Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Greece by embarking on a remarkable train journey. Our adventure begins in Diakopto, a charming town nestled in the Aigialeia municipality, where the actor Dionysis Papagiannopoulos was born, and the harmonious blend of sea and mountain creates an atmosphere of immediate relaxation. With its serene ambiance and gentle climate caressed by the sea breeze and rich with fragrant citrus trees, Diakopto serves as the starting point for the Odontotos train and countless excursions throughout the captivating Aigialeia region.
Here, nature, culture, tradition, history, and local delights blend seamlessly as you journey through Aliki, Lake Tsivlou, Trapeza, Zarouchla, Fteri, Lakka, Taxiarches, Tripiti, Agia Triada, the ancient theatre in Aigeira, Plataniotissa, as well as discovering museums, wineries, the famous Tree of Pausanias, and the vibrant Oinoxeneia festival.
The Diakopto-Kalavryta line, also known as the Rack Railway or Odontotos, offers one of the most picturesque rail journeys in Greece, and has been running since 1896. This daily connection transports you from the coastal town of Diakopto to the charming mountain village of Kalavryta, located near a majestic ski resort at an altitude of 2,300 meters.
The route meanders through the awe-inspiring Vouraikos Gorge, located within the European and UNESCO Geopark of Helmos-Vouraikos, treating passengers to mesmerising views and unique landscapes. As the train ascends, vineyards, olive groves, and lemon orchards give way to the stunning gorge, with its rushing river, cascading waterfalls, and natural pools nestled between the towering cliffs. From tunnels carved into the rock to bridges suspended mid-air and narrow ledges overlooking the turbulent waters, every twist and turn of the journey unveils a new spectacle.
The gorge is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rare flora and fauna that makes it part of Natura 2000, a network of protected areas covering Europe’s most valuable habitats. To cross this breathtaking landscape, you can, of course, take the unique Odontotos train or why not follow the European Path E4 – a renowned hiking trail. Either way, this corner of paradise promises an unforgettable experience.
Our journey then takes us to Kalavryta, the mountainous historical centre of the region. Proudly bearing witness to its past as the headquarters of the Frankish barony and Byzantine Despotato, as well as the starting point of the 1770 uprising and the 1821 Agia Lavra national revolution, Kalavryta also bears the scars of the December 1943 holocaust, when it was ravaged by German troops. Despite these tragedies, Kalavryta’s beauty endures throughout the seasons, making it a top tourist destination alongside other attractions in the Kalavryta Municipality, such as the monasteries of Agia Lavra and Mega Spilaio, the villages of Planitero and Kertezi, the Cave of the Lakes, Ladonas, Leontio, Ancient Loussoi, Kleitor, and Psofida.
Please check the Hellenic Train website to get more details about the Odontotos line at https://www.hellenictrain.gr/.
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