Steeped in its rich history, Kalavryta today has transformed into one of the top winter destinations with something for everyone. The historical and natural attractions you can explore are numerous
Two hours from Athens, Kalavryta is one of the most popular destinations for winter - and not only - getaways. When the landscape turns white, the streets of the town and surrounding villages fill with skiers who come to enjoy one of Greeces bestski resorts. But you wont go to Kalavryta just for skiing.
The mountain massif of Helmos (Aroania Mountains) hides so many sights and secrets that are worth discovering. Mountain routes through lush nature, untouched trails, stunning caves, gorges, lakes and historic monasteries invite you to endless exploration. One delightful surprise follows another, and your senses wont get enough of the images, aromas and flavors.
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Kalavryta: One place, many stories
The mountain town in the regional unit of Achaia is built on the slopes of the Aroania, at an altitude of 735 meters. The central pedestrian street and the squares are brimming with life, with atmospheric café-bars, shops selling local products and tavernas whose irresistible aromas waft through the air.
Kalavryta was one of the regions of Greece that suffered the harshest German reprisals during the occupation. On December 13, 1943, the German army executed almost the entire male population of Kalavryta (most over the age of 13) and burned the town to the ground. Do not miss a visit to the Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, housed in the old primary school, which presents the turbulent history of Kalavryta. At the Place of Sacrifice, on the hill of Kapi, you will see a large Cross and the stone sculpture of the grieving mother. A visit to the Folklore and History Museum of Kalavryta, an initiative of teacher Leonidas Petropoulos, is also worthwhile.
Historic monasteries
The Monastery of Agia Lavra, just 4 km south of Kalavryta, has stood proudly since 961 AD, having survived the onslaught of many conquerors. It is known as the place where the Greek Revolution began. The most precious treasure in the monastery is the banner used for the oath of the 1821 fighters. A little further, 10 km from the town, is the Monastery of the Great Cave, one of the oldest in Greece. It is built in a dramatic setting, literally clinging to a wild, steep rock. The monastery holds a wealth of relics, among them the icon of the Virgin Mary painted by the Evangelist Luke.
The legendary Odontotos
To experience the most enchanting train ride (and one of the worlds most beautiful according to international lists), you should take the legendary Odontotos that traverses the Vouraikos Gorge. The 23 km route from the Diakopto railway station to Kalavryta is filled with dreamlike scenes generously offered by the verdantgorge. In themiddle of the Odontotos route, theZachlorou isa small village nestled within thegorge,its red-tiled roofs peeking out amongplane treesand walnut trees. Next to the tracks there are guesthouses and little tavernas. It is worth knowing that together with the Helmos mountain massif, the Vouraikos Gorge is a protected area, designated as a National Park. The gorge is traversed by the Vouraikos River, from which it takes its name.
The grandeur of nature
The plane tree forest of Planitero is a beautiful place with centuries-old plane trees, watermills and the springs of the Aroanios River, with waters bubbling straight from the rocks. Next to the springs operate trout farms, whose fish you can taste in the areas tavernas.
17 km from Kalavryta, near the village of Kastria, you will encounter one of natures most wondrous creations, the famous Cave of the Lakes. Its 13 successive terraced lakes, spread over three levels in the depths of the cave, will leave you speechless amid a scene of astonishing stalactites and stalagmites. Crossing the lakes is done via elevated artificial bridges.
One of the most beautiful and unexplored villages of Kalavryta is Ano Vlasia. Here you will be impressed by the greenery everywhere and the wonderful Taxiarchis Waterfalls just outside the village. These are the waterfalls of the Selinountas River, which springs from Mount Erymanthos and flows into the Corinthian Gulf. The waterfalls (in fact a double waterfall) are at the end of the gorge, where the river seems to enter a cave.
Kalavryta Ski Center: A paradise for winter sports
The Helmos Ski Center is one of the countrys most popular and best organized, with thousands of visitors every year. It is 14 km from Kalavryta and lies on the northwestern side of Helmos, at an altitude of 1,700-2,340 meters. It offers slopes of various difficulty levels, chalets and ski schools, and is a favorite with snowboarders.
KALAVRYTA GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION
- In a central location, Kalavrita Canyon Hotel & Spa offers luxurious rooms with modern decor and a spa for unique moments of relaxation and tranquility.
- Achaiko Horio, in Agios Panteleimonas in Aigio, just 20 km from Kalavryta, can become your refuge for unforgettable holidays with family or friends. The working farm open to visitors features traditional, independent guesthouses made of stone and wood.
- A stones throw from the center of Kalavryta, Esperides Hotel, set on a 20-stremma estate amid centuries-old plane trees and lush gardens, offers high-level hospitality in 10 luxurious rooms.
- At the newly built Alpine Aria hotel, the 5 spacious, alpine-style apartments with large balconies offer guests homey comfort and warmth.
- Built on a verdant slope at the entrance to Kalavryta, Archontiko Zafeiropoulou offers an unforgettable stay across 9 maisonettes, 5 rooms and one suite.
- In the center of Kalavryta, Filoxenia Hotel & Spa offers 28 recently renovated rooms with modern decor and all amenities for a delightful stay.
- In an elevated spot in Kalavryta, the newly built guesthouse Amadriades features warmly decorated rooms.
- Amid nature and very close to the center of Kalavryta, Villa Ariadni offers comfortable, beautifully decorated apartments, ideal for family holidays.
- The Mountain Guesthouse - Orias Farm is located in beautiful Kerpini, just 10 minutes from Kalavryta. It is a wonderful, peaceful place, a true refuge with many interesting activities for the visitor.
FOOD
- Varvitsiotis for its famous lamb gioulbasi, the well-kept Taverna Avli below the Odontotos station, the eatery Spitiko with wonderful home-cooked dishes, and To Spiti tis Marios with its gourmet proposals should not be missing from your choices in Kalavryta.
- In Planitero, its worth stopping at the eponymous taverna, among the plane trees, to try the trout they cook in 9 different ways.
- In Kato Zachlorou, at thetaverna Romantzoyouwill enjoy nature and tasty food.
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