This canyon is associated with the myth of Hercules who uses his sword to cut the rock into two and reach Evristheas or, according to another version, his beloved Voura, daughter of Eliki. Vouraikos was named after Voura. Ancient Greeks called it Erassinos.
The valley of Vouraikos used to be a lake, just like the whole area around Kalavryta. Its waters found an outlet to the sea and created this wonderful canyon. It begins 3km north of village Kato Zahlorou at an altitude of 730 meters and goes along the river for 20 km before it ends in village Diakopto. There are waterfalls, stalactite and stalagmite caves, vegetation that includes maple trees, as well as conifers and olive trees.
This formerly inaccessible place became "friendly" with the help of technology on 10th March 1896, when the rack rail was constructed. Harilaos Trikoupis ordered his construction in 1889 and its cost came up to 3,900,000 golden drachmas.
The train operates to the present day and offers its passengers the unique opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the canyon. The trip starts in Diakopto and continues to some wonderful if a little narrow passages, like Niamata, Portes, Triklia, Sifoni and the "court" which is a cave with stalagmites that look like a court room. There has never been an accident on the track rail.
Rack Railway Timetable
From Kalavryta to Diakopto:
09:28 Daily
12:27 Daily
14:10 Weekends & bank holidays
15:30 Daily
16:50 Weekends & bank holidays
From Diakopto to Kalavryta:
08:10 Daily
11:15 Daily
12:33 Weekends & bank holidays
14:12 Daily
15:32 Weekends & bank holidays
Information:
Diakopto Rail Station 2691 043206
Kalavryta Rail Station 2692 022245
Customer Service 1110
Ticket Price
9.50 euro
19.00 euro round trip
Source: www.kalavrita.gov.gr