Kalavryta is a beautiful historical little town situated in the mountainous north-central Peloponnese. The trademark of Kalavryta is its small train and its 22 km journey from Kalavryta to Diakofto which 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 Kalavryta 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 honor the dead, a large white cross on the top of the hill where the villagers had been executed, as well as the Municipal Museum where you can see exhibits related to the history and the traditions of the town.
Nearby Kalavryta is situated the famous Monastery of Agia Lavra where the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire was launched in 1821. 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 colorful stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Winter sport enthusiasts should definitely go to the Kalavryta 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.
In the vicinity of Kalavryta you can follow hiking trails, hike down the Vouraikos gorge, go mountaineering, climbing, off-road driving, mountain biking and parachuting!
Top Visits
- Traditional town of Kalavryta
- Municipal Museum
- Memorial
- Monastery of Agia Lavra
- Monastery of Mega Spileon
- Cave of the Lakes
- Kalavryta Ski Center
- A unique train ride on a rack railway
