“Open” step for Perachora – Limni Vouliagmeni – Heraion
At the “feet” of the Gerania Mountains, just 15 km from the spa town of Loutraki, is a heaven on earth, bathed in blue, green and with the yellow of the sun reflecting on the ancient marbles. Wear hiking boots, take your baton and of course a backpack with the essentials such as water and snacks.
Follow the signposted paths leading through dense pine forest, with the scents of mint and thyme, to an enchanting lagoon. A few kilometres further on, the temple where the Corinthians worshipped Hera every year and on a high rock the Melagavi lighthouse lighting the way for sailors. Ready? Here we go!
Perahora
Many hiking routes start directly from Lake Vouliagmeni, but if you want to take a few more steps, Perachora is the main meeting point. It is about 6 km from Limni, through a lush path, without any particular difficulty and with a beautiful view of the Corinthian Gulf. Following the blue signposting of the path, you will find yourself after about an hour, in the calm and dreamy landscape of the lagoon.
Lake Heraion or Vouliagmeni
A narrow opening connects Lake Heraion or Vouliagmeni, as it is better known, with the sea of the Corinthian Gulf. Its water is salty and does not remain stagnant, ideal for swimming on hot spring days. Turquoise crystal clear waters, golden yellow sandy beach, green rocky slopes and scattered fish taverns for good food.
Archaeological site of Heraion
From the right of the lake continue to the archaeological site of Heraion. Here the signalling changes from blue to green. In three kilometres you will find yourself in the archaeological site of Heraion, next to the waves. Here the Corinthians, once a year, came with ships to honour the goddess Hera Akraia or Limenia, as they called her. The water is deep and you can see the ruins of the ancient harbour at the bottom. But they are not the only ones you will see there. Small churches standing on the tops of rocks and the ancient aqueduct, the construction of which would be the envy of even modern engineers.
Lighthouse Melagavi
Follow the path from the archaeological site of Hera to find yourself after a five-minute walk on the rock of the cape with one of the largest lighthouses of the Corinthian Gulf standing on it. Stay there until late in the afternoon to enjoy the unique ligerama, full of orange trees and golden reflections spreading across the long Corinthian sea with the fishing boats that are starting to light up from the opposite Vrahati in the background.
