Pot-Pourri
Suitable for 3 days with accommodation at the Nymphes estate
or in Zarouchla and Kalavryta
- Ancient Theater of Egira
- Seliana Waterfalls
- Seliana Primary School
- Monastery of the Holy Apostles, Seliana
- Area Synest - Folklore Museum in Sinevro
- Food at Tsivlou Lake
- Walk/Coffee in Zarouchla
- Holocaust Museum in Kalavrita
- Kalavryta Ski Resort (depending on the season)
- Lake Cave
- Planitero
- Odontotos rack railway – Diakopto
All Our Routes
- They were designed with the focus on Tsivlou Lake and are multi-day, except for the second one (Budget Young).
- They explore the mountain range of the Achaea region.
- They start from Athens. For travelers with a different starting point, the mileage distances do not apply.
Ancient Theater of Egira
Carved into a rugged, rocky landscape with sparse vegetation, the ancient theater of Egira truly 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 spectator, the Corinthian Gulf stretches out, serving as the backdrop of the stage, offering the theater a unique atmosphere accompanied by the sound of the waves.
On clear days, the opposite shore of Central Greece is visible.
Sources suggest that it was perhaps the most magnificent building of Ancient Egira and the surrounding area, bearing witness to its former glory.
It dates back to the 3rd century BC and was in use until the 3rd century AD. A walk through the area offers a glimpse into the past, as remnants of Roman interventions are still visible.
Today, the theater is once again in use, though not in the grandstands that once accommodated 3,000 people!
During the summer nights, excellent performances are held as part of the Egialia Municipality festival, as well as musical evenings under the full moon.
Tips
- The best time to visit is when the atmosphere is clear – the view of the Corinthian Gulf and mainland Greece is absolutely breathtaking!
- If you can, visit during the summer for a unique experience: performances and musical evenings under the full moon, set against an ancient backdrop!
Seliana
Seliana is located in the mountainous region of Egira, in Egialia of Achaia, at an altitude of 750 meters, near the border with Corinthia.
Its ancient name, Felloe, foretells a lyrical, lush, and fertile landscape. Cherry, apple, and pear trees, centuries-old plane trees, and fountains with fresh water from the Kryos river, which is adorned with a historic single-arched stone bridge.
The small village, with many preserved stone houses and well-kept gardens, has a rich history dating back to 3000 B.C., as evidenced by archaeological findings now exhibited in Aigio.
Today it has about 60 permanent residents, mostly foreigners from all over the world who left city life behind and settled here, breathing new life into the village.
Tips
- The waterfalls are not suitable for small children or individuals with limited mobility due to the challenging ascent and descent.
The village’s main attractions include the Primary School, a 1904 bequest by Andreas Syngros, now classified as a preserved monument, and the Monastery of the Holy Apostles—a Byzantine-style building dating back to 1743, known for its impressive frescoes and carved wooden iconostasis.
Take the path that leads to the Kryos River waterfall. Though the route is demanding, it is well worth it—an idyllic landscape where rounded rocks form a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip, if you can handle the icy waters!
Αrea Synest
Giving the impression that it has sprung out of a fairytale, the theme park in Sinevros, near Seliana, will amaze you—it feels like it transports you through time while placing you inside an old Greek fairytale.
Even the rooms seem to have a touch of a fairy world. The beautiful natural surroundings and activities such as archery, along with countless other experiences, make up a great holiday package.
Tips
- The space is only open for visits on weekends and public holidays, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and not throughout the entire year.
- For more information, click here.
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 about 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.
Daring divers claim that the remains of the lost settlement are still there and that when the water level drops, the peaks 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.
Tips
- Attention, the shores change depending on the climatic conditions!
- In the fall, the Lake Tour is organized, a hike of 2 and 5.5 km for the more experienced!
Today, it is a small aquatic paradise with turquoise calm waters, reflecting black pines, oaks, chestnuts, and fir trees.
Camp, fish, kayak, or mountain bike, or simply relax with a refreshing dive and meditation with a view of the slopes of Chelmos.
Zarouchla
Blessed by the babbling waters of the Krathis river and the fresh air of the dense forest surrounding it, the renowned Zarouchla is one of the most beautiful villages in mountainous Achaia and Chelmos.
Its picturesque cobbled streets, stone-built houses, and recent tourism development have created beautiful guesthouses, workshops offering local products, and taverns with delicious food, making this small village particularly popular. Its rejuvenating effect is felt throughout the year.
Its 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 beauties hidden in the villages at the foot of Chelmos.
The historical jewels of the village complete the interesting tour. A well-known landmark is the fortification tower from the 1700s, built by the local warlord Asimakis Fotilas.
Today, it is a guesthouse that has preserved the building’s structural elements, including the battlements and the ramparts.
