Achaia Prefecture

The prefecture of Achaia is located at the northern point of the Peloponnese and is named after the founders of the city, the Achaians, who came and settled there after the decline of the Mycenaean centers. The prefectures of Corinth, Ilia and Arcadia are the neighbors of Achaia. Also, this is where the city of Patras (the capital of the Peloponnese) is located.

Patra is the largest of all towns in the Peloponnese and is also the second busiest port in Greece, after the port of Piraeus in Athens. As well as offering to travelers the opportunity to travel to the famous Ionian Islands, it also offers routes to Italy. The city of Patras is visited mostly during the carnival because of the carnival festival. The most attractive resort is Kalavryta and it is famous with skiers in winter. The place is beautiful in spring and autumn too due to its magnificent landscape. There are many hotels and taverns in the villages around Kalavryta. Also, if you prefer less crowded places, you can stay is Klitoria, Zachlorou or Priolithos instead of Kalavryta. In the region there are also very interesting sights: 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 railway connecting Diakofto with Kalavryta.

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