Greece Loutraki which sea washes. A story about an independent trip to Greece: a report on a trip to the resort of Loutraki. Sights of Loutraki, as a heritage of Ancient Greece
Lake (lagoon) Vouliagmeni.
The surrounding area is rich in attractions. 16 km northwest of Loutrak is Lake Vouliagmeni, it’s 15-20 minutes by car along a serpentine road, passing by the already described famous restaurant-tavern “Panorama” and the neighboring tavern “Eden”.
The road also passes by the village of Perahora. Take the same road from Loutraki towards the lighthouse. The lake is salty, connected to the sea by a narrow man-made canal six meters wide. It would be correct to call it a lagoon, since there is almost no wind or waves on it, unlike the beaches of Loutraki itself. Its length and width are 2 by 1 km, respectively. The depth is about 40 meters. In addition, there is sand and small pebbles, the water is calm and clear. While swimming with a mask, you can observe many colorful fish and other inhabitants. Once I saw a small squid.
On the shore there are both free places and “paid” sun loungers from taverns. A large umbrella and 2 sun loungers will cost 5 euros, but that’s if you don’t order anything at the tavern. And if you take something to drink, coffee, beer or ice cream, they won’t charge you any extra money.
There are camping spots on the edge of the road. On the lake there is the opportunity to go water skiing and inflatable banana boats. A great place for lovers beach holiday! On days when there is wind and waves on the shores of Loutraki, there is a quiet backwater here.
Ancient temple of the goddess Hera and lighthouse.
This is a place for lovers of ancient excavations and romantics.
The current buildings (or rather their remains) here were built in classical ancient period- in the 8th century BC. This is the sanctuary of Hera. The remains of the temple “Hera Akrea” (“Hera on the Edge”) and “Hera Limenya” (“Hera at the Lake”) have been preserved. The sanctuary belonged ancient Corinth, but was abandoned after the Romans sacked the city in 146 BC. The sanctuary of “Hera Acreus” stands almost at the water’s edge. Parts of the columns and the outlines of the halls are also visible on the shore.
According to legend, it was from here that the mythical hero Jason sailed to Colchis for the Golden Fleece.
There is also a small beach near the water; this place will be very interesting for divers. I dived with a mask and snorkel, the views into the depths are simply amazing!!! Even some ladies from our group, who had never dived with a mask and snorkel in their lives, could not resist and swam along the coastal rocks, looking at the blue depths and animal world bays.
Not far from the cape Malagawi there is an old one of the same name lighthouse. It's just a few hundred meters from the archaeological site Temple of Hera. It offers a very beautiful view of north coast Peloponnese and the Gulf of Corinth. From here you can even see the entrance with the piers to the Corinth Canal. Especially beautiful views open if you come here at sunset.
Further, the coast makes a turn, forming a peninsula, in the center of which is the village of Perachora, and on the other side a number of picturesque small villages - Pissia, Strava and others. On the way to Agios Sotiro beach, we passed the monastery of Agios Nikolaos o Neos, built in the 10th-11th centuries AD and being the oldest Byzantine structure in the region.
Beaches in Loutraki itself are marked blue flag- i.e. they are excellent in purity and beauty. But there is much more to appreciate in the surrounding area for beach lovers. These are places such as Skinos, Skaloma, Milokopi, Strava, Sterma and Mavrolimni.
On Beach Strava White sand and the purest water. But there are no showers for washing fresh water. But in a tavern near the beach we tasted fresh, just caught fish and octopus. The owner prepared us an excellent lunch, although we had to wait about 40 minutes, but we did not regret it.
IN the town of Skaloma (Skaloma) there is no beach as such, but a very beautiful coastal strip with coniferous trees, under which you can hide from the hot sun. The bay is very picturesque. I snorkeled there. I found a lot of interesting things at the bottom, including tackle - a homemade spoon made from oyster shells. There are clay deposits on the shore. When wetted with water, it softens and you can make something out of it.
Clay near the shore
The Greek town of Loutraki means “healing baths”. This area combines good climate, pine smell, heritage of previous eras and elements modern life. Loutraki is located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, closely connected with neighboring Corinth. The thermal springs of the city, which existed in Antiquity, are still actively used in local health resorts today. Loutraki will become good choice for those who want to improve their health a little. Holidays in Loutraki in 2019, Greece - prices, beaches, entertainment and attractions will be remembered forever.