A little further, two more traditional mansions testify to the glorious past of Zarouchla, as its residents played a leading role in the 1821 Revolution.
The thread of history reaches all the way to the post-Byzantine Monastery of the Holy Trinity, with 18th-century frescoes, which is worth visiting, even if just from the outside.
Tips
- On weekends, the Folklore Museum operates, located in the Old Primary School. If you find it closed or if you visit on another day, you can call the village President, Ariadni Hatzi, at 6976883991 to have it opened for you.<
- Don't miss trying the "Zarouhla beans", which, if you visit at the right time, you will see being cultivated by the locals, who are also involved in forestry and livestock farming.
Holocaust Museum
A touching and fully informative historical journey is offered by the Holocaust Museum in Kalavrita, which is dedicated to the city's martyred past and the painful memories of 1943.
The tragic events took place in December 1943, when German soldiers executed the young men and set fire to the women, children, and the elderly, after locking them in the school.
Tips
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 with General Admission of 5.00 €
- Contact Numbers: +30 26920 23646, +30 26923 60220
- You can take a digital tour of the museum's exhibition spaces, as well as monuments of the martyred city of Kalavrita and the wider area, through an application that you can find here.
The Museum vividly depicts the painful events with numerous exhibits, documents, and works of art, captivating the visitor with the striking statue of the "Suffering Mother" located at the entrance.
The Museum has been operating since 2005 and is housed exactly on the site of the old school, which, after being completely destroyed by fire, was rebuilt according to its original design in 1955.
It continued to function as a school until 1986, when it was declared a historical preserved monument by the Ministry of Culture.
The Kalavrita Ski Center
The Kalavryta Ski Resort is becoming an increasingly popular destination for skiers, as well as for those who simply love winter destinations and playing in the snow.
With two chalets of different aesthetics, its cosmopolitan and alternative profile is in perfect balance. Thus, in addition to the large slopes that every skier appreciates, it is also a meeting point for entertainment.
It has a calendar full of events that are organized both in its indoor spaces and at the outdoor bar located at an altitude of 1,900m!
The central Chalet is accessible by vehicle, while for the outdoor bar, the use of the three-seat aerial lift "Achilles" or the surface lift "Daphne" is required.
Lake Cave
If just hearing its name brings underground lakes to mind, then... you guessed right! About 17 kilometers away from the cosmopolitan Kalavrita, in the village of Kastria, lies a magical underground world, part of the Helmos-Vouraikos Geopark, and it is considered unique.
The Lake Cave itself indicates that visitors will encounter underground chambers filled with water and waterfalls. On the 500 meters of the path that has been developed, one can see the "bat chamber," the "jellyfish," the "chandelier," the "alabaster" and "foamy waterfalls," and other points of interest with equally captivating names, inspired by the rocky formations of the cave, fueling the imagination of visitors.
Next, elevated bridges cross an atmospheric scene, which, besides the lakes, is made up of stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years in complex formations reaching up to 3 meters in height, while the ceiling height reaches 30 meters.
It is worth noting that the microclimate within the cave is influenced by external weather conditions.
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 guide
- Be aware of the high humidity inside the cave, which is why we recommend bringing a jacket with you.
- Contact Numbers: +30 26920 31001, +30 26920 31633
In winter, when the snow melts, the Cave transforms into an underground river with natural waterfalls, while in summer, a part of it dries up and reveals original lace-like lithic basins and dams up to 4 meters high.
Additionally, the museum space of the cave provides significant information about geological and anthropological findings using digital and innovative means.
Together with the low lighting, the galleries, and the labyrinthine corridors, the experience becomes unique.
Although the 13 lakes are structured in three levels, only the second one is accessible to the public, but it is enough to make it unforgettable.
Planitero
Besides the slopes of Chelmos, the gurgling waters, and the centuries-old plane trees, at an altitude of 700m, a magical aura envelops the village of Planitero.
A short walk through its dense forest is enough to feel it. Cross small wooden bridges by the Aroanios River.
Once, its waters powered watermills, and today, their few remnants captivate the passerby.
The area is part of the Natura 2000 network and belongs to the "Chelmos Mountain and Styx Waters" Geopark, and it's no wonder that no one can decide which season is the most beautiful!
However, the village of Planitero is also associated with trout and good food.
Smoked, in a casserole, wrapped in parchment paper, or grilled, besides being a main dish in the tavernas, trout is also the most common reason for many to visit, as there are two trout farms where you can see how the fish is caught, making the beautiful Planitero one of the most popular destinations year-round.
Tips
- If you are a fan of unique flavors, we recommend trout sautéed with fresh butter and almonds!
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!
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!
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.
- We handle bookings for personalized excursions at a low cost and offer special rates on accommodation, food, and entertainment. We also provide organized day trips, such as "The Chelmos 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, without prior notice from them, Lake2lake is NOT responsible.
