Route 9 Tripotama – Agios Vassileios – N. Paos – Paos – Dehouni – Vessini – Vessinaiika

Route 9 Tripotama – Agios Vassileios – N. Paos – Paos – Dehouni – Vessini – Vessinaiika – Daphne

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The title of this route could be "From kayaking to rafting" for those who love these sports. For all the others, this is a trip from the coolness of Erymanthos to the tranquillity of the lake of Ladonas...

Start at Tripotama and turn left to Tripoli. In 200 metres you see a sign to the villages of the Prefecture of Arcadia, Paraloggoi, Kardaritsi and Velimahi. Drive along road "111" of Tripoli, one of the very few roads in Greece that are known by their…number. At 1.4km to the left there’s a rest stop in the forest and the maple tree of Pafsanias. According to tradition, traveller Pafsanias stopped there to get some rest, but nowadays you had better go there only in a Jeep or a pick-up truck. As you go up, you will see a fork but no sign.

Don’t get confused; take the road straight ahead, don’t turn right. At the 3,8th km of the route Tripotama – Daphne, you enter the village of Agios Vassileios.

Go ahead, through the village. A country road to your right goes to Dehouni, a village with traditional buildings. At 8.7km, you find Nea Paos, while a road to the right takes you to Kondovazaina. Paos came from the merging of three villages: Skoupi, Vessini and Dehouni. It is a town, with a clear-cut layout, taverns, cafes, bars and stores. To the north of Paos is traditional Skoupi, a settlement with houses made of stone, picturesque churches and cobblestone narrow streets. The greatest historian of the Kalavryta area, Georgios Papandreou, was born there. Also it is the place where the first primary school opened on free land, after the Greek Revolution of 1821.

At 9.2km to the left, Agios Georgios hill is a place worthy of a visit.

Detour to Vessini

You will find the detour to Vessini at the 9.6th km. Turn right to this traditional settlement. The road is winding with rocks on the right side and green grass on the left. After the 2nd km from the detour, it is better to drive a 4WD car, because the road gets quite tough. On the way up, look up and see Vessini with its 70 stone houses, which looks almost deserted at wintertime, since there are only 3-4 permanent residents. All this quietness gives the settlement a unique charm, with houses that resist time and still stand proud with their ceramic roof tiles, the wooden balconies, the windows and their intact doors. The village was built before 1841. There is a stone Church of Mother Mary that you should visit and make sure you get the panoramic view of Paos and the acropolis of Ancient Paos.

Back on the National Road Patras – Tripoli. You leave Paos and head to Tripoli. On the hill to your left is Ancient Paos with its acropolis and its walls. Right below Ancient Paos to the right is Hani Kalatha. Back on the road and at 11.4km you find Vessinaiika, while at 13.5km you reach the junction of Kakassova, where the road to the right takes you to Daphne, the river and the lake of Ladonas. If you turn leftyou reach Hovoli after 2.5km, a village full of trees and vegetation, with running waters and many taverns. The road continues to Aroania. Taste the delicacies of the tavern and visit the watermills.

Detour to Daphne – Ladonas – Monastery of Evangelistria

You find the detour at the 13.5th km from Tripotama. Turn right and drive through a wonderful landscape, among almond trees, chestnut trees and maple trees. After 4km you reach Daphne (formerly called "Strezova"). The first things you see are the football court and the basketball course, as well as the High-school and the church of Agios Dimitrios to your right. A little further is the stone Primary school and the beautiful square with the bust of the former Minister, Vassileios Paparigopoulos. Daphne is the biggest village in the area and until 1960 it was the third biggest city in Achaia, after Patras and Aigio. It has retained its traditional character and life here is quiet. The picturesque narrow streets, the stone springs, the wells, the arched bridges, the imposing churches, the watermills were all built by the famous craftsmen of Lagadas, who toured the villages during the Turkish Occupation and built everything people asked them to. There are hotels, taverns, traditional cafes, stores, a disco and bars in Daphne.

Don’t miss the cultural happenings here from 15 to 20 August, the fair from 8 to 11 September or the religious fairs on the celebrations of the Ascension Day and of Agios Haralambos. Near Daphne is the Byzantine Monastery of Evangelistria. It is a hospitable monastery for nuns. Many water sports are practised in river Ladonas, as there is plenty of water even at summertime and an admirable natural environment.

Detour to river Ladonas

East of Daphne, after 4km, you reach Ladonas and the kayak in grafting facilities of the Nautical Athletic Club of Daphne. (see river activities)

Detour to Artificial Lake of Ladonas

South of Daphne, after 3km, you see Pournaria and after 3.5km the artificial lake of Ladonas. The road continues to Tropaia and Vahlia – Kondovazaina. The lake is ideal for rowing, boating, fishing, surfing and relaxation. You fish and relax at the sound goats and sheep, and the singing of birds.

Detour to Nassia

At the 14.6th km on the road from Daphne, turn right to Nassia. Right before your eyes is the forest of Barbous, with tropical vegetation and trees that play games with the greenery of the place and create an idyllic image to the traveller.