Kechries and Loutra Oraias Elenis: swimming over an ancient harbour
ArticleOn the Saronic coast, a few kilometres from Corinth, two neighbouring seaside villages combine swimming with history: Kechries, with its sunken ancient harbour, and Loutra Oraias Elenis, with a long, shallow beach.
Kechries: the eastern port of ancient Corinth
Today’s village of Kechries is built on the ancient eastern port of Corinth, Kenchreai. In the shallow water you can make out the sunken remains of the ancient moles and buildings, so on a calm day you are literally swimming over an ancient harbour. According to the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostle Paul passed through here. It is also where the 4th-century AD glass panels now in the Isthmia Museum were found.
Loutra Oraias Elenis
A few kilometres further south, Loutra Oraias Elenis is one of the favourite seaside spots of the people of Corinth themselves. Tradition has it that Helen of Troy bathed here. The long organised beach has shallow water, making it a good choice for families with children, and there are tavernas and cafés along the shore.
A little inland: Galataki
About three kilometres from Loutra lies Galataki. Nearby is the Monastery of Agios Therapon, the only one in Greece dedicated to Saint Therapon, bishop of Cyprus.
Practical tips
- Kechries is about 12 kilometres from Corinth, and Loutra Oraias Elenis about 15.
- At Kechries, respect the ancient remains: do not stand on them or take anything away.
- Loutra gets busy on summer weekends. For a quieter swim, go on a weekday or early in the morning.
- Combine the trip with Isthmia and the Corinth Canal.
Related articles
Not sure where to go next?Every village, sight and beach in Corinthia on one map — save the ones you like and open the route.
Open the mapRecommended in Corinthia
Root nature cosmetics
Shopping · Riza
To polychoro taverna
Eat & Drink · Trikala
Kryoneri Cultural Association
Events · Kryoneri
Dimitra Stathi — Philologist
Services · Kiato
Corner grill & burger
Eat & Drink · Kiato
Lia’s Travel
Services · Kiato
Pleiadon Gi Mountain Resort & Spa
Hospitality · Trikala
Blank Studio Photoshootings
Services · Kiato
Businesses that support Visit Corinthia.
Explore more of Corinthia
Plan your trip to Corinthia
Take the trip quizThings to do there — Corinthia
Optional tours, tickets and activities for your days here — you choose what suits you.
Activities, experiences and local guides — book ahead and skip the queues.
See options →A guided day with transport from Athens to Ancient Corinth and Nafplio, with free cancellation. Also: Corinth Canal & wine tasting, Ancient Corinth half-day
See options →Compare prices from all the major rental companies, with free cancellation on most offers. Also: Loutraki, Nafplio, Argos
See options →Activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their own page, at exactly the same price.
Before you arrive
Arrive in Corinthia already online
Maps, ferry times, a table for tonight — all of it needs data. MyEsim is a Greek eSIM app covering Greece and 180+ countries: install the plan before you fly, and it switches on the moment you land. No queue at the airport, no roaming bill. Visit Corinthia readers get 10% off.
- Covers all of Greece
- Ready in minutes
- No physical SIM
Enter the code at checkout on myesim.gr. Works on iPhone XS and newer and on most Android phones from 2019 onwards.
