Loutraki is a seaside spa town in Corinthia, on the Gulf of Corinth in the Peloponnese, about 84 km west of Athens and 4 km from ancient Corinth. Loutraki has been a recognised spa town since 1925 and is known for three things: natural thermal springs used since antiquity, one of the largest casinos in Greece and Europe, and Blue Flag pebble beaches. This guide covers how to reach Loutraki, its beaches, and the best things to do.
Where is Loutraki, Greece?
Loutraki sits on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth, at the foot of the Geraneia mountains, in the regional unit of Corinthia in the northeastern Peloponnese. Loutraki is the seat of the Loutraki–Perachora–Agioi Theodoroi municipality and lies just 4 km north of the Corinth Canal, the narrow waterway that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. This position — coastal, mountain-backed and minutes from a major ancient site — is why Loutraki works both as a beach base and as a touring base for the wider Corinthia region.
How to get to Loutraki from Athens
The fastest way to reach Loutraki from Athens is by car: the drive is about 84 km and takes roughly one hour on the Athens–Corinth national road (Olympia Odos). From Athens International Airport (ATH), allow about 90 minutes, as the airport lies east of the city. Public transport is straightforward too — KTEL buses run from Athens and take around 1 hour 15 minutes, while trains reach nearby Corinth in about an hour.
| From Athens | Journey time | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car / private transfer | ~1 hour (84 km) | Fuel + tolls | Olympia Odos motorway; ~90 min from Athens Airport |
| KTEL bus | ~1 h 15 min | €6–€9 | Departs central Athens |
| Train (to Corinth) + taxi | ~1 h + short hop | €5–€15 | Loutraki is 4 km from Corinth |
If you are staying at one of the villas in Loutraki, a private airport transfer is the most comfortable option and can be arranged through our concierge services.
The thermal springs and spa of Loutraki
Loutraki takes its name from its thermal springs — “loutra” means baths in Greek — and many consider the town the birthplace of Greek thermalism. The mineral-rich, naturally carbonated water has been used for therapeutic drinking and bathing since antiquity, when the settlement was known as Thermae. You can taste the water for free at the small spring outlet in the town’s central park, marked “Ιαματικόν” (Therapeutic).
For a full wellness experience, the modern Loutraki Thermal Spa uses the same thermal water in two indoor heated pools with waterfalls and hydro-massage jets, alongside a menu of relaxation and beauty treatments. The spa is walking distance from the seafront, making an easy add-on to a beach day.
Best beaches in Loutraki
Loutraki’s central beach is a long pebble seafront that has held a Blue Flag continuously since 1987, with clear water and a promenade of cafés and tavernas directly behind it. For quieter swimming, head to Skaloma beach just west of the centre, or drive out toward Perachora for the wilder coves of Mikri and Megali Mylokopi, which are popular with divers.
What is Lake Vouliagmeni near Loutraki?
Lake Vouliagmeni is a saltwater lagoon about 14–16 km northwest of Loutraki, near the village of Perachora. The lake connects to the Gulf of Corinth through a narrow channel, so its calm, warm water is naturally renewed by the tides roughly every six hours. Sheltered and shallow near the shore, Lake Vouliagmeni is one of the safest and most scenic swimming spots in the Loutraki area.
Top things to do in Loutraki
Beyond the beaches and thermal spa, Loutraki is an excellent base for day trips across Corinthia. The highlights below range from a five-minute drive to comfortable half-day excursions.
- Corinth Canal — the 19th-century canal cutting through the Isthmus is a few kilometres south of Loutraki (about a 10-minute drive); watch boats pass from the road bridges, or try bungee jumping over the gorge.
- Heraion of Perachora — an ancient sanctuary of the goddess Hera dating to the 6th century BC, set on a cape by the Melagavi lighthouse (in service since 1897), next to Lake Vouliagmeni.
- Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth — the Roman-era city and its towering hilltop citadel are about a 30-minute drive away.
- Monastery of Saint Patapios — a cliffside monastery above Loutraki with sweeping views over the Gulf of Corinth.
- Club Hotel Casino Loutraki — see below.
The Club Hotel Casino Loutraki
The Club Hotel Casino Loutraki is one of the largest casinos in Greece and Europe, and Loutraki’s single best-known attraction. Greece’s first casino opened in Loutraki in 1930, and the current venue has operated since 1995. It offers around 1,000 slot machines, 35 electronic roulette stations and 87 live gaming tables, including blackjack, roulette, punto banco and poker, plus restaurants and an attached hotel — a self-contained evening out on the seafront.
Where to stay in Loutraki
Loutraki offers everything from seafront hotels to private villas with pools. For groups, families and couples who want privacy and space, Loutraki Villas Collection manages hand-picked private villas in Greece with private pools in and around the town. Two of our most popular Loutraki properties are the hilltop Villa Elena, which sleeps large groups and suits weddings and retreats, and the beachfront Villa Aura, a bed-and-breakfast just steps from the sea.
You can compare all of our villas in Loutraki — and nearby locations in Porto Germeno and Porto Rafti — on the villa locations pages, and book the whole property directly with no platform fees.
When is the best time to visit Loutraki?
The best time to visit Loutraki is late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the Gulf of Corinth is warm enough for swimming and the beaches, tavernas and casino are in full swing. July and August are the busiest and hottest months; June and September offer warm sea temperatures with fewer crowds. Because the thermal spa and casino operate year-round, Loutraki also makes a mild off-season weekend break from Athens.
Frequently asked questions about Loutraki
How far is Loutraki from Athens?
Loutraki is about 84 km from central Athens, roughly a one-hour drive on the Olympia Odos motorway. From Athens International Airport, allow about 90 minutes by car.
Is Loutraki worth visiting?
Loutraki is worth visiting for its Blue Flag beaches, natural thermal spa, and its position next to the Corinth Canal and ancient Corinth. It combines a relaxed seaside-town atmosphere with easy day trips, making it a popular short escape from Athens.
What is Loutraki known for?
Loutraki is known for its natural mineral thermal springs, the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki (one of Europe’s largest), and its bottled mineral water sold across Greece. It is also a gateway to the Corinth Canal, Lake Vouliagmeni and the Heraion of Perachora.
Are there beaches in Loutraki?
Yes. Loutraki’s central pebble beach has held a Blue Flag since 1987, and quieter options include Skaloma beach and the coves around Perachora. Lake Vouliagmeni, a sheltered saltwater lagoon 14–16 km away, is ideal for calm, safe swimming.
Plan your stay in Loutraki
Ready to experience Loutraki for yourself? Browse our private villas in Loutraki and send an enquiry for live availability and a direct-booking rate — our concierge team will help with transfers, spa bookings and day trips across Corinthia.
