Kaiafas Baths: Just 5 km from Zacharo is the site of Kaiafas, which is a unique ecosystem. The hot springs, the lake and the pine forest of
Strofilia, are harmoniously combined, creating a landscape of endless beauty. The thermal waters of the spa town Kaiafas are known for their healing properties since ancient times. The water emanate from two caves, known as „Caves of Anigridon Nymphs“ and „Geranium Andros“, located at the foot of the mythical mountain
Lapitha. They are suitable for both balneotherapy and drinking therapy.
Lake Kaiafas was formed in the 6th AD century, after large earthquakes. Today hosts many species of fish, eels, turtles, and many migratory birds during the winter months. Moreovere, it is a sea-sports center for many water sports such as boating, water skiing, etc. In the lake lies the island of St. Catherine, where it stands the homonymous church. Between the lake and Kaiafas coast lies the beautiful pine forest of Strofilia, where you can make beautiful walks.
Gorge of Neda: A short distance from the town of Zacharo, it is the beautiful canyon of Neda. The Neda river got its name from the nymph Neda, and it is the only Greek river with a female name. Lilipoutians impressive waterfalls, ponds, lush, blue dragonflies, otters and other animals make a unique environment. The crossing of the canyon is a unique experience and requires a total of 7-8 hours. At some points you need to walk into the river, and even swim.
Ancient Olympia: Very near in Zacharo, 25 km away it is located the internationally famous Ancient Olympia. Unique masterpieces reveal the grandeur of ancient Greece. Ancient Olympia, where it starts the journey of the Olympic flame, spreading the message of reconciliation of peoples, it is one of the most important monuments of Greece. Among the dozens of splendid buildings, the gymnasium, the stadium, the temples, the baths, the villas, the altars, the statues and the busts, stands the majestic temple of Zeus. Inside was the famous gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia hosts important exhibits of unique value, among them, the amazing statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. The Old Museum has turned into the Museum of History of the Ancient Olympic Games, hosting findings that show long history of the Games.
Ancient Lepreo: This ancient city is built at a strategic point where were controlled the passages for Ilia, Messinia and Arcadia. The habitation is placed in the Neolithic era. Today excavations have unearthed remains of the city walls, prehistoric Acropolis, temple ruins stand which is attributed to the goddess Demeter, altar foundations and archaic graves.
Tomb of Nestor: Very near Zacharo, in Kalidona village, excavations uncovered three tombs, of which one, according to archaeologists, belongs to the King Nestor.
Churches: The church of Saint Spyridon, patron saint of Zacharo, is built on top of a small hill. The church celebrates on December 12th with a great procession taking place. It is worth visiting the magnificent Byzantine Church of the Archangels, in the homonym traditional village, 15 km. from Zacharo. The monument was built in the 13th century and it has a mural decoration.
The Archaeological Site Kakovatos: It is ocated 4 km northeast of the village. There have been excavated Mycenaean tombs and a fortified settlement. The excavation was done at the beginning of the century (1907-1908) by W. DOERPFELD. From the hill of the archaeological site you can admire the whole valley of Zacharo.
The Shelter of Caretta – Caretta: In the beautiful sandy beaches of Ilia they find safe refuge the caretta- caretta sea turtles. For thousands of years the sea turtles lay their egss in the Greek seas, mainly in Zakynthos, Crete and Peloponnese.
During the summer months, only in Peloponnese, about 900 nests are being protected. The most important areas of the prefecture of Ilia for the spawning of the rare reptiles is Neda beach, Kaifas, the Alpheus River and the beach lagoon Kotychi.
In the municipality of Zacharo there are areas that have been established as areas NATURA 2000:
Thines (Dunes) & Zacharo’s Beach Forest: The area is a coastal zone which is combining the dunes, the lake and the coastal forest. The area is a very important ecosystem with rich flora and fauna. The developing dunes located on the beach, between Kaifas and Zacharo are in very good condition.
Other areas NATURA 2000 in the municipality of Zacharo are the Lake Kaifas, Kakovatos, Strofylia, the Marine region of Kyparissia Gulf, Katakolo-Kyparissia Cape an the dunes of Kyparissia.
In Zacharo municipality there are areas designated as wildlife refuges. Integrated in the network NATURA 2000, they qualify to cover the basic needs of the prey. Some of them are: Kivouria – Rodina (Kalidona – Rodina- Schinia) and Lower Samiko – Xirochori – Smerna – Graika – Vrina.
