Kalavryta town is one of the hot winter destinations in the Peloponnese. This beautiful town lies at the foot of Mt. Chelmos and it is a must-visit buzzing place during the cold months of the year on account of its ski centre.
In this dreamlike setting you will see stone-built houses, small squares, charming alleys, picturesque cafés and tavernas right next to shady plane trees: it’s a destination ideal for those aiming to combine their love for nature with their romantic mood.
Kalavryta is famous for Odontotos, the rack railway service (inaugurated in 1896) which covers the 22km Kalavryta – Diakopto route. The train takes passengers on a tour around Vouraikos Gorge and the route is considered as one of the most scenic in Greece. The train is now one of the area’s features, in harmony with the surrounding nature. The ride ends at the Corinthian Gulf shores.
Kalavryta town offers a world of experiences, and touring the area will provide you with:
An insight into its recent history: in 1943, the German occupying troops murdered 1500 male locals above the age of 14 and turned the town into ashes in retaliation to a defeat they suffered in battle with Greek Resistance guerillas. To commemorate this tragic event, a Monument with a huge Cross was raised at the location of the execution, in honour of those gunned down; the Municipal Museum of Kalavryta Holocaust was also built to preserve that memory.
An insight into its older history: within a 5km distance from Kalavryta, make a point of visiting Agia Lavra Monastery. According to records, it was built in the 10th c. and it played a vital role during the outbreak of the 1821 Greek War of Independence.
