Description of Achaia
The spectacular region of
Achaia or
Achaea hides a number of coastal resorts while in the mountainous mainland there is the winter resort of
Kalavryta with numerous villages around the
ski centre. The bustling city of
Patras is not only a busy modern city but also the main ferry gate for Western Europe, also boasting for the most spectacular bridge in
Greece,
Rio Bridge connecting
Peloponnese and
Central Greece. The coastline is dotted with
hotels and
restaurants and the region is a good starting point of road trips on
Peloponnese and
Ionian Islands.
Geography of Achaia
Achaia is a region situated in the northwestern part of the
Peloponnese and its neighbouring regions are Ilia to the southwest,
Arcadia to the south and
Corinthia to the southeast. The region spans an area of 3.271 sq. km. and a total population of 322.789 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is
Patras and is well known as a busy port. The higher mountains of the region are Panachaiko, Aroania and Erymanthos.
Achaea has hot summers and mild winters. Snow is very common during the winter on the mountains and rainfalls on the lowlands.
History of Achaia
Achaia has been inhabited since Neolithic Era and till the 5th century BC has reached a developed civilization being ruled under democracy. However, the Achaeans did not participate in the Persian Wars and they have been secluded of the major historic events of that time. During the early Byzantine period
Achaia enjoyed economic growth, which was interrupted several times by the invasions of the Goths, but most of the Slavs in the 8th century. In the early 13th century,
Achaia was conquered by the Franks and it was already part of the Despotate of
Mistras. In 1460 was invaded by the Turks, by the Venetians in 1687 and Turks took power again in 1715 until 1828. The War of Independence against the Turks started from
Kalavryta on March 25, 1821. Achaia suffered many losses during the German occupation, since
Kalavryta was destroyed in 1943 and the civilians of
Patras were slaughtered in 1940 by the Italians.
Sightseeing in Achaia
The major cities of
Patras and
Aigio are not the final destination for tourists as most of the visitors usually pass by the ports to visit the
Ionian Islands or
Italy. The city of
Patras is visited mostly during the carnival because of the carnival festivities. The most attractive resort is
Kalavryta and is mainly visited during winter for skiing or spring and autumn for the magnificent nature around. Some villages dotted around Kalavryta offer also hotels and taverns and you can stay in
Klitoria,
Zachlorou or
Priolithos instead of
Kalavryta. In the region there are also very interesting sites: the Monastery of Agia Lavra, the Monastery of Great Cave and the Holocaust Museum in Kalavryta. On top of Mount Helmos, there is the Aristarchus Telescope. The natural attractions are: Vouraikos Canyon, the Water of Styx and the Cave of the Lakes. You can also enjoy a ride with the rack railway connecting
Diakofto with
Kalavryta.
Useful Phone Numbers in Achaia
Police of Patras: +30 2610 695000
Tourist Police of Patras: +30 2610 695191
Port Authorities of Patras: +30 2610 341002
Railway of Patras: +30 2610 639110
Buses Services: +30 2610 623887
Hospital of Patras: +30 2610 223812
Kalavryta ski centre: +30 26920 24451
