Located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese, Achaia is a place of unique natural charms that you should definitely visit. Holding so many secrets waiting to be revealed, this is a lovely destination 365 days a year. There are many different things to do in Achaia, like visiting Patras with the magnificent architecture and the vibrant carnival festivities. However, we have narrowed it down to 3 stops in Achaia you need to include to your journey. This is of course the minimum, just to fuel your wanderlust and inspire you to search for more treasures in the Achaian land to discover!
First of all, wine enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that this is where the oldest winery in Greece is found. Achaia Clauss is a true masterpiece of art and gastronomy, a place where history comes alive in every wine sip. Founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss, this winery introduced Mavrodaphne to the world. This is an accomplishment on its own, if you taste the sweet dessert wine devoted to the love of his life. Apart from creating such a wonderfully tasting variety of wine, Gustav Clauss also established Wine Tourism in Greece. Visit the Imperial Cellar, the Stone Winecastle and stroll among the oak barrels, in pursuit of a century-old Mavrodaphne.
Moving on with our 3 stops in Achaia, we find the Cave of the Lakes in Kastria village. This was formerly known as Troupissio and it is located within short distance from the famous Kalavryta. Inside the cave, there have been a lot of findings from the Late Neolithic, the Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age, featuring fossilized human bones and even hippopotamus. It is a place of exceptional geological interest, with amazing stalactites and stalagmites formed through the passing of the years. It is enticing that there are 13 lakes inside the caves in three different levels and create a mystical atmosphere.
Our third stop in Achaia should be none other than St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Patras, one of the largest churches in the Balkans. It is located in the southern part of the city of Patras. A Greek Orthodox basilica built in Byzantine style, able to host up to 5,000 pilgrims in its interior. Starting in 1908, the cathedral was inaugurated 66 years later, in 1974. You will have the chance to admire the rich mosaics and amazing wall paintings, while pilgrims may also pay homage to the relics of Saint Andrew. It is also worth noting that there is the well of Saint Andrew right next to the church. A place used as remedy for those who became sick in antiquity, later on marked the very spot where Saint Andrew preached.