5 Best Things to Do in Loutraki, Greece

Discover (the area of) Loutraki, the gateway between Athens and Peloponnese. These are the 5 best things to do in Loutraki, Greece.

Introduction

These are the 5 best things to do in Loutraki, Greece. Loutraki, a seaside town on a one-hour drive from Athens, just at the start of the Peloponnese, once was the Monte Carlo of Greece. From the 1930s on, when the first casino of Greece was opened there, it attracted many domestic tourists and was bustling as an exclusive holiday destination. Especially for the well-off people from Athens. After the war, the popularity of Loutraki continued to rise. That is why after the war, a crazy amount of 60s and 70s style hotels arose on the coastline. Over the years, because the town wasn’t really updated, it became more of a cheaper choice for holidaygoers. Until, recently, lots of works started to upgrade the town once again. Some hotels are already completely modernized, and in any case Loutraki offers more than enough amazing things and hidden gems for a few-days visit. I will discuss the best 5 ones below.

1. Embark on a Boat Trip with Blue Dream Boat Loutraki and Explore Stunning Beaches and Caves

When people think of a boat trip in Greece, they mostly think of the Greek islands. However, the peninsula near Loutraki has one of the most spectacular coastlines of Greece! And all of that just a short drive away from athens. One of the must-do activities in Loutraki is taking a boat trip with Blue Dream Boat Loutraki. They offer guided tours as well as boat rental where you self-drive a boat under 30hp (no license needed). The trip will take you to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, such as X beach (Lefki Paralia), Mylokopi beach and the amazing Cave of the Seal. The crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. You can find a compilation of my boat trip with Blue Dream below.

2. Rejuvenate at the Loutraki Spa

After a day of exploring, head over to the Loutraki Spa for some well-deserved relaxation. Loutraki actually got its name from the word loutro, which means bath (or thermae in English). This is because the town has access to thermal, therapeutical waters rich in magnesium, sodium and more. The well-known Loutraki spa is located on walking distance from the center and offers a special 1,5 hour spa visit program for € 18. You can learn all about it in the video below. Hydro massage, sauna and hamam are all included. For an extra cost, you can book a private bath room and massages as well.

3. Try Your Luck at Casino Loutraki

Casino Loutraki is not just about gambling; it’s an experience. The casino has a rich history and offers a luxurious setting for those looking to try their luck. It was the very first casino of Greece in the 1930s and still is, after its reopening in 1995, one of the largest casinos of Europe. It is a 20-minute walk from the center of Loutraki, but many people take a taxi. The entrance and the drinks are free of charge (21+ and identification is required) but you can easily spend your whole evening and a lot of money (although not necessary) here. I had never been to a casino before and I thought it was fun. I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside so a picture of the outside has got to do!

4. Marvel at the depths of the Canal of Corinth and the beautiful historical sites of Ancient Corinth

The Canal of Corinth

A marvelous piece of infrastructure for sure. The Canal of Corinth connects the Ionian to the Aegean Sea via a man-made shortcut, a VERY narrow canal with super high cliffs. It was finished in 1893, but the plans for building the canal are over 2500 years old. One must stop to look at the depths of the canal from this bridge. Normally I wouldn’t motivate you to go to a fast-food restaurant but near the bridge there is a Goody’s restaurant (the Greek McDonalds) that inside has the whole history of the canal on display which is really interesting. Burger and a free museum ;).

Ancient Corinth Archaeological Site

On a 20-minute drive from Loutraki,  there is a historical site that is definitely worth visiting: Ancient Corinth. It is often overlooked in favor of more well-known sites such as Epidauros or Olympia, and I do not understand why. The site contains remnants of a once-powerful city-state of antiquity. Such as the Temple of Apollo and an impressive bathhouse that is still very much intact. On top of the hill behind Ancient Corinth is a huge castle called Acrocorinth, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can hike up here via a special pedestrian path, or drive up. The admission fee for Ancient Corinth is €8, which I think is worth it considering the size of the site. Also, the village in the middle of which the site is located is very cute and traditional and worth a coffee or lunch stop.

5. Witness the Most Amazing Sunset in Loutraki

Last but not least, make sure to catch the sunset in Loutraki. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, the town offers numerous spots on the seafront boulevard where you can witness the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

So…

Loutraki is thought to be outdated but worth a visit because it offers a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and fun experiences. From boat trips and spa sessions to historical visits and breathtaking sunsets, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these amazing activities the next time you visit Loutraki, Greece. In case you are a visual learner, I have summarized the 5 best things to do in Loutraki, Greece in the video below.

Where to Stay in Loutraki: Modern Accommodations

Choosing the right place to stay in Loutraki can make your trip even more enjoyable. Loutraki offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget (especially many cheap options), but some hotels are already beautifully renovated and live up to the standards of 2023. Here are 3 of them:

Dave by the Beach Loutraki (member of Brown Hotels)

Nice hotel in the center of Loutraki, very modern style. Dave By the Beach Loutraki is a member of Brown Hotels and therefore well organized.  Beautiful rooms! And a good lobby as well, where you can even work remotely. Not beachfront but just 50 meters and one street away from the beach and boulevard. It has an amazing rooftop with sea- and sunset views and comfortable loungers. Even though it is renovated it is affordable (€ 55 in October 2023), so very good value for money.

AGORA Luxury Boutique Hotel

Want a tad more luxury in the center of Loutraki? Check out the AGORA Luxury Boutique Hotel. It has a more classical furnishing with chandeliers even. The only thing going against choosing this hotel is that is is (conveniently) located on the busy main street, which means that the rooms on the street side might suffer from the noise a bit. I stayed in a hotel almost next to this on the same street and can confirm that the street is in fact busy and noisy.

Thanks for reading this blog on the ‘5 best things to do in Loutraki, Greece’. I hope you will have a wonderful time in Greece!

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