Many consider Loutraki to be the birthplace of Greek thermalism and its most important therapeutic centre, once known as Thermae, a word, similar in both Ancient Greek and Latin, that refers to springs and bath houses. In ancient times Loutraki’s springs were considered “the water of life” and the foundation and development of the town is directly linked to them. Even its modern name, Loutraki, is derived from loutro (Λουτρό in Greek), meaning bath, bath-house or spa.
Gifted with long blue urban beaches, Loutraki is today a holiday destination famous for its natural beauty, spas and mineral water springs. Visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to relax in its charming cafés, explore the natural and historic surrounding – with the blue lagoon of Vouliagmeni and the ancient temple of Hera – and visit the modern Casino, one of the biggest in Europe.
The first written reference to the water of Loutraki is in the «Hellenica», written by the Athenian historian Xenophon (431-351 B.C.), who refered how the Spartan army came here to rest during the Corinthian wars. Apollo, God of the sun and well-being and Hera, mother of all Gods, were worshipped here in temples, ruins of which still remain nowadays. The area later fell uder the domain of Romans first and Byzantines later,
In 1847 the first analysis of the mineral waters was undertaken by Professor Giovanni Battista Delvinioti, and soon after the beneficial effects of the waters were publicised in Italy, an influx of settlers paved the way for modern Loutraki. In 1855 the first wooden building housing 10 baths was built, at the same time as the first municipal operating company was established.
A new bath complex was built in 1899, with 22 baths, (and demolished in 1967). In 1928 Loutraki was completely destroyed by earthquake and rebuilt.Today the Loutraki Thermal Spa combines the restored 1934 classical-inspired building and an extended luxurious modern spa complex.
The magnesium-rich waters of Loutraki are still used in drinking therapies at the Neoclassical buvette, where you can see the healing springs flowing out from the rock. The waters are used reduce blood pressure, and assist kidney, bladder and bile functions and improve the skin.
At the Loutraki Thermal Spa water assist with the reduction of cellulite, as well as promoting relaxation. These modern facilities include 2 indoor heated pools with waterfalls and jets, a cold indoor swimming pool and one big outdoor heated pool, plus individual and dual baths cabins, sauna , Hamam, sprinklers, rain showers, massage rooms, a beauty area and a yoga room.
Loutraki water is known through all Greece as a quality drink, thusa significant bottling industry has been developed in the area.