Near Kalavryta lies a spectacular spot with countless towering plane trees, abundant waters and tavernas serving delicious trout. Planitero in Achaia is one of the Peloponnese's hidden gems worth discovering.
Mountainous Achaia can offer unique holiday experiences just a breath away from Athens. From the famous Kalavryta and rides on the legendary rack railway, strolls through picturesque villages and historic monasteries, to excursions in nature, to caves, gorges, and forests, this enchanting side of the Peloponnese hides beauty and attractions that will impress you.
Planitero with its enchanting plane-tree 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 the rushing waters around the springs of the Aroanios River.
Planitero Achaia: Escape to the enchanting forest of plane trees
Planitero is a mountain village at an elevation of 700 m., built amphitheatrically above the beautiful plane-tree forest at the springs of the Aroanios River. During your stay in Kalavryta, it's worth taking a short trip to visit the lovely village, walk through the enchanting forest with its enormous plane trees (in some, the trunk diameter reaches 4 meters), visit the restored traditional watermill, and unwind with the sounds and sights of nature.
Next to the springs, trout farms operate, where you can sample it in delicious recipes at the tavernas in the area.
It's worth knowing that Planitero's plane-tree forest, together with the springs of the Aroanios, is protected as a Natura 2000 site. Hikers will discover wonderful routes through nature. From Planitero, interesting mountain trails lead to Elatophyto, Mazi (half an hour) and Dourdouvana (6 hours). Also, the E4 trail to Lousoi (4 hours) and Kalavryta (6.5 hours). Through the lush vegetation, high above, the village of Arbounas can be seen.
A short distance away lies the famous Cave of Lakes, a rare creation of nature. Its 13 successive stepped lakes, spread over three levels in the depths of the cave, will leave you speechless, amid a scene of incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
