The River Erkyna with its springs in the Krya area lends the city of Livadeia a distinctive natural beauty. Flowing waters, small waterfalls and towering plane trees create a little paradise, two hours away from Athens.
How about a getaway to a lush green oasis with running waters, small waterfalls and giant centuries-old plane trees? And yet, this place isn’t in some forest, but in the heart of Livadeia. The river of Erkyna with its springs in the Krya area is a wonderful destination for weekend getaways a short distance from Athens (140 km). Bring your friends or family, charge your phones and get ready for lots of photos.
A magical place in Livadeia
The Erkyna river with its enchanting scenery is on its own a very good reason to visit Livadeia. It is one of the few rivers in Greece with a feminine name (Arapitsa in Naoussa and Neda on the border of Ilia and Messinia are among the best known). In Greek mythology Erkyna, daughter of Trophonius and friend of Persephone, was the nymph of a spring of the same name. All the faithful seeking an oracle from the Oracle of Trophonius would come to bathe in its waters, which was located a short distance away. Indeed, in the river there is on a rock the bust of the nymph.
The river’s rushing waters in the 19th century powered mill wheels and factory machines, contributing decisively to the city’s industrial development. On its two banks presses, spinning mills, thread mills, flour mills and fulling mills were set up. Today, the Watermill and the Fulling Mill are two characteristic buildings of that era.
Rich in natural beauty, with dense vegetation, running waters, channels, small waterfalls and towering plane trees, the Krya area is a place that will enchant you. Cobbled lanes and little stone arched bridges complete the idyllic scene. On both banks of the river there are cafés and tavernas where you can of course enjoy the renowned Livadeia souvlaki with views of the springs.
It is worth walking the entire area and reaching along the cobbled path to the little stone theater at the entrance of the gorge. If you’re up for it you can climb up to the chapel of Agia Ierousalim higher up, to enjoy the view toward the medieval castle, the city of Livadeia and Parnassos.
