The Heraion of Perachora is a sanctuary of the goddess Hera situated in a small cove of the Corinthian gulf. In addition to a temple of Hera of unusual construction and antiquity, the remains of a number of other structures have also been found. The ruins of the ancient temple are all around and go further down to the sea. If you are at this point in the afternoon, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset of the Corinthian Gulf, just above the ancient harbor of Heraion.

The lake is surrounded by natural pine forest and is considered to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in Greece. With its waters much saltier than the open sea, they are considered particularly warm and allow swimming until late in the autumn. On the perimeter of the lake you can either find some taverns for food and coffee or relax and swim.

Back in ancient times, Loutraki was known as Thermai Artemis, which found fame through its natural, therapeutic thermal springs. Mythology has it that, Artemis (Diana), goddess of forests and hills, while travelling through ancient Greece, made a stop in this mystical place. Today is a living town where you can have lunch or enjoy swimming, along the inviting four kilometres of beaches, stretching from one end of the town to the other. Since 1987 Loutraki has been awarded with the blue flag for clean seas and beaches.

The Diolkos was a paved trackway which enabled boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth built in the 6th c BC. The shortcut allowed ancient vessels to avoid the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Our next stop the Corinth Canal. Opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal closer, (if you’re game,) on some days bungee jumping is an option.

We drive back to Athens.