The prefecture of Achaia combining pebble paving in Eastern and sandy beaches in the westwards - in the Corinthian and Patraikos gulf respectively - and mountainous landscapes with personality, offers an exceptionally rich variety natural and historical monuments. Such a charming variety can extend your stay in the region. If in deed you have certain particular interesting (athletic activities, ecological, religious monuments, life in the nature etc) then in Patras and Achaia, you will find what you need.
Mountains
60% of the prefecture of Achaia is covered by three mountains: Chelmos (2.138 m.), Erymanthos (2.220 m.) and Panachaicos (1.924 m.). Attached to the enchanting Greek mythology (Hydata Stygos, the wild boar of Erymanthos killed by Hercules etc.), they are always imposing, yet accessible and picturesque; the Greek mountains offer a rich and rare flora and fauna, while its many natural ecosystems are protected by international treaties, such as the NATURA and RAMSAR treaty. The plethora of the mountainous traditional villages and the ecotourism guests' houses and small hotels offer many opportunities for sports and entertainment activities.
Snow-crested Mount Chelmos
Snow-crested Mount Chelmos
Beaches
Kalogria, , Lakopetra, Nikoforeika, Aktaio, Digeliotika, Aliki, Pounta (all the above beaches were awarded with a "blue flag" for 2006), Akrata, Trapeza, Platanos, , Logos, Akoli, K. Achaia, Gianiskari)
Beaches in the Gulf of Patras and Corinth
Rivers-Lakes
Aroani's springs, Ladona's river and lake, Tsivlou lake, Kotychi Lagoon (it is included in the NATURA 2000 network both as a Special Protected Area (SPA) and as proposed Site of Community Interest (Psci) in keeping with Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC respectively) .
Lake of Tsivlou
Aroanios River
Lagoon of Kotychi
Natural Monuments
Strofyllia Forest (it is included in the NATURA 2000 network both as a Special Protected Area (SPA) and as proposed Site of Community Interest (Psci) in keeping with Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC respectively) , Cave of the Lakes (inside the cave there is a string of cascading lakes forming three different levels that establishes the uniquness in the world), Zarouhla's forest, Styga's waterfall.
A monument of nature and technology
Once a lake and now a river, Vouraikos has carved a deep and steep gorge, with pine forests, plane trees and olive groves, as it runs through the village of Zachlorou up to Diakopto (20 km). A funicular railway crosses the area, linking Kalavryta to Diakopto (duration 1 hour). The cogwheel railway has been operational since 1896 and one of a kind in Greece, as it passes through some of Greece's most beautiful country.
Vouraikos Canyon
...and the rack rail train
Monasteries
Foundation of Mega Spilaio since 9th century, Saint Lavra since 961, Omplos since 15th century A.D., Makellarias since 6th (built by Velissarios) and also Taxiarhes since 10th century, Analipsi (Mintilogli) since 700 A.D., St. Nicolas since 12th century (Bada), Panagia Eleousa since 1510 A.D., Euagellistria since 11th century (Daphni), Panagia Plataniotisssa, St. Athanasios Church since 1100 A.D. (Halandritsa), St. Nicolas since 11th century (Platani) e.t.c.
Architectural-historical monuments Ancient times: Aigeira's theatre, Artemis Imerisias' temple, Kleitoras' theatre, Wall of Dymaioi Middle ages: Saint Omer castle, Paleologina's palace, Arlas castle Traditional architecture: Plataniotissas bridge, Krioneri springs, Tripotama's bridge, Petimeza's tower
Recent times: Chiller's market, port warehouses in Aigio
Activities-sports
Helmos ski center, kayak and rafting in Ladonas, mountain bikes, mountaineering, hiking in Vouraikos Canyon, parachuting, riding, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, beach volley, and kartracing.
Aristarchos
Near the Kalavryta ski centre, on Mount Chelmos and 2.340 m. above sea level, the operation of the telescope "Aristarchos" is at hand. The telescope is of the latest technology, has a 2.3m. diameter and is the biggest in the eastern Mediterranean. Its objective is to observe objects 5 billion years of light away!
