Osios Patapios from Loutraki

A morning excursion from Loutraki that hits the heights. You'll visit Osios Patapios monastery – as famous for what's inside as the views outside – Cape Heraion archaeological site and the Blue Lake. What's more, you'll get to munch on meze washed down with an aperitif.After pick-up, we'll wind our way up Mt Geraneia, which towers above Loutraki. At more than 600 metres, is the monastery of Osios Patapios. This complex is centred on a cave – decorated with frescoes and hanging censers – which holds the relics of St Patapios of Thebes. As well as the holy cave, there's also a little Orthodox church – and great views over Loutraki and the Gulf of Corith.Next up is the archaeological site and old port at Cape Heraion. This sanctuary of the goddess Hera is located by the shoreline and boasts the ruins of temples from the Hellenic and Roman periods. From here, head to the Blue Lake – on whose shores you'll find one of the dinkiest churches in Greece – for meze and a drink.