Legend has it that this gorge at the northeast of Kalavryta was created by Hercules, who cut the rock in two pieces with his sword. In fact, the valley of Vouraikos was a lake whose waters “sought out” a way out to the sea, sculpting with craft this wonderful gorge, which later surrendered to the river’s force that deepens it over the years.
Between its abrupt, vertical sides, it leaves open course to the river to dig deeper and allows the passage of the cogwheel train, welcoming visitors to admire its beauty and learn its secrets.
It is also an easy and very pleasant hiking trail. It starts 3 km north of the village of Kato Zachlorou at an altitude of 730 meters and runs alongside the river, stretching 20 km to reach the village of Diakopto.
The path boasts dense and ever-changing vegetation that starts with fir trees, continues with plane trees and ends up in a triumphant exit with olive trees, pine trees and oleanders. Of course, the descent is the less tiresome route from Kalavryta to Diakopto, following the cogwheel train tracks. The descent takes about 6 hours of hiking while the climb, about 7 to 8 hours. The trail is part of the European Path E4.
By following the train tracks, you will have the front row seat at a well-edited romantic film, unravelling before your very eyes, surprising you at every turn. Scenes led by breathtaking waterfalls, stone building ruins, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, overhead bridges, dark galleries and rocks sculpted by raging waters. The river’s song becomes the soundtrack to your hero’s journey!
