Escapes close to Patras
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Achaia Clauss
In 1861 Gustav Clauss founded the winery company of Achaia Clauss. Since then it has been active without interruption until today. She has been awarded dozens of awards, commendations, honorary titles, medals and diplomas and vinifies a series of wines, of which the well-known name Mavrodafni was given in honor of his then fiancée, dark Daphne. Stone buildings, cobbled alleys, large carved oak barrels, large cellars and halls, a music venue, majestic gardens and great views compose a unique landscape worth visiting. After communication, tastings and guided tours are organized, as well as tours for groups of pupils, students, specialists in the field and anyone interested. In some cases, cultural and entertainment events take place.
- Phone: +30 2610 580100
- Reservations
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Website
- Map
Vouraikos Canyon
The Vouraikos Canyon is located in Achaia prefecture 13 km northeast of Kalavrita. Together with the mountain range of Helmos (Aroania mountains) they are a unique protected area that since 2009 is characterized as a National Park of Greece. The canyon is about 20 km long and flows from the Vouraikos river and in essence connects Diakopto and Kalavrita. It is the only odontotos rack railway in Greece since 1986.
The combination of the canyon with the jagged lines create a path of unique beauty, through dense vegetation and clear, icy waters of the river. The route that connects the picturesque village of Kato Zachlorou with cafes, taverns and dense shade from the plane trees and the train stop in the settlement of Niamata is considered ideal for a gentle hike of about 3 hours or up to Diakopto at 4 hours. The ascent by train and the descent on foot or vice versa will give you the full picture of the most beautiful natural attractions of our country and the most spectacular railway line in the Balkans. Route with aerial bridges, arcades, waterfalls, plateaus and narrow points that you wish not to meet the train.
Kalavrita
- Phone:+30 26920 23050
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Map
Diakopto
- Phone: +30 26910 43206
- Mobile: +30 6986307176
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Map
Tsivlos Lake
It is located in the mountainous area of Akrata at an altitude of 800 meters and was formed after a large landslide that blocked the river Krathi in 1913 and flattened a part of the settlement of Tsivlos. The lake has an area of 200 acres and a depth of 80 meters. At Lake Tsivlou you can enjoy swimming in its crystal clear waters and gentle hiking on the surrounding paths, views and flavors of the surrounding taverns, accommodation in nature in adjacent hostels and rooms and its beautiful village of Zarouchla under the mountain of Helmos. Unique forest routes connect the area with the ski center of Helmos and Kalavrita, Feneos and Lake Doxa, Ziria and Trikala Corinth.
Nafpaktos
A few kilometers after crossing the Rio Antirrio bridge you will reach Nafpaktos. It has been characterized as a traditional settlement since it is one of the oldest cities in Greece with a very rich history, a fact that is confirmed by its castles and walls. The Venetian port, the cobbled alleys, the traditional houses, the small theme museums, the Mpotsari tower and the castle on the hill behind the city in combination with the taverns, ouzo bars and cafes are enough for a day trip. The mountainous Nafpaktia and the traditional settlements with hostels, hotels and mountain activities can also be an ideal choice for a few days of relaxation. And in summer, Nafpaktos is located next to famous beaches such as the district of Psani and Gribovo while tsipouro restaurants and bars in the city center will leave you completely satisfied.
Galaxidi
On the way east after crossing the Rio Antirrio bridge you will reach Galaxidi. Picturesque, with an island atmosphere, a village well known for its shipping during the last century. In Galaxidi you will see brick mansions and the old school and worth visit is the Naval and Ethnological Museum that houses the naval gallery. You will walk in the port formed by the natural green bay and you will enjoy all kinds of food in the local businesses. If it happen to be in Galaxidi on Clean Monday, do not hesitate to participate in the flour smudges, a custom that was lost over the years, without anyone knowing when it started. The only thing for sure is that you will get dirty, you will dance, you will laugh, you will have fun and you will bother your clothes and shoes. So make sure you have old clothes and shoes with you as well as a mask to protect your face.
Delphi
The most famous oracle of the ancient Greek world operated in the Ancient Greek city of Delphi. City of ancient Fokida, strengthened over the years into a holy city of the Greeks and beyond. The decline of the city began with the predominance of rationality and the closing of the oracle. Today, the wider archeological site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterized as the “navel of the earth” according to ancient Greek mythology and gathers sights of archaeological interest such as the Museum, the theater, Castalia source etc. Next to the archeological site operates the European Cultural Center of Delphi with the aim to be a world spiritual center along with organizing conferences and events of cultural interest. In a very close distance from the archeological site and the village of Delphi is the picturesque village of Arachova and the Parnassos Ski Center
Archeological site
Free Admission Days:
- March 6 – Memory of Melina Mercouri
- April 18 – International Day of Monuments
- May 18, International Museum Day
- The last weekend of September each year (European Cultural Heritage Days)
- Every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st
- October 28
Holidays (closed)
- December 25
- December 26
- 1st of January
- Easter Sunday
- 25th of March
- 1st of May
Ancient Olympia
The most famous and glorified sanctuary of the ancient Greeks dedicated to Zeus. During the fest of Olympics, the Olympic Games were held with the first recorded in 776 BC. The history is long and the development is known with Baron Pierre de Coubertin being responsible for the revival of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens. Today in the wider Archaeological site one can admire the Temples of Zeus and Hera, the boulevard, the rectory, the stadium, the museum with the “protagonist” Hermes of Praxiteles and dozens of other important monuments and buildings.
Archeological site
- Phone: +30 26240 22742
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Website
- Map
Free Admission Days:
- March 6 – Memory of Melina Mercouri
- April 18 – International Day of Monuments
- May 18, International Museum Day
- The last weekend of September each year (European Cultural Heritage Days)
- Every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st
- October 28
Holidays (closed)
- December 25
- December 26
- 1st of January
- Easter Sunday
- 25th of March
- 1st of May
Kalavrita
A town in on the mountains of Achaia at an altitude of 735 meters with a long history during the Nazi period. Today it is a pole of attraction for thousands of tourists, especially during the winter season. Natural beauty, traditional local products, many hostels and hotels and several attractions make up a remarkable destination. In a close distance, visit the Kalavrita Ski Center, the monasteries of Agia Lavra and Mega Spilaio, the Cave of the Lakes, the canyon of Vouraikos, the famous odontotos railway etc.
Evinos River
Evinos is a river in the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania with a total length of about 80 km and many small adding rivers. It owes its name to the king of Aetolia Evinos, who drowned in its waters according to mythology.
The river originates in the mountains of Korakas and Tsekouri, near Artotina, and flows into the Gulf of Patras, near the village of Galatas in Messolonghi.
The distance from Patras reaches or exceeds one hour depending on the exact point of destination. Evinos is ideal for sports activities such as canoe-kayaking, rafting, hiking and mountaineering, mountain biking and horse riding.
In the area of Bania Bridge, modern Canoe Kayak facilities have been created, the National Slalom Training Center, the only track of its kind in Greece in its natural space.
In addition, the gorge of Evinos from the bridge of Poros to Hani Bania gathers intense natural beauty on its route on foot, Kareli between Chrysovitsa Thermo and Stranoma Nafpaktia has its own history and offers along with the wire bridge and the beach on the banks of the river an ideal destination.
The Medieval Bridge of Artotiva and the iron bridge in Valtsorema are also points of interest and a remarkable destination.
In combination with the riverside villages and restaurants, Evinos River is ideal for a short excursion from Patras and why not with accommodation in traditional guesthouses and villages in the wider area. Several groups are also active in the area that organize activities on the river and on the coast, adventure trips, alternative holidays and extreme sports.