Loutraki lies on the shores of the Corinthian Gulf and is gently washed by the waves of the Ionian Sea. The roots of the city go deep into the historical past. Even in that heroic antiquity, which is so rich in cultural heritage and color.
Today this region is a real stronghold of health. Here are the real sources of healing. Already since 1847, there has been a rush for treatment with mineral waters, which sound like a cry right from underground. And it was this year that the inhabitants of Italy began to move to the region of Loutraki.
As they say that there are spots on the Sun, this sacred land is not without troubles on a large scale. The most difficult years were 1928 and 1981. And the reason for the destruction of this grace was nature itself. Strong earthquakes destroyed the city to its very foundation. But like a Phoenix bird, it was constantly reborn from the ashes and became even more attractive to tourists. To this day, this region provides a warm welcome to its guests.
Loutraki on the map:
Climate
It’s not for nothing that Loutraki is considered a health resort. Here the climate itself promotes health. The air here is soft, the sun's rays gently warm this fertile land. Only in July the sun becomes mercilessly scorching. Winters here are also mild, without severe frosts and heavy snowfalls. This region is so fertile that even Olympus sacrifices this to Loutraki.
How to get to the city
Lutriki attracts travelers like a magnet. And to get to this region, first of all you need to fly to Athens by plane. Only after this you need to go to the city of your dreams. A bus leaves from Athens to Loutraki every hour. In the evening, the schedule becomes busier.
In addition, you can go with a transfer in Corinth. Buses run in this direction every half hour. Naturally, in this case the trip takes much longer and will therefore cost more, but exploring the famous canal is worth it. The cost of a direct flight ticket is 8.50 euros. The trip itself takes approximately one and a half hours.
Transport to Loutraki
In Loutraki, as in any other city, residents are served by taxis and city buses. Since the city is relatively small, you can also get around on foot. In addition, there is also Railway, which connects this city with other Greek cities.
Where to stay
Loutraki can't boast big amount hotels, but nevertheless the quality of service in them is excellent. At the same time, there are five-star hotels to choose from and ordinary apartments that are completely affordable for the average tourist. Most hotels have been renovated, some have been built. They are located both in the city center and not far from the beaches. At the same time, only people living in these hotels are allowed to visit the beaches near five-star hotels. And the cost of visiting it is included in the hotel price.
Kitchen
Greek cuisine is a combination of olives, feta, vegetables, seafood, fish, meat and a lot of wine. Each dish is generously topped with olive oil and lemon juice. It should be noted that all products grown by the Greeks are not exported.
For them, the process of eating food is a kind of ritual where they can not only dine, but also relax, communicate with family and friends. During lunch, the whole family at the table discusses problems, rejoices at achievements and just has a good time.
You can try Greek dishes in cafes, restaurants or taverns. Here you will be offered to taste Moussaka. This dish is made from eggplant, potatoes and minced meat, layered and covered in bechamel sauce.
An equally famous and tasty dish is Pastitsio. It is made from pasta and minced meat. Top with the same sauce. In addition, a large selection of salads, snacks and Tzadzyki yogurt will be offered.
And of course Feta cheese. Sooner or later it will be served to your table. This most delicious cheese in the world is most often an integral part of the world-famous Greek salad.
In Greece, you can also go to a fish tavern, where you will be offered a wide variety fish dishes. In psystar taverns you will be served meat roasted over charcoal. It can be brizola, paidakya, kotopulo or bifteki. And of course there is also a kebab shop here. Besides all these dishes, French fries remain the most favorite among Greeks.
Desserts include yogurt, which is also used for dressing various salads. In addition, you will be offered baklava, loukoumades and vasilopita. This pie is traditionally prepared on New Year's Eve.
From alcoholic drinks Raki is very popular here. And of course a large number of wine that you can’t even find in Russia.
Shopping
The city of Loutraki does not have a large number of shops, but there are enough for the needs of residents and tourists. Here you can buy fashionable clothes that are completely affordable. There are also stores with branded shoes. Locals love to visit shopping mall Galatios, where you can buy everything from food to shoes and clothing.
