Nestled in the mountainous north of the Peloponnese, Kalavryta is a historic town on the right bank of the Vouraikos. It was under Turkish control until the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and it was here that the flag of revolt was raised by Germanos III of Old Patras.
Things to do in Kalavryta
In the heart of Kalavryta is the Folklore and Historic Museum, where you’ll find exhibits and artefacts related to the town’s cultural heritage. A short walk away is the Municipal Museum of the Kalavritan Holocaust, which details the massacre of innocent lives during the German occupation. Housed within a former primary school, it aims to promote peace between all peoples.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, you can hit the downhill runs of the Kalavrita Ski Center, which boasts a spectacular setting on the slopes of Mount Helmos. It is one of the largest ski resorts in Greece and will appeal to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In addition to the terrain park, there’s an on-site ski school, cafes and restaurants.
Kalavryta makes an ideal base for visiting the Cave of the Lakes, which has been carved by a subterranean river across three levels. Associated with a local legend, it has been explored by humans since the Neolithic Age, with fossilised bones of former inhabitants discovered here. Join a guided tour to admire the cave’s impressive formations and some of its 13 lakes.
Getting around Kalavryta
Kalavryta is around 1.5 hours' drive from Patras and 2.5 hours from Athens International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect from Diakofto to the Kalavryta railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.