The best walks and hikes in Achaea

Spotted on these routes: the golden jackal, a colony of purple herons, eleven great white pelicans, great egret.

The monastery is open to visitors daily, usually with a lunch break. Opening hours Mon - Tue 08:30-13:00 & 14:00-17:30 Wed - Fri 08:30-13:00 & 14:00-17:30 Sat - Sun 08:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:30 Please wear appropriate clothing.

The Mega Spilaio Monastery (Greek for "Great Cave") is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Greece and is an important religious center in the Peloponnese. It is located about ten kilometers northeast of Kalavryta, spectacularly built into a steep rock face. According to tradition, the monastery was founded in 362 AD by the brothers Symeon and Theodoros. They were searching for a sacred icon that had previously been discovered in a cave by a shepherdess named Euphrosyne. The heart of the monastery is the famous icon of Panagia Megalospiliotissa (Mother of God), which is attributed to the Evangelist Luke. It is made of wax and mastic and has acquired a dark color due to several fires. Throughout its history, the monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by fires (including 1640 and 1934). Today's appearance is modern, but it preserves valuable historical treasures inside.

Landscape: The region is characterized by the contrast between the deep blue sea, shifting sand dunes (up to 10 meters high), and dense forests. There are eight marked hiking trails (H1-H8) and four cycling routes (C1-C4) with varying levels of difficulty. Birdwatching: Special observation towers at the lagoons offer views of the rich birdlife. Beach: Kalogria Beach borders the national park and is known for its fine sand and shallow water.

The Strofylia Wetlands are part of the Kotychi-Strofylia National Park. The area is protected under the Ramsar Convention and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Strofylia Forest: The largest pine forest in Greece (predominantly Pinus pinea) stretches across 22 km² along the coast. Lagoons and Marshes: The ecosystem includes the Kotychi, Prokopos, and Araxos (also known as Papa) lagoons, as well as the Lamia marsh. Biodiversity: It is an important stopover for migratory birds on the western migration route. Inhabitants include herons, flamingos, sea turtles, and rare duck species.

Landscape: The region is characterized by the contrast between the deep blue sea, shifting sand dunes (up to 10 meters high), and dense forests. There are eight marked hiking trails (H1-H8) and four cycling routes (C1-C4) with varying levels of difficulty. Birdwatching: Special observation towers at the lagoons offer views of the rich birdlife. Beach: Kalogria Beach borders the national park and is known for its fine sand and shallow water.

The Strofylia Wetlands are part of the Kotychi-Strofylia National Park. The area is protected under the Ramsar Convention and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Strofylia Forest: The largest pine forest in Greece (predominantly Pinus pinea) stretches across 22 km² along the coast. Lagoons and Marshes: The ecosystem includes the Kotychi, Prokopos, and Araxos (also known as Papa) lagoons, as well as the Lamia marsh. Biodiversity: It is an important stopover for migratory birds on the western migration route. Inhabitants include herons, flamingos, sea turtles, and rare duck species.

Right by the train station are traditional tavernas, such as the famous "Romance Tavern," which has often served as a backdrop for Greek films. The station is a popular starting point for hikes through the gorge along the railway tracks, especially to Diakopto (approx. 12 km, 3.5-4 hours). Another trail leads up to the Mega Spileo Monastery, founded in the 4th century and built directly into a cliff face. The area is characterized by dense forests of plane trees, chestnut trees, and pines, as well as numerous waterfalls in the gorge.