And of course, what would a trip be without buying souvenirs? For this purpose, there are souvenir shops such as Dipilos and Roxana Souvenir, which sell souvenir dishes and other utensils.
Attractions
Not far from this city there are many historical monuments ancient Greek civilization. These are Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia; Athens is also nearby. In cloudless weather, Mount Agrocorinth is clearly visible, famous for the fact that it was on it, according to myth, that Sisyphus tried to roll a huge stone. This mountain is also connected with another mythological story: the winged horse Pegasus, accompanying the muses, flew to this very place.
On a mountain near the city there is a monastery of St. Potapius, dating back to the 11th century. The monastery was built at an altitude of more than seven hundred meters, so from it you can observe the beautiful landscapes of the Peloponnese and the Saronic Gulf. And the monastery building itself is a monument of Byzantine architecture.
Just west of Loutraki is Lake Vogliagmeni, which is actually a closed bay connected to the waters of the Corinth Canal thanks to a narrow strait. This lake experiences frequent ebbs and flows. An ancient lighthouse has been preserved on the western side. It stands on the edge of Cape Malangavi and is still in operation today. Not far from it you can see the ruins of ancient temples - Limenias and Akreas.
Near Loutraki there is a temple built in the 5th century BC. in honor of the goddess Hera. Excavations are underway at this site, which tourists are sometimes allowed to see. In Corinth you can visit the ruins of one of the largest ancient Greek temples, erected in honor of the sea king Poseidon. The Isthmian Games were once held here. Only parts of the foundation and the remains of mosaic images remained intact from the sanctuary. Ruins of baths, a stadium and other buildings were discovered on the territory. Many artifacts are on display in the museum next to the ruins.
Entertainment
Holidays in 2019 are not limited to just a variety of excursions and hikes in the mountains. Lovers sea cruises They will appreciate a walk along the Gulf of Corinth, which includes a trip to the island, sea fishing, or swimming in the open sea. Sometimes such voyages are organized before sunset so that vacationers can see a delightful sunset, and then, if the swim takes place on a full moon, then the big Moon.
People who came for active recreation, will not be disappointed. The proximity of the sea makes it possible to organize such types of entertainment as surfing, diving, football, volleyball, tennis, and various kinds of attractions. There is also entertainment for children: carousels, trampolines and a large water park.
Followers nightlife they will be happy too. In addition to nightclubs and bars located on the coast, Loutraki has a casino - one of the largest gambling establishments in Europe.
A trip to Lake Volyagmeni is popular. On its shore you can not only sunbathe or swim in hot springs, but also try dishes made from fish caught in this lake in a nearby restaurant.
Beaches of Loutraki
The beautiful coast of this city originates from the Strait of Corinth and ends at the city park. The length of the beach is more than three kilometers. The beach consists of small stones; the seabed has sharp changes.
On the beaches of this town, the infrastructure is well developed: there are a large number of cafes and coastal restaurants, sun loungers can be borrowed for free, showers are equipped, and lifeguards keep a vigilant eye on vacationers.
What else you need to know about vacation
Loutraki is famous for the miraculous power of its thermal springs. And this is not fiction at all. Water contains a large amount of minerals, in addition it contains large amounts of sodium and magnesium. This “living” water can have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, pacify and calm it. Most women make a pilgrimage to these waters in order to be cured of infertility and other gynecological diseases.
Loutraki is considered the epicenter of healing, where every tourist inhales the wonderful aroma of pine needles along with fresh air, which has a beneficial effect on the body in combination with healing baths.
Connection
Mobile communications in Greece have large coverage throughout the country. At the same time, cellular communication works even in the metro. You can buy a SIM card in Greece at any kiosk, supermarket or operator’s office. At the same time, it will cost from 5 to 20 euros, depending on the operator. The tariff for a call in roaming is 0.5 euros. In addition, you can switch from one operator to another and the number remains the same. What does not exist in Russia.
Safety
As in any country, petty thefts exist in Greece. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your luggage and valuables. The most profitable places for thieves are a train station, an airport, historical places where there are large crowds of people.
In addition, there is some danger for women. Under no circumstances should they go out for evening walks alone. Because in Greece there are many who like to start a romance for one season.
