Along the Odontotos Railway from Diakopto to Kalavryta
Hike description
This unusual hike follows the route of the famous Odontotos rack railway, which has wound through the Vouraikos River gorge between the coastal town of Diakopto and the mountain town of Kalavryta since the late 19th century. Walking through the gorge is a unique experience, with wild rock walls, tunnels carved into the cliff, old stone bridges, and the sound of the river accompanying you all the way uphill.
Even though the route follows the railway, it is possible to walk it on foot. Only a few trains run each day, and at relatively low speeds (up to 40 km/h), so it is usually possible to step aside for them even in narrower sections. However, this is still an active railway line — be extremely careful, and absolutely no headphones!! :)
Starting point – Diakopto
The hike starts in Diakopto, a small town on the Gulf of Corinth that is easy to reach by car or by train from Athens or Patras. In the center of Diakopto, you’ll find the railway station, where the line to Kalavryta begins — and with it, your hike.
Near the station you can see a historic steam locomotive and old train sets that once operated the line.
Along the railway through the Vouraikos Gorge
The route is very easy to follow — it stays either right next to the tracks or directly on them the entire way. First it leads you out of Diakopto, through orchards beyond the town, and soon after enters the canyon of the Vouraikos River.
Inside the gorge, the railway gradually climbs upstream. In some places it runs along a wide rail embankment, elsewhere it clings tightly to the rock walls, and at times it even passes through short tunnels. Here and there, you’ll also cross the river on bridges, most of them railway bridges. The most interesting one lies directly between two tunnels — so you definitely won’t be bored.
A little beyond these tunnels, the gorge opens up and the tracks lead you to the Mega Spileon stop near the village of Zachlorou, above which stands the Mega Spileon Monastery, a monumental complex pressed against the cliff face.
Final railway section to Kalavryta
From Zachlorou to Kalavryta, there is still a 10-kilometer stretch ahead, but with almost no climbing left. This entire section gains only about 100 vertical meters and winds through a gradually widening valley.
The hike ends at the Kalavryta railway station, from where you can take the train back to Diakopto. Buy tickets online in advance — on weekends, holidays, and during the season they often sell out quickly, and you may not be able to get one on the spot. In that case, your only option may be to negotiate a good fare with a taxi driver outside the station.
Recommendations
- ⚠️ Watch out for trains — check the timetable and be especially careful in narrow sections, tunnels, and on bridges. The train is quieter than you might expect.
- Return train: Usually runs 3–4 times a day. Buy your ticket in advance here.
- Wear sturdy footwear — much of the route is on coarse gravel and sleepers.
- Railway info: www.odontotos.com, Wikipedia
Useful info
By car
Take the motorway linking Athens - Corinth - Patras to the town of Diakopto. Park in one of the parking areas near the train station.
By train
From Athens to Diakopto.
Apart from the stop at Zachlorou, there is practically nowhere to refill water.
