Situated in the northwest area of Peloponnese ,
the region is very popular with Greek tourists. The landscape varies
between coastal resorts to high mountains. The port of Patra , offers
easy connections to Italy and the Ionioan islands. Mountain villages
offer the tourist superb views and an insight into the daily lives
of the residents. The prefecture of Achaia borders with the prefectures
of Corinth , Arcadia and Elia as well as the Gulf of Corinth and
Gulf of Patra .
Patra: is
the regions capital and is one of the most important cities in
Greece , with its transportation links to the Ionian Islands and
Italy . The city comprises of the upper and the lower parts, with
its design, parks and squares the city feels very unique. The Cathedral
of St. Andrew, with its magnificent dome in the lower town is a majestic
sight. Walking up the Trion Navarchon street you will come to Psila
Alonia, (the balcony), a large square which offers views over the
city. Over the city stands the remains of an old Ventian castle,
here the grounds have been made into park. Patras Carnival which
is held in the early in the spring attracts thousands. The city
has the usual array of tavernas, cafes and pastry shops where you
can take a rest, and enjoy the watching the locals and visitors going
about their daily lives. Taking the coastal road from Corinth to
Patra, you drive through one quaint village after another each
offers something for tourist, whether that is an ancient ruin, church,
or a sandy beach. Take time to stop and explore.
Kalavrita: From the fertile fields
below to rugged mountains the area has a host of charming villages.
From Halandritsa with its old castle, churches and bell towers,
to the hamlets of Kalanos, Kalanistra and Mihas, the area is a popular
tourist destination. At the monastery in Flamboura, there is a
Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary, with a rather special feature;
wherever you stand you get the feeling that the Virgins eyes are
following you, (spooky!!). Take a trip on the funicular railway the
runs from Diakofto to Helmos, it runs through deep gorge and then
up the steep mountain with spectacular nature. With stops along the
way at Trekilla and Zahlorou, you reach Helmos at an altitude of
750m. On the main peak of Helmos lies the ski centre; with two runs
one from 1,800m.one from 2,440m. From the ridge Naraidorachi you
get wonderful views over the most of Peloponnese , from her you descend
to the River Styx, and according to legend, is the gateway to Hades,
known by the locals as “Mavroneri” (Black
Water) because of the colour in the depths of the ravine where it
flows.
Mega Spelio: From
the villages of Trapeza or Zahlorou you come to the fantastic monastery
of Mega Spileo, at 1,000m. The monastery is one of best known in
Greece , with a backdrop of towering cliffs, the monastery rises
up eight storeys. Many fires at the monastery have destroyed the
original buildings along with priceless documents stored in the
centuries old library. The buildings have been rebuilt after a disastrous
fire in 1934. The wonderful icon of the Virgin Mary holding the infant
Christ, said to be painted by St. Luke escaped damage and can be
seen in the cave behind the church where it was discovered in 342
AD. The museum has many fine Holy relics and artefacts. The monastery
has an atmosphere of tranquillity, so different from our bustling
life in the modern world.
Kastria: Near
the village is the cave of the lakes, entering through a narrow
passage that brings you out into a cavern 2km. long. Small lakes
formed by natural dams, small waterfalls, stalagmites and stalactites
along with the colours and huge boulders, fire the imagination.