In addition, earthquakes very often occur in Greece, which in most cases do not exceed magnitude 5, but still this phenomenon is not familiar to Russian citizens. The scorching sun can cause fires. Therefore, in this case you need to be extremely careful.
Loutraki is a resort that is known all over the world. Warm waters of the sea, developed infrastructure, historical flair - all this never ceases to attract tourists. Hot springs and well developed road network make this city of Greece popular place holidays in any season.
Loutraki from above - in the video:
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.
It should be taken into account 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 even more relevant, 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 on toll roads you need to lay down 3-5 Euros.
From there you can go on a further journey around Greece. We studied the ways to get from Loutraki to Athens in advance, and the trip did not cause us any difficulties.
By bus
In fact, the only way to get from Loutraki to Athens is by public transport is a bus. Unfortunately, railway communication in the country is extremely poorly developed, and you can only travel by train to certain cities in Greece. Bus transport, on the contrary, runs even in the most remote corners countries, and a large number of buses means you don’t have to wait for hours for your flight.
Flights between Loutraki and Athens are operated by the country's largest carrier KTEL Korinthias. There are quite a lot of buses, and additional buses are added during the peak tourist season. The first bus departs from Loutraki at 06:00, the last at 21:30. The journey takes about two hours, as buses stop at other places along the way. settlements.
In Athens, buses arrive at the bus station Terminal A, located at 100 Kiffissou Street. If you further need to go to the airport, you can get there by bus X93 (service interval is 35 minutes during the day and 65 at night). If you plan to go to the center, then take bus No. 051 (the interval is about 20 minutes, the last bus leaves at approximately 11 pm).
How much does it cost? A bus ride from Loutraki to Athens will cost 8.5 euros.
Where to buy You can buy a ticket at the bus station ticket office or at the carrier. Since there are a lot of buses, there are no problems with tickets.
By car
Since it is not too far from Russia, many tourists prefer to get here by car and arrange a self-driving tour of the Balkan Peninsula. Especially for such travelers, I will tell you how to get from Loutraki to Athens by car.
The distance between the cities is just over 80 km, so you can get from one city to another in an hour.
The road connecting the cities is in good condition, the only thing is that there will be a toll on the highway. You will need to pay a couple of euros for the journey.
Despite the fact that it is considered not the most rich country European Union, gasoline here is more expensive than in Germany or Austria - as much as 1.47 euros per liter of grade 95 fuel.
If you wish, you can rent a car and travel around the country in it. True, finding a rental office in Loutraki is not so easy. You can try to search and book a car online using special services. But, I’ll tell you from experience, finding cheap cars in Greece (as, for example, in Spain or Croatia) is not at all easy. Even the most budget options cost almost 90 euros per day.
Results
My sister and I traveled both to and from Loutraki by bus. As I noted, it is not possible to get from here to Athens by train (you must first go by bus to Corinth, and then change to a train, which takes longer and is more expensive), and the option with a car was not suitable, primarily because that neither my sister nor I have a driver's license.
Loutraki is a city on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, 4 km from Corinth. This is a famous resort town, which is popular in the country and abroad due to its mineral springs. Even the name of the city comes from the Greek Λουτρά - “therapeutic baths”. If you got to Corinth, don’t be too lazy to get to Loutraki - the city is truly very beautiful! Here's what you can see here.
Embankment Loutraki
As you know, the city stretches along the sea for several kilometers, so the main promenade of Loutraki is quite long. This is one of the favorite places for tourists and local youth, who come here on warm summer evenings “to see and be seen.” On this embankment there is a number of hotels of different stars, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, discos, bars and taverns. And the most important place for entertainment is the casino, by the way, one of the largest in Europe. You can also go down to the city’s beaches from the embankment.
Waterfall with thermal water 
This waterfall is constantly surrounded by people who want to improve their health. Thermal waters at a temperature of 32 degrees have healing properties. Therefore, a pool was built at the bottom of the waterfall where you can swim. There is also a cafe with a summer area next to the waterfall. This waterfall can be found on the Loutraki embankment, on the slope of the Gerania mountains, in the main city park. By the way, the city park is very nice and amazes with the vegetation on the territory - there are shrubs, palm trees, and azaleas. A riot of greenery! And this beautiful place for walks.
