Touristic sights of Aegialia area
& Achaia prefecture
Starting from the Selianitika administrative district of Aigialeia Municipality and at a distance of 50-60 km, a visitor could approach and see the following:
New Archaeological Museum
of Patras
Distance from the country house: about 20 km and in an interesting / quiet place on the new national highway of Patras – Corinth
What exactly is it and what it has as a specificity: throughout history exhibits from the entire prefecture of Achaia covering many millennia, whereas exhibits are presented in a special and modern way.
Other attractions to and from the way: the major tunnels of the Patras-Athens highway and the Rion Antirrion cabled bridge (next).
Related photos see the small gallery & also please visit the site: http://www.ampatron.gr/.
Hanging / Cabled Rion – Antirion Bridge
Distance from the cottage: 25 km
What exactly is it and what specialty it displays: a very difficult construction in one particularly seism genic area, while having one of the longest bridge lengths between its two central pillars.
Other attractions to and from the way: the two Venetian castles of Rio and Antirrion.
Related photos: Please visit the site: https://www.gefyra.gr/en/
Nafpaktos Town
Venetian harbour, Medieval Castle, Nightlife, and great taverns at Gribovo beach.
Trizonia island complex
Trizonia island complex (access from the Prefecture of Fokida) – Glyfada harbour with a small speedboat / taxi:
What is worth seeing in Trizonia and on the way to the 3 islets
See next photo gallery
City of Aigio, Old Alonia and Nightlife Beach
Many bars and nightclubs have been created in the coastal zone, where it used to be the warehouses of raisins that gathered the production of the whole area.
East Achaia Beaches
Longos: Very clean sea, taverns, bars and entertainment and until dawn.
Selianitika beach: With its blue water, ideal for both children & adults, is 7 km from Aigio. The enchanting scenery combines mountains & sea. One can find hotels, restaurants, taverns, clubs & a large shopping area.
Avithos (Akoli) Beach is in Rododafni village, just after Aigio on the way to Patras. It takes its name from the cool deep water.
Nikolaika – Elaionas Beach: A beautiful seaside area between Diakopto and Aigio, with a pebble beach and charming small taverns.
“Panagia Tripiti” – in the coastal zone of Aigio
Many bars and nightclubs have been created in the coastal zone, where it used to be the warehouses of raisins that gathered the production of the whole area.
Kouniniotis museum for the black raisin / Aigio
It is located in the basement of the current Kouniniotis factory and deals with the processing and packaging of raisins and other fruit / dried products cultivated (locally / in the region), or imported from abroad as a raw material (bananas, pineapple, papaya etc.).
The museum is for the cultivation (200 years back), harvesting, standardization and export of black raisins and is the only one in Greece. Visits are booked after phone appointments.
Annual events “Oinoxenia” in the area of Aigialeia
These are cultural events organized by the municipal community of Aigialeia (for the second half of each August) and have to do with cultural activities related to the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine, as well as the hospitality in various touristic areas of Aigialeia.
They are high-level events, usually all free of charge and certainly with wine-tasting activities in the local wineries, as listed in the next paragraph.
The events are unique in Greece and each year a detailed program (in Greek and English) is published (usually in July) for each of the 15 events / days that last Oinoxenia.
Visits to the most important wineries
Visits to the 6 most important wineries with parallel wine tasting: Oinoforos (Rouvalis), Cavino, Achaean Winery, Riras, Tetramithos, Karanikolas:
These are the main contributors to the events of the “Oinoxenia” and out from the 15 days in total (that they are organized), at least in 6 of them there is a feast with offered wines and appetizers, on their premises accompanied by equivalent music. For these 6 wineries, there is a separate table with their sites and information on when and how one can visit them, during the remaining period. Each winery produces 5-8 different quality of wines with significant export activities in the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe (including France).
There are available printed leaflets for each winery, explaining the type and characteristics of each of the produced wines.
Walk of the Vouraikos
Walk of the Vouraikos river and climbing with a train from Diakofto (“odontotos”/ geared):
The Vouraikos is a river in Achaia. Its source is in Aroania mountains. It flows past the towns of Kalavryta and Diakofto, and flows into the Gulf of Corinth near Diakopto. Its length is 40 km.
