Nestled in the verdant Vouraikos Gorge, a stones throw from Kalavryta, Zachlorou is one of the most beautiful villages in Achaia. Lush greenery, flowing waters, and the station of the legendary Odontotos rack railway create a cinematic backdrop.
An ideal choice for every season of the year, a getaway to Kalavryta blends tranquility, excursions to landscapes of special interest, and abundant outdoor activities. One experience worth having if you find yourself in the area is a stroll in Zachlorou, a jewel of a village set within the enchanting nature of mountainous Achaia.
Midway along the route of the legendary Odontotos, the train that perhaps makes the most beautiful journey in Greece, Zachlorou is a small village «hidden» within the verdant Vouraikos Gorge, with the red-tiled roofs of its houses peeking out among plane trees and walnut trees.Next to the train tracks there are guesthouses and little tavernas.
Zachlorou: An escape into the enchanting nature of Mountainous Achaia
Mountainous Achaia can offer unique holiday experiences just a breath from Athens. From famed Kalavryta,strolls through picturesque villages and historic monasteries to excursions in nature, to caves, gorges and forests, this captivating side of the Peloponnese hides beauties and sights that will impress you. One of the places that wins the visitor over with its natural beauty is Zachlorou, a small village within the Vouraikos Gorge (named after the river that runs through it). The village is just 15 minutes by car from Kalavryta, and it is one of the stops of the legendary Odontotos, as it lies midway along the Diakopto-Kalavryta route.
The landmark and heart of the village is none other than the Odontotos railway station. Here, under the plane trees, you can enjoy your coffee or a meal at the tavernas beside the tracks (Romantzo, Antonis and Poly). The picturesque houses with their red-tiled roofs and the train station, together with the natural wealth of the gorge that embraces the village, create a unique, cinematic setting. It is no coincidence, after all, that Zachlorou was chosen as a set for the filming of well-known movies of old Greek cinema («The Shepherdess Lover», «Golfo» and «Astero» starring Aliki Vougiouklaki - in fact, for the last film there is also a related sign).
Above the village stands the Monastery of the Great Cave, built in a spectacular landscape, on a wild and steep rock. The monastery holds a great wealth of relics, among which the icon of the Virgin Mary, a work by the Evangelist Luke. From Zachlorou station a path leads to the monastery and the ascent takes about 45 minutes.
A ride on the Odontotos
The enchanting journey on the Odontotos Diakopto - Kalavryta through the Vouraikos Gorge is an experience you should definitely have if you find yourself in Kalavryta. This historic 23 km railway route is filled with dreamlike scenes generously offered by the lush green gorge. In fact, the Odontotos has been characterized as the most spectacular railway line in the Balkans, and also as one of the worlds 10 most beautiful routes by the Guardian. The route starts from Diakopto, crosses the Vouraikos Gorge, passes through Zachlorou and ends in Kalavryta. The Diakopto - Kalavryta distance is 22,4 km. and the historic train covers it in one hour. The trains move through the gorge amid luxuriant vegetation of plane trees and firs. The designation «odontotos» comes from the «teeth» used by trains of this type which help them climb steep gradients.
