The rack railway runs from Diakopto to Kalavrita up through the gorge of the Vouraiko river. On a magical 23 km. Route it passes through caves, underneath rocks and through thriving vegetation giving the visitor a chance to see the exceptional beauties of the mountain areas of Achaia.

The steep slopes of the line preclude passage of a regular train and a toothed rack between the rails is engaged by a special mechanism and this allows it to climb from level up to Kalavrita station at an altitude of 750 meters..

It has been called the most spectaculal railroad of the Balkans and its construction was undertaken by a French company under the Harilaos Tricoupis Government as part of the overall plan for railroads in Greece. It was completed in 1895 and its first engines were steam powered.

The Diakopto station of the rack railway is about 4 km away from Hotel Theasi.

tel: 26910 43206

Kalavrita’s name means “good waters” and in fact the mountain town built at 750 meters is blessed with plenty of running water. I t is located in Achaia at the foot of Mount Helmos and is 30 km away from Hotel Theasi.

Lake Tsivlou is near Akrata at a height of 800 meters. It is one of the very few lakes in the mountainous Peloponese and was formed by a landslide in 1912 which blocked the Krathi river valley.

It covers an area of 200 acres and a maximum depth of 80 meters. It is the most noteworthy wetland area of the district and has a path which allows one to walk all the way around it or to simply picnic there in good weather. There are many picturesque nearby villages to be visited. It is some 50 minutes drive (30 km.) from Hotel Theasi.

Near the village of Kastria (16 kilometers from Kalavrita) you will find a unique natural phenomenon with convoluted pathways, galleries and impressive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. On top of these, "Lakes Cave" is housing lakes in three different levels, making it one of a kind globally.

Information:Visit hours: 09.30-16.30 | tel.: +30 2692 031633 & +30 2692 031001