On the banks of the Vouraikos river there are excellent hiking trails (about 20 km away, 1 full hour of trip) and it is especially recommended for the spring, when everything is bloomed.
It is suggested that the climbing be made with the traditional train that starts from Diakofto town and (in some uphill points) this is interlocked with an intermediate engine that through a geared connection significantly helps train movement (mainly in areas with increased inclination).
The route is very beautiful and, in some points, it is right next to the banks of the Vouraikos river.
See next photo gallery
Village of Zachlorou and train intermediate station
The village is a traditional one of the Kalavryta area and at train station are planted for many years beautiful high trees, under of which are found beautiful / traditional taverns with local recipes.
See next photo gallery
Rack Railway Diakofto – Kalavrita
The Odontotos is not just a train. Vouraikos gorge and Odontotos rack railway Diakopto – Kalavryta is a unique attraction in Greece. Odontotos starts from the railway station of Diakofto and follows the Vouraikos gorge. After a distance of 22,350 m. and within 60 min. it ends in Kalavryta, 750 m. from the sea.
Kalavryta, Fteri, Monastery of Mega Cave and Monastery of Agia Lavra
It is a very beautiful route for all seasons of the year and with the possibility of visiting these two historical monasteries (from which it is said that started the National Revolution of 1821).
Visits to the 2 monasteries are allowed in specific days and hours, as both are functional and have their own daily program (they follow the Byzantine 24-hours’ time scale). After the city of Kalavryta, it is suggested that the voyager should visit the village of Kastria (where it is located the very famous “Cave of the Lakes”. Nearby the neighbouring village “Planitero” there are located the water fonts of Aroanios river and where there are located numerous pools with fish farms with trouts and salmons, as well as some other kind of fish cultivated in fresh water. There are fish taverns, where the visitor can enjoy either grilled or roasted the above high quality of fresh water fish.
Kalavryta Ski Center
Located above the town of Kalavryta, it is well organized, with many possibilities even for a one-day excursion from Athens.
“Panagiotopoulos” complex / country house
“Panagiotopoulos” complex / country house in Lambiri (for all hours of the day):
The estate, along with its accompanying buildings, belonged to the well-known Aigiotis raisin merchant “Panagiotopoulos” and operates during the summer months for coffee, drinks, food, clubbing and bathing on the sandy beach with which it borders. It is a very large area with comfortable parking and located at distance of abt 5 km from Selianitika.
Loggos village, its central square and its special folklore museum
The village was founded in the 15th century by two large historical Byzantine families who settled in the area, finding refuge from the persecution of the Turks, who made their way through the region through working hard (as farmers, animal breeders and fishermen).
It is one of the oldest villages in Peloponnese with many traditions, societies and cultural events, and with its museum having hundreds of exhibits (all being offered by its residents).
The visit is free of charge, but requires prior telephone booking with the person in charge.
DIKEPA Events in Aigio and “George Pappas” outdoor Theatre
This “Municipal public service company of Aigialeia” was founded by various institutions and the municipality of Aigio and except the basic events of “Oinoxenia” (see paragraph 8, which in 2020 will take place for the 8th time) organizes dozens of events and performances during the year, most of which are free of charge and usually participate the ten (10) cultural, theatrical and dance clubs of Aegio.
The headquarters of DIKEPA is located in the renovated neoclassical building Tsiller in the center of Aigio, where it used to be the hospital of the city. It has excellent outdoor spaces and a beautiful theatre, where under the pine trees a lot of performances (theatre, singing, dancing, etc) are taking place. (also see more in: www.dikepaigialeias.gr)
Complexes of neoclassic houses in Aegio and Panagiotopoulos Mansion (unique in Greece), Museum of Aigio (renovated Tsiler building)
The Panagiotopoulos mansion is located in the center of Aigio, it is a 3rd-floor neoclassical building decorated with solid marble and paintings on its ceilings and walls, and has been donated by the heirs of Panagiotopoulos to the municipality of Aigio for cultural activities and speeches (mainly during the winter season).
