Excursions

PATRA-ACHAIA (25km)
The capital of the county and one of the most significant cities of Greece with a very important port. It is the third largest city in population in Greece and a very busy center for business, commerce, tourism and communication. It is famous for its carnival which is the second biggest in the world next to the one in Rio. Masquarades and big parades blend the myth and fantasy with intense colours and sounds. A well-known place of pilgrimage are the two churches dedicated to St Andrew who preached Christianity and was later crucified and buried.

Important Cultural Monuments

* The Municipal Gallery of Patras where important exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photograph are held.
* The Roman Odeum.(dated from 160AC)
* The Press Museum.
* The Municipal Conservatory and the Municipal Peripheral Theatre.
* The Achaia Claus Museum.
* The Museum of Popular Art.
* The Roman Aquaduct.
* The Fortress of Patras (5th centum AD).
* The Archaeological Museum.
 

EGION (7km)
One of the prettiest towns in Greece, 35km from Patras. Built at the foot of ancient Eliki, with a panoramic view of the Corinthian Gulf, Mount Panahaiko and Helmos. An important commercial, industrial and cultural center. According to Greek mythology, king Agamemnon gathered the Greeks here to decide the expedition of Troy.

Important Cultural Monuments

* The Municipal Folklore Museum and Archaeological Museum.
* The Monastery of Taxiarches.
* The church of Tripiti Panagia.
* Pausanias plane tree

KALAVRITA (61km)
13km north-east of Egion. A rack-railway takes you through the Vouraikos river gorge to the historical city, built at a height of 756m. Bridges built high above ravines, tunnels, waterfalls and dense vegetation are breathtaking.

It is worth visiting the historical convent of Agia Lavra which is known to all Greeks for its contribution to the revolution against the Turks in 1821.

The legendary monastery of Mega Spilaio at an altitude of 924m, built inside a huge cave, famous for a Holy Icon of Virgin Mary made out of wax and mastich. One can also see wonderful frescoes, mosaic floors and a bronze door with relief decoration

At short distance from Kalavrita, the Cave of Lakes is a rare creation of nature with 13 scaled lakes in three levels, mysterious tunnels and stalactites.

On Mt Helmos, there is a fully organized ski center, which offers the opportunity to both experienced and beginner skiers to enjoy the unique beauty of the landscape, as well as all kinds of winter sports. During the summer months, one can hike on the easily accessible footpaths and, with the help a local guide, it is possible to reach the waters of the Fountain which, according to mythology, made the Olympian Gods immortal!
 

OLYMPIA (150km)
Well-known city in ancient times, the founder of the Olympic Games.

DELPHI (125km)
The most renowned archaeological site in Greece with the magnificent oracle which is the most characteristic of Greek mythology and history. It's possible to reach Delphi by ferry from Egion to Saint Nicholas or from Rion to Antirion.

THEATER OF AEGIRA (50km)

MYCENAE (146km)