The mountain village of Achaia offers walks in alleys, hikes in the forest, coffee with a view of the lake, and mountain activities.
Nestled in the forests of the Peloponnese, Zarouchla, at an altitude of about 1100 metres, offers a peaceful refuge from bustling city life. It is 180 kilometres from Athens and will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach.
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the village's winding alleys. Cobbled paths meander between stone-built houses adorned with colourful bougainvillea, creating a picturesque setting.
On the village's main street, the cafe "Agora" (Tel. 6986 867964) serves good coffee and sweets in a warm environment.
Walk from the old Primary School of Zarouchla to the small church of Agia Triada, in the courtyard of which hangs a swing, and you will have a view of the fir trees and the mountain slopes.
For food, head back to the main street, where you will find plenty of options.
"1022 Oreini Kouzina" (Tel. 6973 782443) serves delicious pizza and handmade pasta; at "Mahaira" (Tel. 6944 960594), you can enjoy well-cooked meats, such as pork neck fillets, stuffed biftekia and beef steak.
At "Achyrona tis Zarouchla" (Tel. 26960 31502), try the stews and hearty salads, and at the "Ydata Stygos" taverna (Tel. 26960 39292), they serve meat and classic Greek dishes.
It is worth walking to Lake Tsivlou, 13 kilometres from Zarouchla. The lake was created in 1913 after a large landslide blocked the river Krathis's bed.
Surrounded by fir trees at an altitude of 700 metres, the lake attracts many visitors who enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Back in the village, don't miss the opportunity to visit the eponymous shop "To Rema" (Tel. 6976 036271) next to the stream. Made mainly of wood, it serves coffee, drinks, and sweets and plays jazz music.
The next day, explore the surrounding villages and the wider area. Starting from the village, many paths lead to magical locations and dense forests of fir and chestnut trees. A relatively easy hiking route leads from the village to the springs of Krioneri.
A relatively demanding path leads to the waterfall of the same name in the nearby village of Mesorrougi. Dino's Taverna (Mesorrougi, Tel. 26960 33984) serves grilled and cooked dishes.
You can also stop for food in the village of Solos at the "Neriides" tavern (Solos, Tel. 26960 33991) for extremely tasty ribs, hand-cut fries and a warm, authentic atmosphere.
If you want a slightly longer excursion, you can drive 22 kilometres to the Kalavryta Ski Centre for activities and coffee at the chalet. Even if the first snow has not yet fallen, it is a beautiful mountain destination at an altitude of 1,700 metres.
If you happen to be there during the skiing season, the Kalavryta Centre's facilities are among the most modern in Greece. It offers easy and difficult slopes for young and old, a snow park, and a special area for children.
Lina Kapetaniou is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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