Loutraki is located northwest of Athens on the Gulf of Corinth coast. Here's the latitude and longitude: 37.58 N, 22.58 E
Why You Should Go:
A family-friendly town with a long beachfront and gentle waters, it's popular with Greeks, Germans, and Italians. It also provides inexpensive thermal spa services - a dip in the supposedly healing waters will cost you about 4 Euro; a forty-minute massage will set you back only about 20 Euro, far less than you would spend elsewhere.
Where to Stay and Dine:
Virtually all of the hotels are on or almost on the beach, providing easy access to the water for swimming. Most of them are "3-star" or "C"-class, providing decent accommodations with private baths at reasonable prices. The Club Hotel associated with the Casino is rated "5-star" or Luxury class. They also offer full conference services.
The Grand Hotel is recently renovated and centrally located; some rooms even offer bathtubs, a relative rarity in Greece.
The Hotel Belle Vue prides itself on service and is also conveniently located. While deals are possible, expect to pay about 40-50 Euro per night for a double room.
Of course, Greek food rules here. One restaurant with a better-than-average rendition of traditional dishes is the Astoria; they also occasionally offer a very worth roast pork loin if you're looking for a break from spicy foods. Ask the owner and chief chef Kostas if he will prepare you a "mixed plate" offering a taste of several dishes.
Loutraki also several Chinese restaurants and Italian delivery pizzerias.
Don't Miss Seeing:
The beach is the main draw in Loutraki. However, the ancient city of Corinth is a short 9 Euro taxi ride away.
Travel Tip:
The Athens-Loutraki run will cost about 50-60 Euro by taxi; consider taking the bus instead for a mere 8 Euro per person one way. These buses are "coach tour" types, with padded seats.
More Quick Looks at Towns, Cities, and Islands in Greece: Cities and Towns of Greece
