Asfendamos

Our region offers a variety of important archaeological, religious, historical and of natural beauty sites to visit, such as:

The Spa and lake of Kaiafas

5 km to the north of Zaharo is the area of Kaiafas, which is a unique ecosystem preserved untouched throughout the years. Its thermal springs, the lake and the pine forest of Strofilia, along with the sandy beach create an environment of natural beauty.

The lake of Kaiafas offers the best conditions for water ski and it has been characterized as one of the nine best places in the world for this sport, according to the international magazine “WATERSKI”.

Throughout the year several waterski schools from Greece organize ski camps, offering complete ski gear and experienced ski teachers/athletes. For reservations and camp dates please visit the following ski center sites.

• Lolos ski center - http://www.lolosski.gr/
• Hatzis - http://www.hatziski.gr/
• Yiannis Chrysostomidis - http://www.facebook.com/flat58

Canyon of Nedas river
The Beatifull canyon of Nedas is a site that will compensate you for the effort and time spent to explore it. The river Nedas was named after the fairy Neda and it is the only river in Greece with feminine name. Close to the springs of the river you will find small waterfalls, little ponds and amazing vegetation. The crossing of the canyon is a unique experience and it will take you 7-8 hours to complete.

Archaeological site of Olympia
The archaeological site of Olympia is only half an hour drive to the north from our village. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which were celebrated every four years by the Greeks. It was not a town, but only a sanctuary with buildings associated with games and the worship of the gods. The excavation findings contain many valuable objects, the most important of which was a statue of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, by Praxiteles.
For more information: http://www.olympia-greece.org/

Ancient Lepreo
Lepreo is an ancient city which played an important role during ancient times due to its strategic position, a crossroad for three areas of Peloponnesus, Messinia, Ilia and Arcadia. The excavations gave light to ruins that are dated from archaic until roman times.

The archaeological site of Kakovatos
The archaeological site of Kakovatos is 4 klm distance to the north-east of the village Kakovatos. The excavations revealed Mycenaean arched tombs and a fortified settlement.

The excavations were performed (1907-1908) by W. DOERPFELD.

Environment and Natura 2000 protected areas
Areas for Caretta – Caretta sea turtle: The sea turtles caretta- caretta lay their eggs mainly on the beautiful sandy beaches a Ilia, the isle of Zante and Crete.

During the summer months, only in Peloponessus, approximately 900 turtle nests are spotted and protected. The most important beaches of Ilia for the spawn of eggs are close to the rivers Nedas and Alfios, Kaiafas, and the sea lake of Kotihi

NATURA 2000 zones

In municipality of Zaharos there are several areas that are characterized as Natura 2000 zones:
The dunes & Coastal pine forest of Zaharos, Kaifas lake, Kakovatos, Strofilia and the whole coastal zone of Kyparissian gulf.
Furthermore there are also areas that have been characterized as Wild life reserves .

Some of them are:
Kivouria – Rodina (Kalidonas – Rodinon – Schinos)
Kato Samiko – Xirohori – Smerna – Greka – Vrina