Achladokampos: An epic route etched indelibly in the minds of travellers

A magical mountain route in the Peloponnese surrounded by greenery, picturesque villages, and an incredible view.

Almost everyone who has anything to do with the Peloponnese has heard something about the mountain route through Achladokampos. Several, slightly older, will have used it to go from Corinth to Tripoli.

Until 1991, when the new Corinth—Tripoli highway was built and the Artemision tunnel opened, it was the main road connection for those who wanted to cross the Peloponnese and reach Tripoli, Kalamata, Sparta, and Monemvasia.

This route was the most difficult for many decades, as the ascent from Myloi to the plateau has continuous and sharp turns. However, it has beautiful spots, which today people choose mainly for touristic reasons, making this trip unique.

But before we discuss that, we will stop at the Myloi. In the past, the journey from Athens to Kalamata used to take more than six hours but with many interesting stops along the way.

One of them was the village of Myloi, where a stop for souvlaki was almost mandatory.

It was a tradition, and it also made sense for the driver to take a breather so that they would be more comfortable with the ascent that would follow or for both the driver and the other passengers to recover on the way back.

The beach at Myloi is also a beautiful and refreshing break along the way. If you want to escape from the traditional souvlaki, which you can still find on the beachfront today, you can enjoy fresh seafood.

The ascent

We leave Myloi behind and start the ascent towards Achladokampos. From the first turns, the view becomes increasingly interesting. The view of the Argolic Gulf and Nafplio is unique, as the green landscape crowns it.

The turns are one after the other, and many of them are 180 degrees. The road is in very good condition now, as it has been recently asphalted. Unlike the bad and reverse turns of the past, things are much better now.

At the highest point of the route, the tavernas Polyvoleio and Eikosipendrachos operate, where they traditionally served boiled goat.

A little later, we come across the first entrance to the settlement of Achladokampos.

In Achladokampos

Achladokampos is built on the slopes of Artemision at an altitude of 480 metres and has an ideal view of the plateau and the emblematic railway network bridge for the region.

This bridge was actually destroyed in 1948 during the Civil War and restored again in 1974.

It is a peaceful settlement with a beautiful and well-kept guest house, Xenon Achladokampos, ideal for enjoying the village's magic, tranquillity, and nature.

Continuing the route to Tripoli, you will find the settlements of Agiorgitika and Steno just before reaching the capital of Arcadia.

Dimitri Stathopoulos is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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