Lake Heraion and Loutraki will be a great place to get acquainted with traditional Greek cuisine.

There are a multitude of gastronomy options with an abundance of restaurants for all tastes. Fresh local products include ‘mignardises’ or ‘loukoumia’ mini sweets, chocolate, pasta, olives… discover local greek recipes and flavors!

The main highlight of local gastronomy here is the variety of fish dishes and other seafood. At the local taverns and restaurants, you can taste traditional fish dishes such as red mullet, mullus, and flounder. Fish in Greece are prepared in a variety of ways – charcoal-grilled fish is one of the top preparations with smoky flavors and a tender and juicy texture. Fans of delicacies will be delighted to eat delicious lobster, and octopus dishes, which are considered some of the main highlights of regional cuisine. Lobster and octopus can be served baked or pickled – these dishes are quite inexpensive in the surrounding local eateries and will satisfy any food lover.

‘Dredoures’ are amongst the most famous local sweets produced exclusively in Loutraki, originating from the village of Perachora.  An amazing “superfood”, Dredoures consist of traditional Greek honey, walnuts and cinnamon in a recipe prepared meticulously in Perachora every winter after the honey harvest.

Fans of meat should be sure to try regional traditional lamb dishes. Many meat dishes are spit-roasted, with surrounding restaurants and taverns specializing in meat. Hearty meat dishes are necessarily complemented with rich garnishes of pickled and fresh vegetables. For a healthy choice, local free range chicken is a juicy and flavorful alternative.

The most unusual meat course widespread in the region is called “Kokoretsi” – barbecue from lamb giblets. In ancient times, it was customary to cook this dish exclusively for Easter, but now you can try it in local taverns every day.

Vegetarians also have a variety of excellent options. Throughout the year, Greeks cook many interesting dishes from vegetables and legumes. A common and hearty treat is lentil soup, in addition to spinach pilaf which is a regular daily meal for locals.

Some local delicacies are not served in ordinary restaurants and can only be found at nearby grocery markets. Walking around the market, you can try special, locally produced of sheep’s cheese and yogurt, as well as honey and sweets made from fruit juice. Don’t forget to check out the variety of pastries sold in numerous stalls and bakeries. The local cooks prepare wonderful pies with cheese and vegetable fillings, and meat pies are considered to be a filling and satisfying snack option.

The olive oil produced at the Gerania Mountains is of excellent quality,  providing significant health benefits as a “healthy fat”. Every Autumn, during the traditional period of olive oil pressing, many visitors come to watch and participate in the olive oil making.

The many restaurants, traditional taverns, seafood ‘ouzeri’s’, bakeries and patisseries in Loutraki and the surrounding region promise a gastronomic experience for literally every taste. From enjoying a seafood dinner by the sea under the moonlight to engaging in a protein packed meal on a traditional tavern in the Geraneia Mountains, the gastronomic options are endless.

Group gastronomic events are also part of the experience of organised gastro tourism in the Loutraki area. Cooking lessons, visits to local producers, events for gourmets and wine connoisseurs and gastronomic excursions to the nearby areas are all included on the itineraries of local organised group tours.

Loutraki is a destination full of pleasant surprises ideal for tourism on a year-round basis.

Whether visiting in either Summer or Winter time, for a weekend or for a week or more, Loutraki is a destination that is always jam-packed with events, activities, festivals, sports, tournaments, exhibitions and entertainment.