The small mountain town of Kalavryta is best known for three things- skiing [yes you can ski in Greece in the winter], the amazing rack and pinion railway and for a massacre by the Germans in 1943.
The town itself is pleasant. It has pedestrianised streets lined with shops, many are aimed at the tourist but they do not seem to spoil the pleasant vibe of the town. There’s also good choice of tavernas and accommodation options. The central platea and church are attractive, the church has two bell towers adorned with clocks. The clock on the left is stuck at 2.34, the time of the massacre.
Municipal Museum of Kalavytra Holocaust
This museum is a sombre commemoration to the atrocity committed by the Germans on December 13th 1943. The museum is located in the primary school where the German soldiers rounded up the residents of Kalavryta before removing all men [over 15 years old] who were to be executed.
They then set fire to the school but luckily the women and children managed to escape. Above the town on Kapi Hill is a striking memorial to the 438 men who were killed. You can read the full story of the massacre here.
The ‘Odontotos’ rack rail is bloody amazing! It runs between Kalavryta and Diakofto which is on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf. It opened in 1896 and is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Despite this, many people have never heard of it! The route is only 22km long and the journey [one way] takes about one hour. You can choose to walk the route and you should allow at least 3 hours [one way] and take plenty of snacks and water with you. The track is narrow and is on conventional rails for much of the journey using rack and pinion on the steep sections. If you want to guarantee a seat you should buy your tickets in advance or online.
The route runs through the pricipitous Vouraikos Gorge alongside the river over narrow bridges and through several tunnels. The views both sides are so amazing it’s hard to take it all in!
There is not so much to see or do at Daikofto but there are several tavernas and a beach to visit if you have the time. We got off the train, stretched our leggies and then got on the next one back to Kalavryta.
Quick Links:
Gruntie's Travels 