Both are seaside towns on the Corinthian Gulf with pebble beaches and Blue Flags — but they suit different holidays. Here is the honest comparison.
| Loutraki | Xylokastro | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Spa town: thermal springs (in antiquity it was called Thermae) and one of Europe’s largest casinos. | Quieter seaside town; a pine forest (Pefkias) runs right down to the beach. |
| Beach | Long pebble town beach; Blue Flag 2026 for Loutraki 1, Loutraki 2 and Loutraki-Boutsi. | Pebble beach of about 2 km; Blue Flag 2026 for Xylokastro-Pefkias, and Sykia next door. |
| Nature nearby | Perachora peninsula, Lake Vouliagmeni and the Heraion; the Geraneia mountains behind. | The Pefkias pine wood (1,760 m long, 80–220 m wide); Mount Ziria and Trikala behind. |
| Without a car | No railway station — reached by KTEL coach. | Railway station on the Kiato–Aigio line (change at Kiato for the suburban railway to Athens). |
| Distance | About 81 km from Athens, a few km from the Corinth Canal. | About 30 km north-west of Corinth. |
| Best for | Spa, nightlife and casino, short trips from Athens, the Perachora peninsula. | A slower beach holiday, shade under the pines, a base for the mountains of Ziria. |
In short
Choose Loutraki if you want thermal springs, life in the evening and to be close to Athens. Choose Xylokastro if you want a calmer beach with pine shade, the train, and the mountains of Ziria within reach. They are not far apart, so you can easily see both.
Read more: Loutraki central beach · Osios Patapios monastery · Lake Vouliagmeni · Pefkia beach
Things 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
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Enter the code at checkout on myesim.gr. Works on iPhone XS and newer and on most Android phones from 2019 onwards.