Sanctuary "Perahorian Gereon" 
This attraction is located near the village of Perechora, northwest of Loutraki. The sanctuary was once a beautiful temple built to honor the goddess of marriage and the family, Hera. Today these are ruins on the shore of a beautiful bay, next to the lighthouse on Cape Malankavi. Scientists claim that the sanctuary was built in the 6th century BC on the site of an arched temple from the 8th century BC. This building (the last one) is built in the shape of a rectangle, 10.3 X 31 meters. On one side of the structure you can see an altar decorated with triglyphs (vertical stone slabs with triangular longitudinal grooves). By the way, the popular film “Three Hundred Spartans” was filmed here at the site of the ruins in the middle of the last century. So, a visit is a must!
Lighthouse at Cape Malagawi 
The lighthouse was built in the 19th century in the Perachor area, in the north-west of Loutraki. At that time, this shore of Loutraki was actively used by ships and boats as a pier, but the rock next to the shore was sometimes not visible during bad weather or fog. So, many ships simply crashed against the rock. Therefore, it was decided to build a lighthouse 100 meters from the shore. This lighthouse is quite beautiful, made of light stone, with a green dome.
Thermal source(Georgiou Lekka 24) 
Here is another place of health, so to speak. This 5,000 meter spa center is located in the city center, next to Hotel Marko on L. Katsoni street. In general, it should be noted that mineral springs Loutraki was glorified long ago, even the Macedonian warriors, and perhaps he himself, came here to heal the wounds received in military campaigns. 
By the way, they claim that Loutraki is the oldest on earth thermal resort. But it's official medicinal properties local waters recognized only in 1847, and eight years later they founded an enterprise for the exploitation of healing springs, providing services in the field of tourism and healthcare. Thus, Loutraki became a hydrotherapy resort by 1925.
You can drink water from the source just like that. The use of mineral waters is indicated for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, liver and biliary tract, as well as for skin problems and neuralgia. In this spring, with a temperature of up to 30 degrees and in cold streams, they bathe and have hydromassage - in general, they improve their health and come out refreshed. 
There are mud baths, sauna and massages. The feeling is indescribable! Invigorates and relieves fatigue, tones and relaxes muscles. The pools are not very deep, just over a meter deep.
The spa is extremely popular among tourists and locals alike. By the way, the springs are very beautifully decorated - small temple-like structures with columns, mosaics, painted ceilings and walls, where you can see motifs from Greek myths. This is the oldest thermal center city, and there is also a newer and stylish one on the same street. 
You can try the treatment once, or you can undergo a course of serious treatment by first making an appointment with a doctor who will select the optimal course of procedures. If you don’t have time for long procedures, go for a short appointment, which costs about 18 euros for 1.5 hours. Hydromassage and swimming in the pool for 45 minutes costs 10 euros, half an hour - 8 euros, massage and swimming in the pool - about 25 euros. More serious procedures cost from 30 euros. There is a bar in the center where you can drink tea or juice, as well mineral water from the source (free). You can select and combine procedures as you wish, and besides, it is quite inexpensive. Changing rooms and lockers are free. There are Russian speaking staff at the reception. The only negative is that accommodation on the territory of the spa center is not possible, so if you don’t have the strength to go back (where you came from), it’s easier to rent a hotel or apartment, fortunately, in Loutraki they are quite inexpensive, compared, at least, with the nearest Corinth (one and a half to two times, for example, apartments can be rented for 25-30 euros per day for two). Also in the center you can buy preparations based on these beneficial waters and muds and continue the treatment at home. This is such a gem of a city! Be sure to visit, you won’t regret it!
Gerania Ridge 
This is a miraculous landmark mountain range, which stretches for five kilometers from north to south and 25 kilometers from east to west. The rocks are almost not covered with any vegetation, although there are “oases” islands. Loutraki is practically surrounded by the slopes of Gerania. The most highest point mountains - Aetorahi (1105 m). Fans will love the ridge hiking, but climbers will find it a bit boring here. But the place is really beautiful, with many beautiful routes and paths, small churches and Byzantine monasteries along the way.