Adventurous
Each recommended hike requires at least one day. The hiking trails are NOT mapped.
Contact us so we can recommend the right guide and guide you along the way.
- Seliana Waterfalls
- Waterfalls and Chouchlia Cave in Perithori
- Canoe or/and mountain bike at Tsivlou Lake. Alternatively: routes along the Krathi River near the lake with an ATV or horseback riding
- Hike from Lake Tsivlou to the village of Peristera (7 kilometers, approximately 2.5 hours), with or without a guide
- Waterfalls at Solo
- Rock's Tear (a natural landscape with springing water), just before Zarouchla
- Two-hour hike from Zarouchla to Agios Nikolaos (border of Corinthia-Achaea)
- 5-6 hour hike in the Vouraikos Canyon. For this route, you must request special permission and contact the Odontotos office. Alternatively, use the Odontotos railway, specifically the Diakopto-Kalavrita line
- Kalavrita Ski Resort (depending on the season)
- Helmos Observatory - Telescope "Aristarchos"
*For the more experienced, and always with a guide due to the level of difficulty, we recommend a 5-hour hike in the Styx Valley and Waterfall, where according to the myth of Achilles' Heel, Achilles would have become immortal!
All Our Routes
- They were designed with a focus on Tsivlou Lake and are multi-day routes, except for the second one (Budget Young).
- They explore the mountainous line of the Achaia region.
- They start from Athens. For travelers with a different starting point, the mileage distances do NOT apply.
Seliana
Seliana is located in the mountainous area of Egira, in Egialia, Achaia, at an altitude of 750 meters, on the border with Corinthia.
Its ancient name, Phelloe, hints at a lyrical, lush, and fertile landscape. Cherry trees, apple trees, pear trees, with centuries-old plane trees and springs of fresh water from the Krios River, adorned by an ancient single-arched stone bridge.
The small settlement, with many preserved stone houses and well-maintained vegetable gardens, has a rich history dating back to 3000 BC, as evidenced by the archaeological findings on display in Aigio.
Today, it has 60 permanent residents, mainly foreigners from all over the world who left the city and settled here, giving new life to the area.
The village’s attractions include the Municipal School, a bequest of A. Syggros from 1904, designated as a preserved monument, and the Monastery of the Holy Apostles, a Byzantine-style building dating back to 1743, with its impressive frescoes and wooden iconostasis.
Take the trail and head towards the waterfall of the Krios River. Although it is a demanding route, it is worth it as the scenery is idyllic: between rounded rocks, a natural pool is created, perfect for a dive, if you can handle its icy waters!
Tips
- The waterfalls are not suitable for young children or individuals with limited mobility, due to the difficult ascent/descent.
Perithori
Perithori is an ancient settlement, probably from 1590, and is located at an altitude of 940 meters at the southern edge of the Krios River. Its name may derive from "peri-theorio", due to the view from the settlement.
It is famous for its waterfall and the cave of Chouchlias, which is accessible to a depth of 20 meters, along a route of endless beauty amidst stalactites and stalagmites.
Tips
- The waterfall is located about 2 km south, at the end of the village. There is a dirt road and a sign pointing towards the waterfall, as well as a plateau where you can park your car. From there, you will need to descend for about 20 meters to the spot where you will see some ropes.
Tsivlou Lake
At an altitude of 800 meters, very close to Zarouchla, behind a dense forest, lies a small miracle of nature, Tsivlou Lake.
Its postcard-like beauty is the result of a violent landslide that occurred nearly a century ago, which blocked the Krafth River and swept away the village of Sylivaina, as well as part of the village of Tsivlou, which gave the lake its name.
Brave divers claim that the remains of the lost settlement are still there, and 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 light of the moon.
Today, it is a small aquatic paradise with serene turquoise-blue waters, reflecting black pines, oaks, chestnuts, and fir trees.
Camp, fish, paddle, or go mountain biking, or simply relax with a refreshing dive and meditation, enjoying the view of the slopes of Chelmos Mountain.
Tips
- Attention, the shores change depending on the climatic conditions!
- In autumn, the Lake Circuit is organized, a hike of 2 and 5.5 km for the more experienced!
Peristera
Hidden among fir trees and plane trees, the village Peristera is a natural paradise built at 1,050 meters on the slopes of Mount Helmos.
Very close to the Waters of Styx and its waterfalls, it is one of the favorite hiking routes all year round, and also one of the most frequent stops, as delicious dishes made from local products are served under the plane trees and willows.
Tips
- In August, the Bean Festival is organized, featuring free food, based on the famous beans of the beautiful mountainous area of Helmos.
- On a not difficult trail near the village, there is a Turkish cave. Ask the locals to guide you.
Solos
Built at an altitude of 1,050m on the slopes of Aroania, the village of Solos is one of the highest settlements in Achaia and boasts stunning nature.
