Kalogria: Dunes, Lagoons and History

Dunes, lagoons, forest and historic buildings shape the landscape around Kalogria. Loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs in the dunes on Kalogria Beach; rare plants such as sea daffodil, Galatites and Ammophila also grow there. Coastal habitats and botanical features are thus central to the landscape. In the nearby area, wetlands, trails and buildings offer further points of interest. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kalogria, consider whether nature watching, outdoor activities or culture should play a greater part in your holiday.

Dunes, Lagoons and Lake

Kotychi Lagoon is an important wetland and breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles and waterbirds. Prokopos Lake offers a different appeal: it is considered particularly scenic and is of ecological and scientific interest. You can encounter a range of natural features: dunes with their plants and turtle nests, the lagoon as a breeding ground, and the lake with its ecological significance. If you want to focus your holiday plans on coastal scenery or lagoon and lake areas, these differences can help you decide what interests you most.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Routes and Birdwatching

Kotychi–Strofilia National Park has eight easy hiking trails. They pass through pine and oak stands and run alongside lagoons and beaches. Four cycling routes, also rated easy, cross the 22,000-stremmata Kotychi–Strofilia forest area. The routes offer different ways to experience the landscape: the hiking trails pass through forests, lagoons and beaches, while the cycling routes cross the forest area. If you would rather hike or cycle, this distinction offers a practical point of reference.

Birdwatching is another option: depending on the location and time of year, visitors can observe birds in the park using a telescope or binoculars. A total of 263 bird species have been recorded in the national park; this number may change as new sightings are documented. The birds you can observe also depend on the location and season. If you plan to go birdwatching, take both into account.

Chapels and Historic Buildings

The Panagitsa i Retouniotissa Chapel stands in the Mavra Vouna at an altitude of 650 m and offers panoramic views of Strofilia Forest, Prokopos Lagoon and Kalogria Beach. The Chapel of Saint Peter is located at the entrance to Strofilia Forest, below the Mavra Vouna and at the edge of Prokopos Lagoon. Its setting brings forest, mountain and lagoon together in one landscape.

Kounoupeli Castle is a surviving tower from a Frankish settlement founded in the 13th century at the southern end of Kalogria Beach. The Church of Palaeopanagia of Manolada dates from the period of Frankish rule, around 1300 AD. Its floor plan is in the shape of a free cross; the building includes a narthex with a Π-shaped ambulatory and a three-sided eastern apse. The building is in fairly good condition. Its rich decorations on the apse and dome include dentil friezes and meanders. In addition to its date of origin, the church’s floor plan and ornamentation add to its appeal.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Nikoleika, Egialia, Kertezi, Katarraktis, Ano Zachlorou, Selianítika, Spilia, Diakopto.

Return to the main travel overview: Achaia.