Traveling to Greece: Kalavryta, year-round destination

Kalávryta, is a popular destination in the north-central Peloponnese all year around. In the winter, the town serves as a base for great skiing on Mount Helmos and in the summer people come to enjoya dreamy setting amidst the plane trees. Stone houses & inns, shady squares, picturesque cafes, and enticing taverns make it a wonderful weekend destination from Athens or an ideal overnight stop along a tour of the Peloponnese. 

You can also ride the historic narrow-gauge rack railway fromKalávryta to Diakoptó, a fairytale 14km ride on a train route that wasinaugurated in 1896and is still running today.

This route, which runs through the Vouraikos Gorge and ends at the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Greece. You'll especially appreciate how this train line was integrated into the environment without burdening the ecosystem of the gorge. It looks like it was always there, made by nature itself!

Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to visitTheCave of the Lakes,which is located near the village Kastriá, 11 miles fromKalávryta. This cave is actually an old river consisting of three levels! During the winter you can see a river with waterfalls, while during the summer the river dries up, and you can see 13 wonderful lakes.

The mountain villages around Kalávryta are also the ancestral home of my friend & partner-in-crime, Pauline, whose grandparents came from this beautiful region. Read on for a profile of her cousin, Alexandros "Sperxos" Pavlopoulos, who grew up in this charming town and has become a true ambassador of Greek cuisine...in Dubai! 

Find Kalavryta on the map

Try Chef "Sperxos" almond encrusted feta appetizer recipe