Loutraki: things to do, getting there from Athens and what to see on the way (2026)
Loutraki is a spa and resort town on the Gulf of Corinth, about an hour from Athens: thermal springs, a casino, beaches and an ancient temple on a cape with a lighthouse.
- Loutraki is about 88 km from central Athens, around an hour's drive, passing the Corinth Canal.
- Highlights: the thermal springs, the casino, the Heraion of Perachora and Lake Vouliagmeni.
- Good as a day trip from Athens or a quiet weekend out of the city.
If you are in Athens for a few days and have a car, Loutraki and the Corinth area make an easy day trip: canal, temple, lake and a fish lunch. There is no kosher food here, so if you keep kosher bring food from Athens.
Where is Loutraki?
Loutraki is a resort town on the Gulf of Corinth, at the northern edge of the Peloponnese, about 88 km from central Athens. It is best known for its mineral-rich thermal springs and its large casino. Greeks come for weekends, and it is an easy day trip from Athens.
How to get from Athens to Loutraki
- By car: about an hour on the E94. The easiest option, as the sights are spread out.
- By KTEL bus: there are services from Athens to Loutraki.
- By train: the suburban railway to Corinth, then a taxi of about 15 km.
On renting a car: car rental in Greece.
Things to do in Loutraki
Thermal springs and spa
The town sits on thermal springs. The municipal spa offers treatment programmes and pools; programmes and prices are on its website.
The casino
Loutraki's casino is in the Club Hotel Loutraki complex, with its own entrance, and is open 24 hours a day all year except Good Friday and Holy Saturday before Greek Easter.
The Corinth Canal
The canal is the first landmark on the drive from Athens. It links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and is so narrow that only small boats and yachts use it. Stop on the bridge for photos; boat trips along the canal also run in the area.
Heraion of Perachora and Melagkavi lighthouse
The 6th-century BC temple of Hera Akraia is about 17 km north-west of Loutraki, on a cape above the sea, with a small cove for swimming. About 300 m away stands the Melagkavi lighthouse, in operation since 1897. Entry is free and there is parking. Sunsets here are superb.
Lake Vouliagmeni (Loutraki's)
Not to be confused with Lake Vouliagmeni near Athens. This lake is about 3 km from the Heraion and is linked to the gulf by a narrow channel. Fish tavernas line its shore.
More in the area
- Osios Patapios monastery: about 20 minutes' drive. In summer open 8:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00; call to confirm.
- Sterna coastal hike: about 6 km, around 2.5 hours, easy but with little shade. Best in spring and autumn.
- Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth: about 15 minutes from the canal; easy to combine in one day.
Beaches in and around Loutraki
- Loutraki town beach: a long beach along the promenade.
- Sterna: secluded coves with clear water.
- The cove by the Heraion: a small sandy beach.
- Mylokopi: popular for diving.
Loutraki for Israelis: what to know
- Kosher food: none in Loutraki. The nearest Chabad house is in Athens, in Psiri. See kosher food in Athens.
- When to go: summer for the sea, spring and autumn for walks. The casino and spa are open all year.
- Strikes: if travelling by train or bus, check today's strikes.
How to plan a day in Loutraki from Athens
- Morning: leave Athens and stop on the bridge over the Corinth Canal for photos.
- Midday: drive to the Heraion of Perachora and the Melagkavi lighthouse, and swim in the little cove.
- Afternoon: lunch at a fish tavern by the lake, then back to Loutraki for the town beach or the thermal springs.
- Evening: sunset at the Heraion, or the Loutraki promenade before driving back to Athens.
With two days, add Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, or the Sterna hike early in the morning before the heat. In summer take plenty of water and a hat. Midweek Loutraki is quieter than at weekends, when many Athenians come.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Athens to Loutraki? About an hour by car, roughly 88 km from central Athens on the E94.
What is there to do in Loutraki? The thermal springs and spa, the casino, the Corinth Canal, the Heraion and Melagkavi lighthouse, Lake Vouliagmeni and the beaches.
Is there kosher food in Loutraki? No. The nearest is the Chabad house and kosher restaurant in Athens, about an hour away.
Is the Loutraki casino open all year? Yes, 24 hours a day, except Good Friday and Holy Saturday before Greek Easter.
