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Kloukinochoria - Achaia

A visit to the wonderful Kloukinochoria in the valley of river Krathi is necessary for every visitor who wants to meet authentic traditional towns, masterpieces of the work of the famous Varvarites craftsmen. Solo, Messorougi, Agridi, Peristera, Zarouchla, the traditional « Mastorochoria » (villages of craftsmen) complete the landscape of the area.

Finally, on the way back to Akrata do not neglect visiting the holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity at

the outskirts of the city. It was built in 1715, decorated with beautiful frescoes where the monks'cells are built in the place of ancient findings.

Leaving east Achaia behind, we reach the west part of the Municipality, one of the most idyllic areas of the country. It is close to both the sea and mountains, like the rest of Achaia. The coastal area is full of picturesque villages. Vrachneika (ideal meeting place of the people in Patra for coffee, food and drink in summer), Alissos, Alikes, Niforeika, Lakopetra, Araxos (with golden beaches) are some of them. West Achaia offers exceptional touristic facilities, inviting visitors to explore it. Those who have never seen the sunset in Patraikos Gulf have missed one of the most beautiful views in the world. You may be drinking your coffee at one of the many cafes by the sea while watching the sun dipping in the sea. It is unforgettable.

There are historical findings everywhere in Achaia, the west part included. Mycenean Tombs, ancient theatres, towns, walls make up the archaeological profile of West Achaia. It is recommended to visit the Wall of Dimeon, the most important Mycenean acropolis of west Hellas located in the Municipality of Larissos near Araxos. According to the legend, the Wall was built by Hercules to protect « the land of Dimeon » by the looting attacks of Ilieon. There is also a Mycenean cemetary, at the area called Portes in Olenia Municipality on the borders of Achaia and Ilia Municipalities . The temple of Artemis (Diana), a town and vaulted tombs of the late- Mycenean Period have been found dating from the 8th century B.C at Leondio. You can also visit Kato Achaia where archaeologists discovered part of a wall and seven tombs. Kato Achaia is the administrative centre of Dimi Municipality . Dimi is built on the area Ancient Dimi used to be. It is a small modern city relying on commerce and tourism. Araxos airport is a few km away, although not fully organised, links Achaia with other parts of Greece and the world.

There are also a lot of remnants of the Byzantine era in Achaia, attracting a great number of visitors every year. Some of them are the tower of the Byzantine general Doxapatri at Skiada village, the castle Saint Omer (at Santameri) built by the Francs possibly in 1273 A .D and the remnants of Paleologos palace at the same area.

Visitors should visit the monasteries at Movri. Aghios Nikolaos (St. Nikolas) at Spata in Larissos Municipality was built in the beginning of the 19th century, although the wonder working icon is believed to have been made in the years of iconoclasm. Holy Monastery Maritsas - Filokali is located between Eleochorio and Santameri. Nowadays, the Monastery is rebuilt on the remnants of an older Monastery in the beginning of the 18th century. The older Monastery is believed to have been founded by Theodoras B' Paleologos in 1430 A .D. A byzantine church called Aghios Dimitrios Bada is in Petroc