Group
Ideal for a 3-day stay in Zarouchla
and Kalavrita
All Our Routes
- They were designed with Tsivlou Lake at the center and are multi-day trips, except for the second one (Budget Young).
- They explore the mountain range of the Achaia region.
- They start from Athens. For travelers with a different starting point, the kilometer distances do not apply.
Ancient Theater of Egira
Carved into a free rocky countryside with sparse vegetation, the ancient theater of Egira literally dominates its surroundings.
It is worth visiting at any time of the year, as its appearance changes with the colors of the flora in each season.
In front of the viewer, the Corinthian Gulf stretches out, as the backdrop of the stage, giving the theater a unique sense accompanied by the sound of the waves.
In fact, when the atmosphere is clear, the opposite shore of Central Greece is visible.
Sources say that it was perhaps the most magnificent building of Ancient Egira and the surrounding area, bearing witness to its former grandeur.
It dates back to the 3rd century BC and was in use until the 3rd century AD. A walk around the site provides at least a brief glimpse into the past, as remnants of Roman interventions are still visible.
Today, the theater is once again operational, but not in its seating, which once hosted 3,000 people!
In the summer nights, excellent performances are held as part of the Egialia Municipality's festival, as well as music evenings under the full moon.
Tips
- The best time to visit is when the atmosphere is clear – the view of the Corinthian Gulf and Central Greece is breathtaking!
- If you can, visit in the summer for a unique experience: performances and music nights under the full moon, set within an ancient backdrop!
Αrea Synest
Giving the impression that it has sprung out of a fairytale, the thematic park in Sinevro, near Seliana, will excite you. It feels as though it takes you through time while immersing you in an old Greek fairy tale.
Even the rooms seem to have a touch of the fairy world. The beautiful nature, along with activities such as archery and countless other options, create a very good holiday package.
Tips
- The area is open to visitors only on weekends and holidays from 11:00 to 19:00, and not throughout the year.
- For more information, click here.
Tsivlou Lake
At an altitude of 800m, very close to Zarouchla, behind a dense forest, emerges a small miracle of nature, Tsivlou Lake.
Its postcard beauty is the result of a violent landslide that occurred about a century ago, which blocked the Krathis River and swept away the village of Sylbaina, as well as part of the village of Tsivlou, which gave the lake its name.
Daring divers say that the remains of the lost settlement are still there, and when the water level drops, the tips of the bell towers and the roofs of the houses can still be seen, while others say that at night they are illuminated by the moonlight.
Today, it is a small watery paradise with turquoise serene waters, reflecting black pines, oaks, chestnuts, and fir trees.
Camp, fish, kayak, or mountain bike, or simply relax with a refreshing swim and meditation, all while enjoying the view of the slopes of Mount Chelmos.
Tips
- Warning, the shores change depending on the climatic conditions!
- In the autumn, the Lake Circuit is organized, a hiking event with distances of 2 and 5.5 km for the more experienced!
Zarouchla
Benefiting from the bubbling waters of the Krathi River and the clean air of the dense forest surrounding it, the famous Zarouchla is one of the most beautiful villages in mountainous Achaia and Helmos.
Its picturesque cobblestone alleys, 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 rejuvenating effect is felt all year round.
Its close proximity to the Kalavrita ski resort and the enchanting Lake Tsivlou makes it a great base for exploring the area and the hidden beauties of the villages at the foot of Helmos.
Tips
- On weekends, the Folklore Museum, housed in the Old Primary School, is open. If you find it closed or if you visit on another day, you can call the President of the village, Ariadni Chatzi, at 6976883991 to have it opened for you.
- Don't miss the opportunity to try the Zarouchla beans, which, if you visit at the right time, you'll see being cultivated by the locals, who are also engaged in forestry and animal husbandry.
The historical treasures of the village complement the fascinating tour. A well-known landmark is the fortress tower of 1700, built by the war leader Asimakis Fotilas.
Today, it serves as a guesthouse that has preserved the architectural elements of the building, including its battlements and bastions.
A little further away, two other traditional mansions bear witness to the glorious past of Zarouchla, as its residents played a leading role 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 just from the outside.
Holocaust Museum
A moving and fully informative historical journey is offered by the Holocaust Museum in Kalavrita, dedicated to the tragic past of the city and the harsh memories of 1943.
The tragic events took place in December 1943, when German soldiers executed the young men, while they set fire to the women, children, and the elderly, after locking them in the school.
The Museum vividly captures the painful events with many exhibits, documents, and works by artists, preemptively moving the visitor with the striking statue of the Grieving Mother located at the entrance.
The Museum has been in operation since 2005 and is housed exactly at the site of the old school, which, after being completely burned down, was reconstructed according to its original design in 1955.
It continued to function as a school until 1986, when it was declared a historic preserved monument by the Ministry of Culture.
