The telescope of the National Observatory of Athens named “ARISTARCHOS” is the largest telescope in the Balkans and the second largest in continental Europe, which is at the top “Neraidorahi” at Helmos at an altitude of 2,340 meters. Aristarchus was named in honor of the ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus. Some of the telescope characteristics is its large field of view that is ideal for participating in international programs, the very good optical quality which have sharp images, the remote control option and the programmable operation over the network from its headquarters in Athens Observatory or from other partner of the Observatories in Greece or abroad, the equipment with modern astronomical instruments such as CCD cameras and spectrographs of high and intermediate resolution. The reasons for preferring the top of Helmos for such a modern and important project of the National Observatory of Athens is that there is provision of functional infrastructure of the establishment of the Ski Centre where it is easy road access, electricity and phone, does not suffer from light pollution of cities as major cities are behind the mountains. It is also one of the darker parts of Europe, the telescope is above the clouds heavily annually […]
Τηλεσκόπιο Αρίσταρχος
One of the most famous summer resorts of Peloponnisos, with great development because of the short distance from big cities. 165km from Athens and 49 from Tripolis. It has developed touristic substructures for every taste, crystal clear beaches and water sports. You can visit it all year round, ideal for weekends. There you can find a Sailing Centre, and you can visit the villages of Kynouria and the islands of Argosaronikos. The picturesque natural port is amazing, but the so called from the locals “Nisi” with an incredible view to the Argolic Bay. “Nisi” is called a part of the area that is built on the side of the hill. The houses of that region have kept their traditional colour and on top there is the well-known kedieval castle. Every summer in the local theatre take place a lot of cultural festivals and sports events.
PARALIO ASTROS KYNOURIAS
Odontotos railway is project of Charilaos Trikoupi. About 113 years ago Odontotos rack railway started from the seaside town of Diakopto parallel to the river and climbed to Kalavrita through bridges and tunnels. The contract for the construction of the line was signed in 1889 and the construction was finished seven years later. The design of the line was made by French engineers. The project was very difficult due to the inaccessible terrain. On March 10, 1896 the train made its first trip. Since then the Vouraikos river and Odontotos head together. The little train incorporated so well to the natural environment that it seems that it had always been there. The way it was constructed did not put a strain on the ecosystem of the gorge. Using stone and wood from the area the technicians’ work is so perfect that someone may think that the nature worked on its own. The route starts from Diakopto crosses the gorge of Vouraikos Zachlorou passes through the village and ends in Kalavryta. The journey takes about 1 hour. Odontotos is not just the “train”. Vouraikos gorge and rack railway Diakopto-Kalavryta is a unique attraction in Greece. ITINERARIES RACK RAILWAY (Diakopto-Kalavrita): From Diakofto […]
Odontotos (Rack Railway)
Laconia is the southernmost prefecture of mainland Greece and continental Europe. Blessed place both in climatic and natural surroundings as well as in history and cultural heritage. It combines mountain and sea. Taygetos, one of the country’s tallest mountains, is fascinated by its wild landscape, gorges, ravines, and the beautiful forests of its middle mountain belt. Parnon is equally charming and overgrown, accessible to all walkers. Among them the historian of Evrotas with his fertile valley. Laconia, with its rich land and in combination with the mild Mediterranean climate of the area, is famous for its agricultural products and especially for its outstanding quality and world-famous olive oil, olives, citrus fruits, horticulture, honey, wine and many other. In the kilometers of the Laconian coast the visitor will encounter wonderful beaches. He will gaze at the sea from the Cape of Tainar and Malea. The exotic Elafonisos will enchant him. It will be fascinated by the Castle of Monemvasia, Mystras and Gerakia. He will travel to other seasons by viewing the towers of Vathia and all of Mani. He will experience the magnificence of nature in the Caves of Diros, Kastania and Nia. She will learn about her history at the […]
Kalavrita is one of the most tourist areas not only in the prefecture of Achaia, but in whole Greece, cause is an ideal mountain destination that combines every type of vacations. Comfortable hotels, impressive guesthouses and hospitable studios with view in the slopes of Helmos, will cover every taste and need to stay as there are different categories of rooms for each affordability. The nightlife, the bars and the modern cafes combined with the magical beauty of the area, keep the tourist status of Kalavryta at very high levels all months of the year. The snowy slopes of Helmos, the dew and the beautiful climate of the summer in conjunction with the many advantages of the region will offer you a unique vacation that you will remember for a lifetime. Just 77km away from Patras, you will find Kalavryta, a region located at an altitude of 750 meters at the foot of Helmou distinguished by graphic images, lush landscapes, very special archaeological and natural attractions to fill visitors with beautiful memories. Many people are visiting Kalavryta both at winter time, due to the Ski Center, and in summer time due to nice beaches you can find in a 30 minutes […]
Καλάβρυτα 250 01, Ελλάδα
Elafonisos seduces anyone who visits her. Whenever you come, there will always be something new to discover. The only island of Lakonia, 500 meters from the opposite coast, is one of the few islands that can be reached by road Elafonisos is an ideal destination for nature lovers with rare flora and fauna. Tall dunes and rare sea-trees decorate all the beaches of the island. Come and experience the twin beaches of Simos and Sarakinikos that are among the best in the Mediterranean. Discover the secrets that lie on the other beaches of the island, each with its own beauty and uniqueness. At Panagia you can enjoy an idyllic sunset as the sun sets between its islands. Explore the sunken state of the Bronze Age in Pavlopetri, sleeping in the depths of the sea and time. Lake Stroggili, a protected wetland of the area, is a refuge for rare species of migratory birds among them and flamingos! Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters and let the sea tell you the history of the island of deer, connected with seafarers, travelers and pirates who found shelter in the hospitable beaches of “Smygos” island. Travel to the myths inspired by this beautiful […]
Ελαφόνησος
The Corinth Canal was drilled in the late 19th century and is a very important construction achievement. The canal connects the Saronic Gulf with the Corinth Gukf allowing vessels to avoid this way the circumnavigation of the whole Peloponnese region. The canal is a construction of impressive dimensions, with a length of more than 6 km and a width of about 25 meters. The view of the canal from above the bridge breathtaking! At the 2 edges of the canal there are two very interesting to see submersible bridges as well.
corinth canal
Just outside the harbor of Avlemonas, at 20 meters depth, a group from the Institute of Marine Archaeology found in 1980 an ancient shipwreck! It was “Mentor”, the ship Lord Elgin used in 1802 to transfer the stolen Parthenon sculptures and fragments of other monuments. After the sinking of “Mentor”, Lord Elgin had used free divers from Kalymnos to haul whatever they could from the precious cargo. The archaeologists’ investigation identified the remains of this effort, such as appliances and items of the crew, including a clock stopped at 1:10 or 2:05. This should be the sinking time, as Lord Elgin’s secretary writes in his diary that the ship started sinking in the early morning hours. So far they have discovered nine stone anchors, relics of shipwrecks and an abundance of articles providing important information on trade and navigation of the time!
AVLEMONAS KYTHERA