And they give out a kind of souvenir splint, sometimes of epic proportions, which is nice to give to friends from a trip to Hellas. Where are the masters, the masters, the mastodons of painting? As the Greeks reluctantly admit, there are none, but this is because there are no colors in the world capable of reflecting the miraculous splendor of Greek nature.

More photos of Loutraki

Getting to Loutraki is as fast, comfortable and inexpensive as possible. Popular resort on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth is located approximately 100 km from the main airport of Greece. You can get directly from Athens airport by taxi or train. Another popular way is to go first to Athens itself, and then take a bus.

From Athens to Loutraki by train

Approximately every hour there are departures from Athens airport in the direction commuter trains, which will take you to Corinth, where the nearest train station to Loutraki is located.

The train journey will take about 1.5 hours, along the way you will need to change at Kato Acharnai station.

Electric trains leave the station at the airport every hour

Trains run daily from 06:17 to 22:17 (summer 2018). The journey takes about one and a half hours. The cost of a one-way ticket is 12 Euro. You can purchase tickets at the box office at railway station at Athens airport.

Please note that Corinth station is located about 10 km from Loutraki, so you will need to take a local taxi from the station to the resort itself. You can find it at the exit from the station. The cost of a taxi to the center of Loutraki in this case will be about 15-20 Euros.

Some useful tips for those traveling by train:

The railway station at Athens Airport is located directly opposite the terminal, about 100 meters away. It is more convenient to reach it from the second floor of the terminal, where the departure area is located (not the arrival area).
At the station at the airport there are 2 platforms - from one trains depart, from the other - city metro. So be careful to board the right train.
A ticket purchased at the station must be validated before entering the platform. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip, as they are often checked by inspectors.
The train takes about half an hour to Kato Acharnai station. Then you need to make a transplant.
If the train leaves the station at the airport on time, then at Kato Acharnai the train to Corinth usually waits for it on the opposite side of the same platform. Transfer time is usually only a few minutes. If you are late, you will have to wait for the next train - in an hour.
Getting from Loutraki to Athens by train is exactly the same. First, take a taxi to the station in Corinth, and then take a train to Athens.

Buses Athens-Loutraki

Intercity buses to Loutraki depart from the bus station at Kiffissou Street, 100 from approximately 07:30 am to 21:00 every 1.5-2 hours. Word approximately– key because the Greeks usually change the schedule twice a year ahead of the summer and winter seasons.

A bus from Athens to Loutraki covers the route in 1.5 hours. A one-way trip will cost 6-8 Euro. The bus terminus is in the very center of Loutraki.

From Athens Airport to the bus station you can take the X93 express bus, which runs every half hour to hour. The ticket price is 6 euros, travel time is about an hour.

The express stop is located on the ground floor of the terminal - right next to the exit. You can buy an express ticket here at the ticket office.

More details about buses from the airport, their operating hours, routes and prices Grekoblog.

Buses from Loutraki to Athens

To get from Loutraki to Athens, you need to proceed similarly to the method described above. First, buy a ticket at the bus station in the very center of the city, and then take your seat on the bus, which runs from morning to evening at intervals of 1-2 hours.

Loutraki Athens bus at the bus station in the center of the resort.

You can get off the bus in Athens either in the city itself or go to the final stop at Kiffissou. From the bus station on Kiffissou Street you can get to the airport by express X93.

If the bus schedule from Loutraki is inconvenient, you can go to Athens from stations on the Isthmus isthmus. It is located a few kilometers from Loutraki and is the main transport hub between Athens and the cities of the Peloponnese. Therefore, there are many buses here and they run frequently.

The inside of the Isthmus bus station looks better than the outside

Ticket price from Isthmus to Athens is 8-10 Euro. The bus station can be reached by taxi or by Loutraki-Corinthos bus, which departs from the bus station in Loutraki every hour from early morning until late evening. The price of Loutraki-Isthm tickets is about 1 Euro.

From Athens to Loutraki by car

Most The best way travel around Greece with a rented car. In Loutraki this is especially true, because there are a lot of attractions in the surrounding area.

If you wish, you can rent a car on the spot, but at the resort a car is often more expensive than at Athens airport. The best way to find a car is through the Rentalcars car rental comparison service [link].

Detailed review Grekoblog wrote about it in a separate video.

