Kalavrita

History and Tradition…

Visit the historic town of Kalavrita, the most exciting winter destination of Peloponnese built on the slopes of Mt. Helmos! 

A dreamy setting with picturesque squares, stone-paved streets and cute little houses welcomes the romantic souls! The trademark of Kalavrita is its small train, the “Odontotos” (a rare example of a fully functional cog railway). Its 22 km journey from Kalavrita to Diakofto is one of the most spectacular rack & pinion rail trips! The narrow gauge tracks follow the Vouraikos River through tunnels, over water-falls, along cliffs and through forests of pine and oleander.

The tragic history of Kalavrita reminds us the darkest side of human nature; in 1943 German occupying troops murdered all male population over the age of 14 and burned the town…Visit the memorial built to honour the dead, a large white cross on the top of the hill where the villagers had been executed, as well as the Municipal Museum of the Holocaust of Kalavrita where you can see exhibits related to the history and the traditions of the town.

Kalavrita is associated with another glorious era of Greek History; nearby is situated the famous Monastery of Agia Lavra, where the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire was launched in 1821. It’s here that Germanos, archbishop of Patras, raised the standard of revolt. 

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Monastery of Mega Spileon (Monastery of the Great Cavern) built in a giant cave and admire its wonderful frescoes and mosaic floors; explore the Cave of the Lakes, a true wonder of nature whose walls are ornamented with colourful stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Winter sport enthusiasts should definitely go to the Kalavrita Ski Center, one of the most renowned in Greece thanks to its modern facilities: 7 lifts, 12 slaloms, a snowboard park, a special slalom mogul and a snow tubing park! On its premises there are fancy cafeterias and restaurants where occasionally fun parties take place! 

Need more adrenaline rush? In the vicinity of Kalavrita you can follow hiking trails, hike down the Vouraikos gorge, go mountaineering, climbing, off-road driving, mountain biking and parachuting!