“Food is the hook,” says Maria Athanasopoulou, organizer of the Taste of Loutraki festival and chairwoman of the World Food Travel Association (WFTA). As Greece’s ambassador to the organization, together with her business partner and local stakeholders she has been instrumental in positioning the seaside town of Loutraki as a destination not just for sea and sun, but for gastronomy-driven travel.
Just over an hour from Athens, Loutraki is undergoing a culinary renaissance. With a dynamic food scene ranging from souvlaki to sushi, the town has earned its title as “Culinary Capital” awarded by the WFTA – a title that now paves the way for targeted tourism initiatives and international recognition.
Loutraki on the World Map
The annual Taste of Loutraki – The Corinthian Food Festival, held at the beginning of summer, isn’t your average food fair, explains Athanasopoulou. It’s a three-day culinary celebration designed to immerse visitors in authentic Corinthian cuisine. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy three days of curated culinary experiences. Local chefs and restaurants offer discounted menus, while regional producers showcase wines, olive oils, and artisanal goods.
But beyond the flavors, it’s a “strategic marketing tool”, Athanasopoulou tells To BHMA International Edition. Initially aimed at raising awareness about Loutraki, engaging local businesses, and laying the foundation for sustainable tourism, the event, now in its third year, has grown into a catalyst for tourism development, media exposure, and international recognition.
“And now, after securing the title of Culinary Capital, it’s time to move on,” she says, hinting at the next phase: organized international trips that highlight Loutraki’s culinary treasures.
Catalyst for Tourism Development
Photo: Taste of Loutraki
The Culinary Capitals program was launched by the WFTA in 2021 to spotlight under-the-radar destinations with authentic and exceptional food heritage. Through a rigorous application and evaluation process, Loutraki demonstrated excellence in gastronomy, earning a place among other global food destinations. This recognition will hopefully inspire local stakeholders, from hoteliers and restaurateurs to tour operators and artisans, to take coordinated action.
Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi Mayor Giorgos Gkionis tells To BHMA International Edition that organizing the event is no easy matter. “Finding common ground and creating partnerships with F&B and tourism stakeholders in the municipality is a challenge,” he says. But the payoff is clear: “We have a bed capacity of 5,500; we host international events all year round, including chess meets, sports events, a special stage of the EKO Acropolis Rally later this month, the CSIT World Sports Games this week, not to mention the ancient sites, the casino, the beaches, the spa, the Corinth Canal boat tours, and now, the Culinary Capital title. It has all helped build a strong brand.”
Serving as mayor for 15 years, Gkionis’ vision is to attract investor interest in Loutraki, and as his term nears its end, to see the construction of a 600-berth marina, a project that would enhance Loutraki’s appeal to luxury travelers and yachting enthusiasts.
From Souvlaki to Sushi
Behind the idea for the festival is Giannis Kontis, general secretary of Visit Loutraki and president of the Xenios Zeus restauranteur association. His mission has been to continuously raise the bar and showcase Loutraki’s diverse experiences.
“Every year we broaden the scope. The goal is to promote our culinary identity through food,” Kontis tells To BHMA International Edition. “We want visitors to leave with stories, flavors, and experiences they won’t find anywhere else.”
This year, attendees enjoyed a full itinerary: live chef and barista demos on a boat ride through the Corinth Canal, cooking shows on the beach, a visit to the Holy Cross Monastery known for its organic cheese, olive oil workshops, wine tastings and pairings, and relaxation at the Loutraki Thermal Spa.
For Kontis and the team, the ultimate goal is clear: to establish Loutraki not just as a summer escape, but as a year-round travel destination.
