Achaea Travel Guide (Peloponnese/Greece/Europe)

Introduction to Achaea

Located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, Achaea is a beautiful destination surrounded by the Corinthian Gulf, the Gulf of Patras, and the mountains of Aroania. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, culture, and traditions, Achaea is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the top attractions, food and drink recommendations, where to stay, how to get around, and much more to help you plan your visit to Achaea, Greece.

List of Places to Visit in Achaea

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Achaea is a treasure-trove of historical sites and museums that showcase the rich ancient Greek culture and history. The following are some of the must-visit attractions:

Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway: This is a unique way to explore the scenic beauty of Achaea through a narrow-gauge railway that runs between Diakofto and Kalavryta towns. The train journey is a jaw-dropping experience, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and forests.
Ancient City of Patras: This ancient city is one of the oldest in Greece, and is an important archaeological site that dates back to the Mycenaean period.
Archaeological Museum of Patras: This museum is a must-visit for history buffs, as it houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including pottery, statues, and jewelry.
The Achaean League Museum: This museum showcases the history and ancient culture of the Achaeans, who were one of the most influential ancient Greek tribes.

Natural Attractions of Achaea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Achaea boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Greece, including pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters, lush forests, and rugged mountains. Some of the top natural attractions in Achaea are:

Lake Tsivlou: This is a stunning, man-made lake that is surrounded by mountains and forests. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Mount Panachaikon: This mountain is a paradise for adventure-seekers and hikers, with plenty of trails that offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
The Rio-Antirrio Bridge: This is a modern engineering marvel that spans across the Gulf of Corinth, connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. It is a great place to enjoy the views, and offers opportunities for scenic drives and cycling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Achaea

Achaea offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of hiking and biking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Some of the popular routes are:

The Menalon Trail: This trail is one of the most popular hikes in Greece, and stretches for over 75 kilometers. It offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and forests.
The Rio-Antirrio Bridge Cycle Route: This 22-kilometer-long route offers some of the best scenic cycling opportunities in Greece, with stunning views of the Gulf of Corinth, the mountains, and the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Achaea: Activities and Tours

In Achaea, there are plenty of activities and tours that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the best things to do:

Wine Tasting Tours: Achaea is famous for its wine, and many vineyards offer tours and tastings for visitors.
Beach Hopping: With over 70 kilometers of coastline, Achaea has some of the best beaches in Greece. Visitors can hop from one beach to another and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Olive Oil Tasting Tours: Achaea is also famous for its olive oil, and many olive groves offer tours and tastings for visitors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Achaea

If you are planning to spend a week in Achaea, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the ancient city of Patras and visit the Archaeological Museum of Patras.
Day 2: Take the Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway and enjoy the scenic beauty of Achaea.
Day 3: Hike up the Mount Panachaikon and enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 4: Visit the Lake Tsivlou and enjoy the outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and fishing.
Day 5: Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the best wines in Achaea.
Day 6: Go beach hopping and enjoy the stunning coastline of Achaea.
Day 7: Take an olive oil tasting tour and sample some of the best olive oils in Achaea.

Food and Drink Scene of Achaea

Must-Try Dishes

Achaea is famous for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Mediterranean and traditional Greek flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Kokoretsi: This is a dish made from roasted lamb entrails, seasoned with lemon, garlic, and oregano.
Pastitsio: This is a baked pasta dish that is similar to lasagna, but is made with ground beef, cheese, and tomatoes.
Garides Saganaki: This is a dish made from pan-fried shrimp, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Local Beverages

Achaea is famous for its wine and olive oil, which are staple ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors can take wine tasting tours and olive oil tastings to sample the best of Achaea’s local beverages.

Where to Stay in Achaea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Achaea offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

Porto Rio Hotel: This hotel is located on the beachfront and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Patras.
Tripoli City Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of Tripoli and offers easy access to the city’s attractions and amenities.
Villa Kaloudis: This guesthouse is located in the traditional village of Kalavryta and offers a peaceful and authentic Greek experience.

What to Buy in Achaea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Achaea offers plenty of unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home as a memory of your trip. Some of the popular items are:

Olive Oil: Achaea is famous for its high-quality olive oil, which is a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
Wine: Achaea is also famous for its wine, which is made from the local grape varieties.
Handmade Crafts: Visitors can find a range of handmade crafts, such as pottery, embroidered items, and lacework.

Local Culture and Customs of Achaea

Achaea has a rich culture and traditions that are deeply rooted in the ancient Greek civilization. Visitors can experience the local culture and customs by attending festivals and events, such as the Carnival of Patras and the Olive Festival.

Best Time to Visit Achaea

The best time to visit Achaea is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be very hot, and the winter months can be quite cold and wet.

Do’s and Don’ts of Achaea

Do:

Respect the local culture and traditions.
Try the local cuisine and wine.
Take part in festivals and events.

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing in public places.
Disrespect religious sites and buildings.
Litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Achaea

Achaea is a relatively safe destination, with low crime rates. However, visitors should be cautious and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding dark and isolated areas at night.

Health in Achaea

Visitors should take necessary health precautions, such as drinking bottled water and wearing sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.

Getting to Achaea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Achaea

The nearest airport to Achaea is the Araxos Airport, which is located approximately 45 kilometers away from Patras.

Bus Stations Near Achaea

There are several bus stations in Achaea, which offer connections to other destinations in Greece and beyond.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a ferry from Italy to Patras, which is a popular option for those arriving from other European destinations.

How to Get Around in Achaea

Achaea offers a variety of transportation options to get around, including local buses, taxis, and car rentals. Visitors can also take the Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from Achaea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Achaea is surrounded by several neighboring destinations and excursions that are worth visiting, such as:

Athens: The capital city of Greece is located approximately 200 kilometers away from Achaea and is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Olympia: This ancient city is famous for its ancient Olympic games and is located approximately 150 kilometers away from Achaea.

Conclusion

Achaea is a beautiful and diverse region in Greece that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and traditions. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their visit and explore the best of Achaea, Greece.

Achaea Image Gallery

Theatre in Aigeira

Patra