Budget Young
One-day excursion
In case you do not have a means of transportation, please contact us, as we can accommodate up to 12 people
All Our Routes
- They were designed with a focus on Lake Tsivlou and are multi-day, except for the second one (Budget Young)
- They explore the mountainous range of the Achaia region
- They start from Athens. For travelers with a different starting point, the mileage distances do NOT apply
Tsivlou Lake
At an altitude of 800 meters, very close to Zarouchla, behind a dense forest, a small miracle of nature emerges – Tsivlou Lake.
Its postcard-perfect beauty is the result of a violent landslide that occurred around a century ago, which blocked the Krathis River and swept away the village of Sylivaina, as well as part of the village of Tsivlou, which gave the lake its name.
Bold divers claim that the remains of the lost settlement are still there, and that when the water level drops, the tops of the bell towers and the roofs of the houses can still be seen. Others say that at night, they are illuminated by the moonlight.
Tips
- Be careful, the shores change depending on the climatic conditions!
- In the autumn, the Lake Tour is organized, with hiking routes of 2 and 5.5 km for the more experienced!
Today, it is a small aquatic paradise with calm turquoise waters, reflecting black pines, oaks, chestnuts, and fir trees.
Camp, fish, kayak, or mountain bike, or simply relax with a refreshing swim and meditate while enjoying the view of the slopes of Mount Chelmos.
Solos
Built at an altitude of 1,050 meters on the slopes of the Aroanian Mountains, the village of Solos is one of the most mountainous settlements in Achaia, offering stunning nature.
For those who know, it is the kingdom of mushrooms. Not only because in the autumn, its forest turns into a mushroom haven where some of the most delicious varieties and rare herbs grow, but also because of its famous mushroom dishes.
The village's unique tavern offers unforgettable specialties from recipes "passed down from grandfather to grandfather," and eagerly shares the secrets of the amanitas and chestnut mushrooms that grow in the area.
The menu also includes local meats, roasted chestnuts, and fine wine.
Here stands the mansion of the warlord Nikolaos Christodoulou, known as Soliotis, a leader of the Greek Revolution, which you can admire from the outside.
The building features distinct battlements and heat traps in its architectural elements but requires restoration.
In front of it is the Church of Saint George, built in 1806, with a wooden iconostasis in the local style, and the image of the Virgin Mary, which was desecrated by Ibrahim Pasha, who scratched it with his sword.
Here begins the 2.5-hour hiking trail to the Valley of Styx and the waterfall of the same name.
Tips
- To visit the interior of the Church of Saint George, just ask the owner of the village tavern to open it for you.
- The suggested hike is suitable for experienced individuals. Alternatively, you can go up to a certain point and admire the dense forest.
Nymfes Estate
The "Nymfes" are located in a lush, green pine forest at an altitude of 1,000 meters, 40 kilometers from Akrita, while the village of Zarouchla is just 300 meters away.
Next to them flows the Krathis River, which tradition and mythology speak of as the home of its Nymfes. Their main principle and philosophy: the perfect harmony of hospitality with the natural environment.
Tips
- For more information, click here
Zarouchla
Benefiting from the babbling waters of the Krathis River and the fresh air of the dense forest surrounding it, the famous Zarouhla is one of the most beautiful villages in mountainous Achaia and Helmos.
Its picturesque cobbled alleys, stone-built houses, and recent tourism development have created lovely guesthouses, workshops with local products, and taverns with delicious food, making this small village especially popular. Its revitalizing effect is felt throughout the year.
Its close proximity to the Kalavrita ski resort and the enchanting Tsivlou Lake are reasons to choose it as a base for exploring the area and the beauty hidden in the villages at the foot of Helmos.
The historical landmarks complement the interesting tour. Famous is the 1700 fortification tower of the revolutionary leader Asimakis Fotilas.
Today, it is a guesthouse that has preserved the structural elements of the building, its battlements, and its bastions.
A little further, two other traditional mansions testify to the glorious past of Zarouchla, as its inhabitants were pioneers in the 1821 Revolution.
The thread of history reaches the post-Byzantine Monastery of the Holy Trinity with its 18th-century frescoes, which is worth visiting, even if only from the outside.
Tips
- The Folklore Museum, located in the Old Primary School, is open on weekends. If you find it closed or if you happen to visit on another day, you can call the village President, Ariadne Chatzi, at 6976883991 to open it for you.
- Don't miss the opportunity to try the beans of Zarouchla, which, if you visit at the right time, you'll see being cultivated by the locals, who are also involved in forestry and livestock farming.
- We handle bookings for personalized tours at a small cost and offer preferential rates for accommodation, food, and entertainment. We also provide organized one-day trips, such as the "Tour of Helmos", for up to 12 people.
Contact us for more details!
- For any changes to information (contact numbers, operating hours, etc.) related to our partners, without prior notification from them, Lake2lake is not responsible.