It is worth visiting because after its renovation it is one of the few types of Neoclassical buildings in Greece, whereas the archaeological museum of Aigio, and its surrounding areas was where many scenes from the film of “The Company” were filmed by the director Theodoros Angelopoulos (he loved his city very much).
Traditional Watermill in Ano Akrata
In the past years, it was used for cereal milling, where now its facilities and equipment still exist, but it is only used for demonstrations and presentations in school groups that visit it.
At the same time, the hydro mill is equipped with a «pelton» horizontal axis impeller that drives a small electric power generator, whenever the water is not used to grind the various cereals.
The approach is easy with the car and at the entrance there is a wide range of very old photos of the area.
Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon in Aigio
It is located in the mountainous Aigialeia between the east and west exit of Aigio, with direct access from the new Corinth-Patras national highway and is a very beautiful monastery with great views across the Corinthian gulf.
The monastery is operational, can be visited at certain times, and to the visitors are offered various local confectioners and liqueurs (i.e. from local roses).
Renovated Ancient Theatre of Akrata and summer events
This theatre dates back to classical ancient times and was discovered recently after the excavations of the wider region. It has an excellent view across the Corinthian gulf, is located at an altitude of 800 meters and in the summer hosts various theatre performances: ancient comedy / tragedy, usually organized by DIKEPA.
Aigialeia Municipality Summer Events Program
Regardless of the “Oinoxenia” events, the Municipality and the DIKEPA organize every year a series of cultural activities (theatre, dance, singing, literary evenings, etc.) in-between June – September, most of which are complimentary and are organized in different cities and villages of the municipality of Aigialeia.
Every June, the program is published with the daily events and is also available on the website of DIKEPA: www.dikepaigialeias.gr.
The Legendary “Cave of Lakes” at Kastria in Achaia
It is a rare creation of nature. Apart from its Labyrinth of corridors, its mysterious galleries and its strange stalactite formations, “Cave of the Lakes” has something exclusively unique with does not exist in any other well-known caves. Inside the cave there is a string of cascading lakes forming three different levels that establishes the uniqueness in the world. The cave is an ancient subterranean river bed, whose explored length is 1980 m.
In winter when the snow melts, the cave is transformed into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls. In summer part of the cave dries up revealing a lace-work of stone basins and dams of up to 4 m. in height. The rest of the cave retains water permanently throughout the year in 13 picturesque lakes. The walls are ornamented with colored stalactite and stalagmite formation while “chandeliers”, “medusas” and “fluted curtains” hang from the high 30 m. ceilings. Reflections from waters and yet more magi to the scene. The developed part of the cave is 500 m. long. It includes artistic lighting. The visitor enters the cave through an artificial tunnel which leads directly to the 2nd floor. The dimensions of the chamber inspire are, rapture, admiration. The lakes are spanned by small, man-made bridges. The Cave is open: Daily from 09:30 till 16:30 (Holidays and summer prolongation of the opening hours).
Lake Tsivlou
The magnificently blueish-green Tsivlou lake near Akrata lies a good 800 m. above sea level, is considered very important for the local ecology and culture. Curiously, the lake was formed in 1913 after landfalls and resulting blockage of the Krathis river.
Zarouchla village
Beside the village of Zarouchla, one of the biggest forests in Achaia is an ecosystem on its own. Rare black pine trees characterize the forest, along with chestnut trees and fir trees. The forest extends from Seliana up to Agia Varvara.
Planetero: The most enchanting plane tree forest
At an altitude of 697 m. and built amphitheatrically over the beautiful plane tree forest of the Aroanios river springs, Planetero is known for its many watermills and fish farms. The area of the Planetero is located within the Natura 2000 area “Mount Helmos & Stygos waters”.
The incredible forest full of centuries-old plane trees (in some trees the diameter of the trunk reaches 4 m.), the water mills – one of which still works – and the springs of the Aroanios River, with the waters gushing through the rocks, make the Planetero the most favourite destination, even for a day trip. In Planetero, there are taverns that operate around the springs. In these taverns you will eat mostly trout: baked, fried, or sautéed with fresh butter and almonds (an amazing taste. In fact, two of the taverns have their own fish farms, where you can see how the fish is caught. Planetero will be found at 25 km from Kalavryta, on the road leading to Kleitoria village.
