Loutraki with kids: what to do, where to swim and what doesn't suit
Loutraki is a resort town by the Corinth Canal, about an hour's drive from Athens. It has a long beach, a small lake, ancient sites and a lighthouse, making it a good spot for a short family holiday.
- Loutraki is about 88 km from Athens, about an hour by car, and you can also take the train to Corinth and then a taxi or bus.
- Best for kids: the town beach, Lake Vouliagmeni, a walk by the Corinth Canal and the Melagkavi lighthouse.
- Less suitable: the casino is adults only, and the roughly 6 km Sterna trail is hard for young children.
Loutraki suits a family weekend from Athens or a stop on the way to the Peloponnese. A hire car helps a lot, since the sights are spread around the town.
Where is Loutraki?
Loutraki is a resort town on the Gulf of Corinth, very close to the Corinth Canal. According to Travel the Greek Way, it is about 88 km from Athens, about an hour's drive on the E94. You can also take the train to Corinth and then a taxi of about 15 km, or a KTEL bus.
What to do in Loutraki with kids
| Attraction | Why kids like it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Town beach | A long beach along the promenade, near the centre | Pebbles on parts of the beach |
| Corinth Canal | An impressive narrow, deep canal, sometimes with ships passing | Watch kids by the railing |
| Lake Vouliagmeni | A small lake by the sea, with tavernas | About 3 km from the Heraion |
| Melagkavi lighthouse | A lighthouse on a cliff with open views | Little shade |
| Heraion of Perachora | An ancient seaside site, free entry | About 17 km from Loutraki, little shade |
| Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth | An archaeological site and a hilltop fortress | About 10 minutes' drive apart |
More on the lake: the Lake Vouliagmeni guide.
What doesn't suit kids
- Loutraki casino: one of Europe's largest, but adults only.
- Sterna trail: a walking route of about 6 km. According to Travel the Greek Way, it is not suitable for young children.
- Thermal spa: Loutraki is famous for its thermal waters. Check age restrictions before planning a visit with kids.
Tips for families
- Shade and water: the Heraion and the lighthouse have very little shade. Go in the morning or afternoon with hats and plenty of water.
- Combined day: the Heraion, the lighthouse and Lake Vouliagmeni are close together, so you can do them in one day.
- On the way to the Peloponnese: Loutraki is a good stop on the way to Nafplio or a longer Peloponnese trip.
More on Loutraki and the area
When to visit Loutraki with kids
Summer is beach season, but midday is very hot, especially at open sites like the Heraion and the lighthouse. Spring and autumn are more pleasant for exploring, and the area is less busy. As Loutraki is close to Athens, it also works as a day trip from the city, though with young kids a night or two allows a calmer pace.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Athens to Loutraki? About an hour by car, about 88 km on the E94.
Is Loutraki good for kids? Yes. There's a beach, a lake, the Corinth Canal and a lighthouse. The casino is adults only.
Can you get to Loutraki without a car? Yes, by train to Corinth and then a taxi or bus. But to reach the sights around it, a car is much easier.
What can you do near Loutraki in one day? The Heraion of Perachora, the Melagkavi lighthouse and Lake Vouliagmeni, which are close together, or Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth.