For those in the know, it is the kingdom of mushrooms. Not only because in autumn its forest transforms into a mushroom haven where some of the tastiest varieties and rare herbs grow, but also for its famous mushroom dishes.
Its unique tavern offers unforgettable specialties from "grandfather to grandson" recipes and gladly shares the secrets of the amanitas and chestnut mushrooms that grow in the area.
The menu also features local meats, roasted chestnuts, and good wine.
Here stands the mansion of the local chieftain Nikolaos Christodoulou, known as Soliotis, a leader of the Greek Revolution, which you can admire from the outside.
The building features distinct loopholes and boiling pits in its architectural elements, but it requires restoration.
In front of it stands the Church of Saint George, built in 1806 with a locally crafted wooden iconostasis, and the icon of the Virgin Mary, which was desecrated by Ibrahim Pasha who slashed it with his sword.
Right here begins the 2.5-hour hiking path to the Styx valley and the waterfall of the same name.
Tips
- To visit the interior of the Church of Saint George, simply 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.
Zarouchla
Blessed by the babbling waters of the Krathis River and the clean air of the dense forest that surrounds it, the famous Zarouchla is one of the most beautiful villages of mountainous Achaia and Chelmos.
Its picturesque cobbled streets, stone-built houses, and recent tourism development have created beautiful guesthouses, workshops with local products, and taverns with delicious food, making this small village particularly popular. Its revitalizing influence is present all year round.
Its close proximity to the Kalavryta ski resort and the enchanting Tsivlou Lake are reasons to choose it as a base for exploring the area and the beauties hidden in the villages at the foot of Chelmos.
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.
The historical gems complete the interesting tour. Known is the 1700 fortification tower of the warrior chief Asimakis Fotilas.
Today, it is a guesthouse that has preserved the building's structural elements, battlements, and bastions.
A little further, two more traditional mansions testify to the glorious past of Zarouchla, as its inhabitants played a leading role in the 1821 Revolution.
The thread of history reaches up to the post-Byzantine Monastery of the Holy Trinity, with 18th-century frescoes, which is worth visiting, even if only externally.
Vouraikos Canyon
Hiking through the Vouraikos Canyon in Achaia is not only a wonderful experience but also part of the European E4 trail and the Natura 2000 network.
The route follows the impressive railway line of the Odontotos and is best enjoyed in spring, when the landscape is blooming and fragrant. Although it is a long path, it is accessible and manageable.
Spectacular nature with dense vegetation and abundant water — the 22.2 km total length hides many beauties, such as the cave with its impressive stalagmites, code-named “The Courtroom,” and “The Siphon,” perhaps the narrowest passage in the gorge.
According to myth, the gorge was created by Hercules, who split the rock in two with his sword because it blocked his way to reach his beloved Voura, the daughter of Eliki.
Tips
- Crossing the gorge takes a total of 5 to 6 hours.
- We suggest you hike only one section — the one between Diakopto and Kato Zachlorou. For the rest of the route, along the tracks of the Odontotos railway, you can hop on the train at any point if you get tired.
Kalavryta Ski Center
The Kalavryta Ski Center is becoming an increasingly popular destination for skiers, as well as for those who simply enjoy winter destinations and playing in the snow.
With two chalets of distinct styles, its cosmopolitan and alternative character are in perfect balance. Beyond the extensive slopes that every skier appreciates, it also serves as a social hub for entertainment and fun.
It features a calendar full of events held both indoors and at its outdoor bar located at an altitude of 1,900 meters!
The main chalet is accessible by car, while the outdoor bar requires use of the “Achilleas” triple aerial lift or the “Daphne” drag lift.
Helmos Observatory
The largest telescope in the Balkans and the second largest in continental Europe has been operating for 20 years at the summit of Nerairodachi on Mount Helmos, at an altitude of 2,340 meters, recording the characteristics of the Moon.
It was named after the great ancient astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, and the truth is that it has become famous in its own right, as many astronomical studies are conducted here. As one of the darkest areas in Europe in terms of light pollution, it's a place where you can enjoy stargazing and observing galaxies in a truly unique way!
Tips
- Summer is the best time to visit, while it is not recommended for winter.
- Follow an 8 km dirt road after the ski resort parking, and only if you have a 4X4 vehicle!
- Although the telescope is above the clouds and ensures a clear view of the celestial bodies, remember: The clearer the weather, the better visibility you will have!
- We handle bookings for personalized excursions at a small cost and offer special rates for accommodation, meals, and entertainment. We also provide organized one-day trips, such as the "Helmos Tour," for up to 12 people.
Contact us for more details!
- For any changes to information (contact numbers, operating hours, etc.) related to our partners, if they have not previously informed us, Lake2lake is not responsible.
