The organising committee of the International Canyoning Festival 2023 chose Freeland Adventure Camp to be our base, due to the location of the area, compared to the entrances and exits of the canyons in the Northern Peloponnese.
The beauty and nature of this area combined with the tourist attractions create unique opportunities for many types of outdoor activities mixed with ancient history, traditional mezes, vineyards, local wine, amazing hiking opportunities combined with the famous Greek hospitality.
Isthmus of Corinth – Corinth Canal
It is an outstanding tourist attraction of Greece. To be able to walk and see this spectacular, technological marvel you can take the exit on the right towards Loutraki and follow the signs that lead you towards the Isthmus. Its construction started as an idea from the ancient Greeks in the 7th BC. century in order to unite the Saronic and Corinthian seas through a passage. This is how the Diolkos land ramp was created, on which the ships were dragged from one end to the other. The canal was built between 1880 – 1893 and since then serves daily ship crossings.
Acrocorinth
A unique, historical attraction very close to Chiliomodi and the base of the Festival is the castle of Acrocorinth which dominates the hill 575 meters above the Athens-Corinth National Road and at its foot Ancient Corinth was built. It evolved into an Acropolis fortress, as it was an observation post for any possible raid.
Old Epidaurus – Ancient Theater of Epidaurus – Submerged State
Ancient Epidaurus is located on the north-eastern side of the prefecture of Argolis and is built around the port of the narrow bay, on the shores of the Saronic, which ends in a small plain full of orange and citrus trees. Near the village is the famous Ancient Theater of Epidaurus with its admirable acoustics, while on the beach one can visit with a mask and flippers the Ancient sunken state at a relatively shallow depth.
Nafplio
Capital of Greece after liberation from the Turks (1823 – 1834), it dominates the Argolic gulf with its two castles, the small Bourtzi in the sea and the majestic Palamidi on the hill above the city. Beautiful and bathed in light, Nafplio is a wonderful destination for a full-day excursion, combining historical walking, dining and shopping.
Poros island
It is located at a very short distance from the coast of Peloponnese, opposite the village of Galatas in Troizinia. It is a very popular destination throughout the year, but especially in spring and summer. Poros can be an excellent choice for a Saronic Gulf sea excursion, with a rich choice of restaurants and shops.
The Forest of Pefkias
It is located between Xylokastro and Sykia and has inspired famous Greek poets and writers. It stretches along the sea for 1760 meters, full of pine trees over 140 years old and offers an idyllic landscape for the perfect walk or an enjoyable run! Especially for families with toddlers and strollers it is a great option in spring, which can be followed by a great cup of coffee in one of the beach bars along the coast.
Monastery of Panagia Korfiotissa
It is located south of the village of Kamari at the top of the “Koutsa” hill at an altitude of 730 meters and offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Corinth. The Monastery is built on the ruins of an ancient temple. At the beginning of its history, it housed male monks, but it was later converted into a female monastery. The famous icon of Panagia Korfiotissa was created in 1816, while the image frame is a creation of the great woodcarver Ioannou Vassiliou.
Trikala of Corinth
They are located 20 km southwest of Xylokastro and consist of 3 traditional villages famous for their hospitality and their stone squares with perennial plane trees. Ziria mountain, full of peaceful landscapes, crystal waters and magical spring colours will take your breath away.
Lake Doxas or Feneos
Next to the village of Feneos, on the same country road after Ano Trikala, the artificial lake of Doxas or Feneos offers a green, wooded coastline, beautiful paths and an absolutely charming little church. Ideal for cycling and long walking, another surprise is in store: the Monastery of St. George where you can taste (and buy) traditional sweet spoon rose – a trip not to be missed if you are not going canyoning and want to enjoy a nice road trip.
Vouraikos Gorge and Kalavrita
Read our program for Wednesday, May 17, 2023! It is an excursion not to be missed!
It is located 22 km west of Xylokastro and combines a trek with the ultimate experience of the cogwheel train ride from Diakofto to Kalavryta in the spectacular Vouraikos gorge. The village of Kalavryta, a favorite destination for Greeks during the Christmas and New Year holidays, will be filled with flowers and the scent of spring. Here you can try freshly baked bread, enjoy homemade pies, Greek coffee and walk through the traditional streets.
Tetramythos Winery
If you decide to take a road trip to Kalavryta instead of the train, watch the signs going up to find the award-winning Tetramythos Winery on your right. There you can join a tour and enjoy a gourmet wine tasting by appointment and for groups of up to 20 people. Just keep the timing in mind so you don’t miss the Festival dinner and satellite events – Cheers!
Lake Tsivlou
It is located in the mountains above Akrata. It is a beautiful lake with cool, turquoise waters in the middle of forested hills. There you can swim, walk on its hiking trails and enjoy a nice picnic/snack.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae
One of the most important Greek archaeological sites from the 12th century BC. it is the palace of Agamemnon. If you start early in the morning you can visit the site, the museum and then, returning, you can combine this trip with a visit to Nemea.
Nemea
One of the most beautiful locations in the Peloponnese, full of vineyards and famous wine varieties, Nemea is a place with a very rich history dating back to the region of Bleona in the ancient Argolis. You should not miss the Archaeological site and the Museum of Nemea. A road trip around the vineyards is also highly recommended. Some offer a snack and wine tasting, so before heading to Nemea take some notes from Google. You may need to make a reservation.
Archaeological Site of Heraio Perachora Loutraki
The ruins of the sanctuary of Hera Akraia-Limenia are located near the Lighthouse of Cape Malagavi, northwest of Loutraki, after the village of Perachora. There used to be a theory that the place had two sanctuaries. One dedicated to Hera Akrea, at the end of the land and the other to Hera Limenia, of the port.
