Three streams converge at the verdant mountain village of Zarouhla, approximately 1,100 metres above sea level. This lovely spot began attracting devotees after one of its towers was revamped and transformed into a guesthouse. Ever since, the paved streets of the village have typically filled with strolling visitors on weekends, primarily groups of young people and couples popping over from Athens.
Zarouhla in the Peloponese is just 180 km from Athens, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Surrounded by fir and chestnut trees, as well as majestic black pines, the village is situated close to Lake Tsivlou, 13.5 km away, and the Kalavryta ski resort, 22 km from Zarouhla.
The village features many tower houses, including the Zarouhla Tower, or Asimakis Fotilas Tower, most probably built in the 17th century in a fortified position. Fotilas, a great leader of the revolution, lived here for a while, and the tower was heritage listed in 1985 and today functions as a guesthouse.
The wider area is terrific for trekking through the forests. One relatively easy route reaches the Livadaki peak, at 1,836 metres. Its trail begins from within the village, runs through a forest road all the way to the col, the location of the Agios Nikolaos church, and from there leads to the summit, offering a lovely view of the surrounding mountains. This route is approximately 5 km long, covers a change in altitude of 793 metres, and requires between five and six hours to complete.
Accommodation
The listed tower, lovingly restored, functions as a guest house under the name Pyrgos tis Zarouhlas (Zarouhla, +30 26960 33934) and it offers four comfortable, spacious and traditionally decorated rooms.
Elsewhere, the Aroania hotel (Zarouhla, +30 26960 35090) is housed in an imposing stone mansion. When lit up at night, it looks like a knights castle from a distance.
Arches and vaults lead you through corridors to your impregnable fortress: a room with a view, a fireplace, oil lamps, and a medieval atmosphere. Coffee, aromatic tea, sweets and other delights are served for breakfast.
For a loftier accommodation experience, Styga Mountain Resort (Zarouhla, +30 26960 31431) offers stylish, luxury rooms, many of which are equipped with a fireplace. Or for a real-life house in the woods experience Timberland Cabins (Zarouhla, +30 6981 403012) offers five separate 50-m2 cabins made of stone and wood. They are all fully equipped with amenities.
Food
Maxairas taverna (Zarouhla, +30 26960 33928) serves traditional dishes, prepared with delicious ingredients. Try the spinach pie with handmade filo pastry, the pork gioulbasi, and the grilled meat selections. Dessert choices include milk custard pie, as well as a wide range of sweet preserves. For delicious and renowned chops, head to the Zarouhla taverna (Zarouhla, +30 6978 287191).
Coffee, drinks
Zarouhla, surprisingly given its village size, features a fantastic jazz bar by the stream. Sto Rema (Zarouhla, +30 26960 34039), a café-bar in a cute wood cabin, opens early serving coffee and stays open until late for drinks and fine music
Read also:
Amari: A lush Cretan region with picturesque villages
Vlachohoria and Koupatsohoria village groups: Hidden Greek gems
Epirus, Greece: Charming villages, imposing nature, mystic vibes, mystic vibes
