Travel guide for TSIVLOU LAKE

Information

Climate

I have been to the lake both in spring and winter. In spring the weather is usually sunny. During the winter visit, it was foggy; something that gave a wild element to the beauty of the place and at times it was drizzling. Keep in mind that it snows quite often in winter. As for clothes, it all depends on the season. What you always need to have is trekking shoes and a jacket appropriate for the season.

Location

It is located in Achaia, in the Peloponnese, above the city of Akrata. It is 180Km from Athens and 28Km from Akrata.

Money Issues

Over the past few years the place has become popular. The place is becoming more and more popular as the time goes by, but thankfully the prices remain reasonable.

How to get there

If you are driving from Athens you need to take the exit to Akrata. You then follow the road towards Valimi-Peristera-Zaruhla and you go up towards Ano Akrata. After you have driven past the last houses with a fantastic view to the Corinthian gulf, you continue upwards to the lake. Unfortunately a big part of the route is destroyed due to a lot of fires.

While there

Accomodation

Since it is not a far away destination, few choose to stay the night there. There is a very nice place in Zaruhla which, I think, is called "Aorania". Coming from the lake, it is on the left as you cross the village by its main road, towards the end of the village.

Children

It is an ideal place for them as it's a nice chance to play in the open air. You need to be cautious though, and attentive so that they won't fall in the lake as there are no protective fences.

Food

You will find a lot of signs advertising restaurants/taverns. I would recommend you eat in Zaruhla. There are a lot of taverns with fresh meat. I personally prefer John's cutlets (you will recognize the place as it?s mainly wooden).

Amusement

By the lake, there is a small tavern-cafe. Some prefer this to going to Zaruhla. I'd say it?s ideal for coffee or soda with a view to the deep blue of the lake and the green of the mountain. In Zaruhla you'll also find a cafe if you turn right where the last taverns are and walk for about 200m. They serve nice cakes.

Activities

Leisure

While at the lake, you can tour the lake on foot, go on a picnic or cycling. During sunny weekends a lot of people choose the lake for a picnic as there are wooden benches/tables for this purpose. If you visit the lake in summer don't resist the temptation to dive in its cold waters. You?ll be rejuvenated.

Shopping

In the main road of Zaruhla, near the church you'll find a small shop selling traditional goods such as honey, jams, nuts and much more.

Monuments

Natural Beauty

The whole area of the lake is a place of unique beauty. The lake was created in the beginning of the previous century due to a landslide that prevented the waters from finding their natural way out from Tsivlos mountain. The lake is about 80 m deep and its waters are crystal clear blue. You can even watch the fish! The mountains surrounding the lake are full of pine trees. Thankfully this forest was saved from the fires!

Romance

I think that staying at a traditional guest house in winter is the ultimate romantic thing to do!

Be Cautious

Drive cautiously as there are a lot of hair pin bends. As it's a mountain it gets foggy so keep it in mind. During at night it can be a bit dangerous.

Best routes

First and foremost, a walk around the lake. There are a lot of paths that are easily tracked down.

Out

If you want to go further, you can start with Zaruhla. Just keep straight on the road that you are on from Akrata (without turning right for the lake). Park the car in the village and walk around the village. I'd recommend you choose the road that leads to the river of Ancient Feneo (at the end of the village). If you own a jeep you can drive all the way from Achaia to Korinthia. Another suggestion is to drive to the Kalavrita snow resort. Just follow the road from Peristera village. The road is extremely bumpy, so it's not ideal for the winter if you don?t have a jeep. I drove in a small VW Polo and I still can't understand how we managed to reach our destination. There were many bulldozers that were widening the road at that time. Ask what the condition of the road is before you reach a decision.

Green Issues

The forest here is one of the few that has not been affected by fires, so be really cautious if you smoke (keep in mind that during the summer fires for camping/picnic reasons are not allowed). Moreover, don?t litter! We really need to keep this beautiful place intact (there are bins close to the small cafe/tavern).

Impressions

It's a really beautiful place that reminds me a bit of Swiss or Canada. Ideal for relaxation and coming in touch with nature.