Tips
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 with a General Admission of 5.00 €
- Contact Numbers: +30 26920 23646, +30 26923 60220
- You can take a digital tour of the exhibition spaces of the Museum, as well as monuments of the martyred city of Kalavrita and the surrounding area, through an application that you can find here.
Kalavrita Ski Center
The Kalavrita Ski Resort is becoming an increasingly popular destination for skiers, as well as for those who simply enjoy winter destinations and snow activities.
The resort has two chalets with different aesthetics, and its cosmopolitan and alternative profile is perfectly balanced. Thus, besides the large slopes appreciated by every skier, it is also a meeting point for entertainment and socializing.
The resort features a calendar full of events organized both indoors and at its outdoor bar located at an altitude of 1,900 meters!
The central Chalet is accessible by vehicle, while for the outdoor bar, the use of the three-seat aerial lift "Achilles" or the drag lift "Daphne" is required.
Lake Cave
If just hearing its name brings underground lakes to mind, then... you guessed right! About 17 km away from the cosmopolitan Kalavrita, in the village of Kastria, lies a magical underground world that belongs to the Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark and is considered unique.
The Lake Cave, by its very name, indicates that visitors will encounter underground chambers filled with water and waterfalls. In the 500 meters of its route that have been developed, visitors will see the "bat chamber," the "jellyfish," the "chandelier," the "alabaster" and "foamy waterfalls," along with other points of interest with equally captivating names inspired by the rocky formations of the cave, fueling the visitor's imagination.
Subsequently, elevated bridges cross an atmospheric scene that, besides the lakes, consists of stalactites and stalagmites thousands of years old in complex formations, reaching heights of up to 3 meters, while the ceiling height reaches 30 meters.
It is worth noting that the microclimate in the cave is influenced by external weather conditions.
In the winter, when the snow melts, the Cave transforms into an underground river with natural waterfalls, while in the summer, a part of it dries out, revealing original lace-like lithoid basins and dams up to 4 meters high.
Additionally, the cave's museum space provides important information about geological and anthropological findings using digital and innovative methods.
Along with the low lighting, the galleries, and the labyrinthine corridors, the experience becomes unique.
Although the 13 lakes are arranged on three levels, only the second level is accessible to the public, but it is enough to make it memorable.
Tips
- The operating hours are daily between 09:00-16:30. Extended hours during holidays and summer months
- General admission: 9,00 €, which includes a guided tour.
- Note the high humidity inside the cave, so we recommend bringing a sweater with you.
- Contact Numbers: +30 26920 31001, +30 26920 31633
Planitero
Besides the slopes of Helmos, the murmuring waters, and the ancient plane trees, at an altitude of 700 meters, a magical aura envelops the village of Planitero.
A small walk through its dense forest is enough to experience this feeling. Cross small wooden bridges alongside the Aroanion River.
Once, the waters turned the watermills, and today, the few remains of them captivate the passerby.
The area is part of the Natura 2000 network and belongs to the Geopark "Mount Helmos and the Waters of Styx," and it's no coincidence that no one can decide which season is the most beautiful!
Tips
- If you're a fan of unique flavors, we recommend sautéed trout with fresh butter and almonds!
However, the village of Planitero is also associated with trout and delicious food.
Smoked, baked, wrapped in parchment, or grilled, in addition to being a main dish in the taverns, trout is also the most common reason for many to visit, as there are two trout farms where you can see how the fish are caught, making the beautiful Planitero one of the most popular destinations all year round.
Odontotos rack railway – Diakopto
The legendary train got on track on March 10, 1896, and has many reasons to stand out.
It is the narrowest railway line in Greece, and perhaps the most beautiful.
Starting from Kalavryta, it crosses the Vouraikos Gorge, passing over small and large waterfalls, and ends in the seaside town of Diakopto — or vice versa.
Passing over stone bridges and through tunnels carved into the rock, the route features an impressive incline that reaches up to 18% in some sections! Forget straight lines!
The small and agile train follows the steep terrain, and at every turn it feels as if it’s on the edge of a cliff, while at the same time brushing right past the rock face.
Covering 22 km and lasting one hour, the route includes stops at the locations of Niamata and Triklia, while about halfway through the route it stops at Kato Zachlorou, serving visitors to the Monastery of Mega Spilaio. Α magical journey through lush nature, also ideal for easy hiking along the tracks.
Tips
- No ticket reservation is required; however, it is available at here, as well as through the app. Especially if you are traveling in a group, it is essential to get your tickets in advance, as you may not find available seats!
- We handle reservations for personalized tours at a small cost and offer special prices for accommodation, food, and entertainment. Additionally, we offer organized one-day trips, such as the "Helmos Circle", for up to 12 people.
Contact us for more details!
- For any changes to information (contact numbers, operating hours, etc.) regarding our partners, without them having previously informed us, Lake2lake is NOT responsible.
