Limni Vouliagmeni, Lagoon in Loutraki, Greece

Limni Vouliagmeni is a lagoon with a narrow sandy beach, set just off the Corinthian Gulf and linked to the sea by a small channel. The shore stays shallow near the edge and then slopes down, while the water is clear and warmer than the open sea.

The basin was formed long ago when a large earthquake caused a stretch of weak ground to collapse. In ancient times the water was called Eschatiotis or Gorgopis, and traces of early settlement have been found near the channel linking it to the sea.

Next to the lagoon, a small white chapel of Agios Nikolaos stands close to the shore and is often visited by people who stop for a quiet moment. The water edge is also used for family gatherings and outdoor celebrations, with the sea visible just beyond the narrow channel.

The beach is sandy and slopes gently, so it is easy to walk in and suits children who want to paddle near the edge. A quiet road runs around part of the water and is comfortable for walking or cycling, but there are no large facilities, so bring what you need.

Water here is saltier than the water on the nearby open coast, yet it refreshes through a very narrow opening as the tide moves in and out. The Greek name Vouliagmeni is tied to an old story about a girl from Megara who was said to have drowned in these waters.