Working as a holiday rep for Manos Holidays in Paralio Astros (2005-2007), I guided a brilliant day out that took in the Corinth Canal and the rack and pinion railway that runs between Kalavrita and Diakofto. It's a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the Vouraikos Gorge beside the Vouraikos River. The steeper sections use a rack and pinion system with a toothed wheel and an extra rail. You get a whole hour on the train as it does the 22.5 kilometres through the spectacular scenery in the gorge.
Please note: The railway was closed for the whole of 2007! I am not sure when it will reopen.
Kalavrita itself is a sad little place. It was the scene of a horrendous atrocity during WW2 when 498 men and boys were murdered by the nazis up on a hill overlooking the town - 13 men survived with their injuries. The women were locked in the school and the town set on fire. It is only because the guard in charge of the school allowed the women and children to escape, that there were any survivors at all. But it took decades to recover. There is a beautiful monument to honour the dead on the hillside where the attack took place on 13th December 1943. The town itself is lovely now, and very welcoming. There is skiing in this area in the winter.
Click on a picture to make it bigger.
 The memorial at Kalavrita. The signs read "No more war" and "Peace". |
 The church at Kalavrita. One of the clock faces is still at 2.34 - the time of the massacre and fire. |
 The train at Kalavrita station. |
 On the train in the Vouraikos Gorge. |
 The third rail on a rack and pinion section of the railway. |
The Mega Spileon monastery visible from the train but you have to be quick to catch a photo of it! |
 Zalhorou Station - the train makes a brief stop here. It's where you get off to go to the monastery. |
 One of the waterfalls on the Vouraikos River |
 One of the old steam trains displayed at Diakofto Station. |
