Nature Loving Tourism is a form of tourism associated with various forms of tourism activity in nature. The rich natural environment of Loutraki with the coexistence of mountains and the sea is suitable for a variety of nature loving tourism activities.
Geraneia mountains
Geraneia mountains, are one of the most outstanding mountain ranges of Peloponesse, embraced by three gulfs - the Saronian Gulf, the Corinthian Gulf and the Gulf of Alkyonides. These picturesque mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers like hiking, trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, motorcycling and for the extreme sports enthousiasts, parachuting and paragliding.
Geraneia mountains are named after cranes! According to the thrilling ancient myth, a terrible cataclysm broke out in the era of Defkalionas and Megaros, Zeus’s son, struggled to survive by “swimming” towards the top of the mountain, guided by the cranes that were flying over him!
From Makriplagi, the highest peak of Geraneia - 1.369m long - the view is absolutely awesome! The mountain forms a 37 km long natural barrier between Central Greece and Peloponnese.
What’s more, Geraneia Mountains are enlisted in Natura 2000, the European Net of regions under protection, thanks to its rich fauna and vegetation. There have been traced and recorded approximately 950 different species of plants (lush vegetation, fir & plane trees, oak and myrtle trees, pine trees) and wild animals (jackals, foxes, cranes, royal eagles, hares). Spread around the hills, you may find lots of natural springs with crystal water, while, scattered among the pine forest, you can trace one of the numerous monasteries and churches (Agia Paraskevi, Osios Patapios, Agia Marina, Panagia Prathi, Agios Gerasimos).
Mountaineering Club of Loutraki
The Mountaineering Club of Loutraki is a member of the Greek Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The club consistently organizes excursions in the area of the Gerania mountains in Loutraki and other mountains in Peloponnese and Greece. The excursions include hiking, rock climbing mountaineering and canyoning. Nature-lovers from the wider area and travelers can join the expeditions of the club and engage in their activities.
Sousaki Volcano
The Sousaki is a dormant volcano located at the southern ends of Geraneia mountains in the Agioi Theodoroi district. Sousaki volcano is the Northwestern part of the active volcanic arc of the Aegean. In spite of its continuous sleep through the ages, the volcano still emits sultry fumes.
You can reach the area by crossing a short, rough path among olive trees. The scenery looks almost lunar, the air smells sulphur, whereas the sloping volcano is full of impressive stones.
In the ancient years, according to Xenofontas, in the same plain area, there used to be the coastal settlement of Sidous, which was widely known for its apple trees.
