Loutraki - Autumn in the spa town • Greek-CrossRoads

Loutraki looks different on autumn days. The color of the sea darkens, the bustling crowd of the summer season has migrated away like birds and the children are back at school. At this time of year you can park comfortably find a table and a place in the sun, or have a long last relaxed stroll on foot or a ride by bicycle, even a dip in the calm waters of the bay, which in autumn becomes even calmer like an Italian lake.

Loutraki has joined the family of European Historic spa towns, a list created in Brussels in 2009 and includes 30 resorts in 13 European countries characterized by a rich architectural heritage and whose thermal waters are recognized for their healing properties throughout Europe. Pre-war Loutraki was considered the “top” of the Greek Resorts. At the spring named Karantanis the first water plant in Greece was born and was among the first in Europe, under the name “Source Karantanis SA” it was the first municipal company operating thermal waters.

Loutraki, is famous for its healing natural mineral waters and has been a favorite resort of Athenians for decades.

Athens-Loutraki: one hour’s drive: It is almost an hour from the capital. Taking the new national Attica highway from Athens toward Corinth the region of Attica is soon left behind. The exit for Loutraki is just before we move on to the Peloponnese, near the Corinth Canal where the new highway junction (toll) and the old national road Athens-Corinth (toll-free) meet. A long straight road then leads a few kilometers to the city center.

Casino and monasteries overlooking Loutraki

Loutraki is also known for its casinos, as here in the late 20s the first casino was opened which is now found at the entrance to the city. One of the attractions of the area are the Gerania mount monasteries. The most famous is the monastery of Saint Patapios built on a steep slope in Gerania, almost hanging over Loutraki. The relics of the saint are laid in the rock which has beautiful religious paintings. The terrace at the monastery is the best place around to see the panoramic view of the area. This is situated approximately 6 km from Loutraki , on the road to Perachora village and Heraion (ancient temple on Hera).

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Classical coastal route in Loutraki resort, either walk or bike. The best time is early in the afternoon, just before sunset.

Visit the white semicircular building the spa, next to waterfalls. Although the building’s exterior appears unassuming, inside it hides an impressive decor with mosaics painted by Stefanos Xenopoulos and his students in 1935-1936.

Food: The secret of the locals from the 50s until today is the galley-Grocery with awesome name “Saint Euphrosynos”. Saint Euphrosynos is the patron saint of cooks.Today, the owner and chef of the taverna, Michael Damianos, maintains the greek tradition of the old times. Near the central square of Loutraki (St. John 17 20300 Loutraki Tel .: 27440 22 247 and 697 303 2913). Daily only for lunch (time 12: 00- 17:00) Closed Mondays.