Zarouchla is a small, mountainous village in the prefecture of Achaia that will enchant you with its unparalleled natural beauty. Rich in firs, pines and chestnuts, it will remind you of a small Swiss village. The cobbled streets of the village, the delicious food and the wooden jazz bar next to the stream, will make you a fanatical fan of the area, just like us.
How to reach Zarouchla
Zarouchla is 189 km from Athens. So you will need around 2.5 hours to reach this amazing mountain village, at the mountain Helmos. On the weekends, the village becomes a pole of attraction for both families and couples, who choose to escape from the urban center and find themselves next to nature.
What time to visit
Zarouchla is beautiful in every season of the year. Due to its altitude, 1,037 meters, in winter, snowfall is a given. Ski enthusiasts head to the Kalavryton ski resort, but choose Zarouchla for a quieter stay. In autumn when the leaves fall, the landscape resembles a painting, while the stream overflows with gurgling water. In the spring, nature dresses up in its best colors and the hiking trails are waiting for you to explore them. In the summer, Zarouchla is one of the best options for cooling off or even swimming in the nearby Lake Tsivlou.
Where to stay in Zarouchla
Zarouchla has many options for accommodation. Among them we have singled out two accommodations which will impress for different reasons. Of course, we have stayed overnight at both of these accommodations. More specifically, in Zarouchla you will enjoy a wonderful stay at:
The Traditional Guesthouse «Zarouchla Tower»
This guest house is a historic tower built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Of course, its owners have restored it, respecting and preserving its traditional elements. The guest house has 4 large, different rooms, each with its own character. The tower is located a little higher than the main street of the village, thus enjoying the wonderful view of the village from the windows. Also, in the morning you will enjoy breakfast with jams and delicacies made by the owner’s family.
Contact with Zarouchla Tower direct via email: [email protected]
The residence «Timber Land Cabins»
It is a complex of 5 detached houses next to the village stream that are reminiscent of Swedish houses. These stone houses have a kitchen, a bathroom and can accommodate up to 4 people. They have a fireplace with ample use of wood. Enjoy the warmth of the space and wonderful cognacs at the village jazz bar located right next to them.
Contact with Timber Land Cabins direct via email: [email protected]
Food – Coffee – Drinks
On the main cobbled street of Zarouchla there are taverns where you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes with naturally local ingredients. Try finger-licking kids, traditional phyllo pies, delicious soups and local wine.
Another very good choice for food that we chose both times was the “Neriides” tavern in the nearby village of Solo. Very beautiful tavern on the main street of the village, with a special aesthetic and delicious dishes. We asked for mushroom risotto, since it is the restaurant’s specialty. Even if you are not crazy about mushrooms you should try it. It what happened to Manolis who hates mushrooms. I persuaded him to eat and then we argued about who would have the last bite.
Reference point of Zarouchla is the wooden jazz bar right next to the village stream. You will drink coffee in the morning, you will enjoy wine or cognac in the evening. We loved it from the start for many reasons. The owners are an elderly couple who love jazz music. You will see it from the posters inside the shop from past live nights. You will only hear jazz music, which we personally love. The bar is so neat and beautifully crafted that you feel like you are literally somewhere else. In the morning when you enjoy your coffee, outdoors, you will appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the sound of the river passes by right infront of the bar.
Activities-excursions in Zarouchla
You won’t be bored at all in Zarouchla, as it has several options, either for you, simply nature lovers, or for those of you who want a bit of action.
- Hiking trails
Zarouchla has many hiking trails in the forest. Among them, an easy route is the one that follows to reach the Livadaki peak at 1,836 meters. More options on top hiking trails of Zarouchla, you will find here.
- Lake Tsivlou
A beautiful lake with a special history, as its creation caused the annihilation of an entire village in 1913. The Tsivlou Lake, which reminds a little of the Alps with the fir trees surrounding it, is suitable for hiking, canoeing, camping on its banks or for the more adventurous, swimming, since it is one of the deepest Greek lakes. Lake Tsivlou is 19 km from Zarouchla, but it will take you about 1 hour to get there.
- Kalavryta Ski Center
Zarouchla is 22 km from the ski center of Kalavryta. You will need about 30 minutes to get there and enjoy your favorite winter activity. Due to its proximity to the ski resort, Zarouchla is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to spend the night and taste the magic of nature.
In Zarouchla you can either live the experience of a quiet weekend in nature, or choose among the many excursions that the place offers. You will love it at first sight and will definitely go back there again! So when you feel the need to take the mountains, head to Zarouchla!