When calculating the cost, take into account the current costs of gasoline (link to current prices) and travel on toll roads. For the Athens-Loutraki Airport section, you need to budget 3-5 Euros for toll roads.

Go to the page of real estate in Loutraki for rent and sale

Geographically they are located in Attica, but administratively they belong to the prefecture of Corinth and are already considered the Peloponnese. Loutraki resort - modern developed tourist centre. It is not like most Greek coastal towns, it is not what you would call a traditional fishing village, although there are fish in these waters " blue flag"It's delicious. It developed, first of all, as a hydrotherapy center. Even 2500 years ago, the healing properties of underground mineral springs were widely known. Water with a temperature of 30-31 degrees C comes to the surface from a depth of 750 m. Baths have existed here since ancient times. Thermal springs and Loutraki mineral water helps with liver failure, digestive disorders, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, gynecological diseases, and joint diseases.

Attractions near Loutraki

The surrounding area of Loutrak is rich in attractions. 16 km northwest of Loutrak lies Lake Vouliagmeni, which is connected to the sea by a narrow man-made channel. On its banks, ruins of settlements from the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC were found, including the remains of boats, indicating that families of farmers and fishermen lived here at that time. At the very tip of Cape Gereon (or Melagavi) on the very shore there is a sanctuary of the Earth Goddess Hera, near Lake Vouliagmeni. The most ancient settlements were here in the 7th millennium BC. But the most remarkable buildings here were built in the classical ancient period - in the 5th century BC. This is the sanctuary of Hera. The remains of the temple of Hera Acreus (Hera on the Edge) and Hera Limenya (Hera on the Lake) have been preserved. The sanctuary of Hera Acreus stands almost right next to the water (it should be remembered that the sea level was then 5-6 meters lower). Parts of the columns and the outlines of the halls are also visible on the shore. Opposite Cape Omnia there are four islets called Alkionides Islands Zoodochos Pigi (Living Spring), Daskaleio, Glaronissi (island of seagulls) and Prassonissi.
In Greek mythology, the giant Alkyonidis had seven daughters. When their father was killed by Hercules, the daughters threw themselves into the sea and were turned into islands by the sea goddess Amphitriti (wife of Poseidon). Remains of buildings, fragments of ancient ceramics, and parts of a protective wall were found on the islands.

A little away from Loutrak, on the way to the city of Corinth, next to the Corinth Canal, there was a stone road for moving ships from the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf - Diolkos. They were moved on special platforms on wheels by slaves. This is reminiscent of a small section of the road, left untouched on the bank of the canal as an archaeological site. They say that olive oil was also used to move ships. The Corinth Canal in this place looks very picturesque, green thickets along the banks, small taverns. Another attraction in the Loutrak area is a Roman villa built on the border of eras. Along the central alley that leads to the city of Loutraki, turning right halfway and following the road leading to the Theological Lyceum, after 3 km you come to a natural elevation. Here archaeological excavations have revealed the ruins of a luxurious Roman villa. The villa was surrounded by a carefully built complex of baths. A large number of marble details and parts of mosaics were discovered in its premises. On the slope of Mount Gerania, which closes Loutraki from the north, the monastery of Agios Potapios stands right in the middle, visible from Loutraki beach. You can visit the monastery with excursion group or independently by car or municipal bus. From there you have a beautiful view of the coast and the city of Loutraki.
Further, the coast turns at a right angle, forming a peninsula, in the center of which is the village of Perahora, and on the other side a number of picturesque small villages - Pissia, Strava and others. On the road to Strava in Malagari you will find the monastery of Agios Nikolaos o Neos, built in the 10th and 11th centuries AD and the oldest Byzantine structure in the region.

The city of Loutraki is very well-groomed, geometrically correct, with many shops and boutiques, sports and entertainment facilities, schools, and supermarkets. The highway leads here from the capital; from the center of Athens you can get there by car in an hour. Loutraki Casino has been around since 1932 and is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The two-kilometer Loutraki beach is small-pebble, there is always water here clean. The climate is very comfortable, on both sides Loutraki is surrounded by mountains covered with untouched fires pine forests. Picturesque Christian monasteries are scattered on the slopes.

In summer, Loutraki is filled with a lot of locals and foreign tourists. They say that there are now more Russians here in the summer than Greeks. From here you can easily reach by car the archaeological reserves of Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, as well as the resort of Methana and the islet of Poros. Water sports and trips on sailing and motor boats are very developed in Loutraki.