The ski resort, the legendary rack railway, the historical and natural attractions make Kalavryta one of the most popular winter destinations in the Peloponnese. Here you will find everything you need to spend a packed weekend
When the landscape is dressed in white, the streets of Kalavryta and the surrounding villages fill with skiers who come to enjoy one of the best ski resorts in Greece. The creation of the ski center in 1988 gave the area a boost, placing it among the most popular destinations for skiing. But you won’t go to Kalavryta just for skiing. The magical mountain world of Helmos(Aroania Mountains) hides many beauties and offers many different optionsfor outings and activities all year round. Routes through lush nature, caves, gorges, lakes, and historic monasteries invite the traveler to discoverthis enchanting corner of the Peloponnese.
Kalavryta: Walks in nature and history
The mountain town in the regional unit of Achaia is built on the slopes of the Aroania Mountains, at an altitude of 735 meters. The central pedestrian street and the squares buzz with life, with cafe-bars, shops with local products, and tavernas whose aromas are irresistible.In Kalavryta you are welcomed by the historic train station building and the old primary school, which today houses the Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust – a museum inextricably linked to the martyred past of the town.
Kalavryta was one of the areas in Greece that experienced the German reprisals during the occupation in the harshest way. On 13 December 1943, the German army executed almost the entire male population (most over the age of 13) of Kalavryta and burned the town to the ground. With personal belongings of the executed, photographs, historical documents and works by artists, the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust vividly depicts the atrocity, guiding visitors through time and history.
At the Place of Sacrifice, on Kapi Hill, a large white cross rises to recall the heinous crime. You will see steles listing the names of the families of the executed, a catacomb with small oil lamps - as many as the dead - as well as the stone sculpture of the grieving mother, which is symbolic of the women of Kalavryta who fought to rebuild the town that was utterly destroyed.
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, lies the Monastery of Mega Spilaio, one of the oldest in Greece. It is built in a dramatic landscape, literally clinging to a wild, steep rock. The monastery holds a great wealth of relics, including the icon of the Virgin Mary painted by the Evangelist Luke.
Through the Vouraikos Gorge on the Odontotos
Together with Helmos mountain, 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. You can cross it either by hiking or by traveling on the legendary Odontotosto experience the most enchanting train route (and one of the world’s most beautiful according to international lists).The Odontotos experience is thrilling in itself and is a perfect reason for a short escape to Kalavryta.
The trains move through the gorge amid luxuriant vegetation of plane trees and firs. The term “odontotos” comes from the “teeth” used by this type of train to help it climb steep gradients. The 23 km route from the railway station of Diakopto to Kalavryta is filled with dreamlike scenes offered generously by the verdant gorge. Midway along the route, Zachlorou is a small village tucked into the gorge, its red-tiled roofs peeking out among plane trees and walnut trees. Beside the tracks are guesthouses and little tavernas.
At the Cave of the Lakes
At a distance of 17 km from Kalavryta, near the village of Kastria, you will encounter the famous Cave of the Lakes.Beyond labyrinthine corridors, mysterious galleries and wonderful stalactites, thiscave has something that makes it unique: the lakes inside it are unusual and extend across three levels. It’s no coincidence that the famous Lonely Planet guide included it in the list of the 10 natural wonders you must see in Greece.
Planitero with its magical plane forest
Planitero, with its magical plane forest, is one of the places you absolutely must see if you find yourself in the area. At 25 km from Kalavryta, on the road leading to Kleitoria, you’ll find a unique landscape dominated by plane trees and rushing waters around the springs of the Aroanios River. Next to the springs operate trout farms, and you can taste the trout in delicious recipes at the tavernas in the area.
Time for skiing
The Kalavryta Ski Center is one of the most popular and best organized in the country, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It is 15 km from Kalavryta on the northwestern side of Helmos, at an altitude of 1,700–2,340 meters. Access from Kalavryta is always easy and especially beautiful, through the fir forest. There are a total of 8 lifts and 13 slopes of all levels of difficulty, with a total length of 25 kilometers. The ski center has a chalet and ski schools, and it’s a favorite with snowboarders.
KALAVRYTA GUIDE
Accommodation
- In a central location, Kalavrita Canyon Hotel & Spa offers luxurious rooms with modern decor and a spa formoments of relaxation and tranquility.
- A stone’s throw from the center of Kalavryta, Hotel Esperides, set on a 20-acre estate, offers high-level hospitality in 10 luxurious rooms.
- River Country Homesfeatures fully furnished residencesfor visitors seeking serenity and for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities.
- At the newly built Alpine Aria, the 5 spacious, alpine-style apartments with large balconies offerhomey comfort and warmth.
- Built on a lush slope at the entrance to Kalavryta, Zafeiropoulos Mansionoffers an unforgettable stay in 9 maisonettes, 5 rooms and one suite.
- In the center ofKalavryta, Filoxenia Hotel & Spa has 28 recently renovated rooms with modern decor and every comfort.
- At an elevated point in Kalavryta, the guesthouse Amadriades offers warmly decorated rooms.
- Amid nature and very close to the center of Kalavryta, Villa Ariadni offers comfortableapartments, ideal for family holidays.
- Mountain Guesthouse - Orias Farmis located in beautiful Kerpini, just 10 minutes from Kalavryta. It’s a wonderful, tranquil place, a true refuge with many interesting activities for visitors.
- Mikri Archontissa is atraditional hotel in Ano Vlasia,one of the most beautiful villages in mountainous Achaia, just15 minutes fromKalavryta.
- Achaiko Village, in Agios Panteleimon in Aigio, 20 km from Kalavryta, can be your refuge for unforgettable holidays. The visitable farm has traditional, independent guesthouses made of stone and wood.
Food
- Varvitsiotisis a favorite haunt for food lovers in Kalavryta. Its specialty is the “vlachiko”, bites of beef and pork baked in a clay pot, withcheeses, tomato and pepper.
- Below the Odontotos station, Avli tavernaserves delicious kebab that melts in your mouth, kid with lemon and oregano, grilled-to-order meats, and pies with their own phyllo.
- At the end of the town’s pedestrian street, the taverna Peri Orexeos is famous for its traditional cuisine
- For homestyle cooking, make a stop at the oinomageirioSpitiko
- To Spiti tis Marios is a top culinary stop in the area and shouldn’t be missingfrom your choices in Kalavryta.
- In Planitero, it’s worth stopping at the taverna of the same name, among the plane trees, to try the trout they cook in 9 different ways.
- In Kato Zachlorou, at thetaverna Romantzoyou’llenjoy nature and tasty dishes.
