Loutraki, Greece

Two days ago, my friend and I went to Loutraki, 65 kms west of Athens to try the casino reportedly the biggest here in Greece. The sky cleared, after raining daily for the past week. We left our flat at around 3pm and arrived at the Club Hotel Casino at around half past 4pm. It was an easy drive at 100-120kph on cemented roads stopping momentarily in three toll gates, the first two charging 2.80 euros the last one charging 3.20 euros. Very expensive if converted  to Philippine peso. But it is worth the cost as one travels without traffic to one's destination.We passed through tunnels built under the mountains, very impressive indeed. 

At the Club Hotel, we were greeted by courteous Greek personnel at the Reception who spoke good English. After checking our reservation, we were given a room assignment and information about the facilities of the hotel.

The seaside view room is really modern and comfortable with a good view of the sea and the mountain as advertised. After changing, we immediately went to the garden and the beach to get a better view of the area. I was impressed by the olive trees which are over one thousand years old. The manager told us that these were transplanted from an olive grove in the Corinth area. The oldest was the olive tree found infront of the casino. 

                                          Olive trees over a thousand years old

                                          2000 years old olive tree

We spent the evening at the spa with complete facilities such as the Turkish bath and sauna bath, swimming pool and jacuzzi.After dinner, we tried our luck at the casino slot machines.Most of the players were Greeks and other tourists. We saw a Filipino couple on our way back to our room. 

                                          The Lobby, at the end is the Casino

                            the spa

We checked out at 12noon and drove for another 18 kms to see the Vouliagmeni lake. I drove through  long and winding roads along the mountainside. I have never driven going to Baguio and here I was braving the sometimes uphill and at times downhill long and winding road. Thank God I passed the test with flying colors. 

                                          Vouliagmeni Lake in Loutraki

Loutraki is just one of the beautiful idyllic sites in Greece. It was a restful weekend. And I hope to be able to visit most, if not all of the tourist spots before we leave for another post.