Ilia, Peloponnese, Greece, 
ZAHARO
Zaharo situated just 45 km away from Pyrgos town, aproximately 25
minutes drive on the way to Kalamata. Zaharo is enveloped in pines and
olive trees bordered by an enormous stretch of beach with white sand
and sparkling water.
You can enjoy your holiday swimming in the endless sea and laying on
the beach with the golden sands that extends from Kaiafas to Kyparissia
and relax with delicious snacks and traditional greek ouzo at the taverns
which are placed along the beach.
Zaharo's beach is awarded every year by the G.O.T. as one of the most
beautiful
and clean beaches of Greece.
KAIAFAS
Kaifas lake situated on the way from Pyrgos to Kalamata aprox 20 minutes
drive from Pyrgos just before you reach Zaharo. Kaiafas is a well known
spa, its famous mineral waters gush from two caves formed by crevices
in the rocks.
The
larger one is called the cave of the Anigrides, the smaller the Geranion
grotto, dwelling places of nymphs since antiquity.
The place is strangely beautiful, delightful, though the odor of the
springs does detract somewhat. Legend maintains that the centaur Nessus
washed his wound here after being struck by Heracles' poison arrow,
and that is why the water smells.
However, Kaiafas is not only sulphurous springs. It is also pine trees,
sand, sea and a long, long shore. It's hard indeed to draw yourself
away from such a sea.
VASSES
Greenery gradually gives way to rock, massive peaks and a few scrawny
shrubs.
Amidst this tangled wilderness the temple of Apollo Epikourios is a
surprising sight.
Designed by Iktinos, architect of the Parthenon, it was built in 420
BC on the foundations of an older temple by residents of the neighbouring
settlement of Figalia. It was dedicated to Apollo, in thanks for the
god's delivering them from an epidemic.
This is the best preserved temple in Greece, second only to the Temple
of Hephaestus (The Theseion) in Athens.
Vasses and the temple of Epikouros Apollo can be reached by driving
from Pyrgos via Ancient Olympia and Andritsena (65 Km from Pyrgos and
46 KM from Ancient Olympia)
KATAKOLO
The medieval Katakolo is located in the district of Ancient Pheia in
a distance of 12 km from Pyrgos Town (aprox 15 minutes drive). In the
bay of Agios Andreas, atop a hill, are the remains of a fortress called
Pontikokastro, built by the Villehardouins.
In Katakolo's port, that is recently reconstructed, the tourists have
the opportunity to visit the tourist shops along the road next to the
fishing boats. Katakolo is a port of call for the cruise ships for visiting
the Ancient Olympia which is only 30 km away. Katakolo's taverns are
famous for the fresh fish they offer in their menu, whereas the cafes
and bars are famous for the excellent view they offer to those seeking
a picturesque place to enjoy their cup of coffee or their drink next
to the sea.
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