Karya Argolida: One-day excursion to a green village next to Athens

Karya, the picturesque village of the prefecture of Argolida, will fully charm you with the traditional aesthetics that overwhelm it, but also with its unique verdant natural landscape. Just a stone's throw from the capital, a visit to its territory will help you relax and get rid of the everyday life of the city, but above all enjoy the view of the greenery, which floods its scenery. Let's see the pieces that make up the wonderful Karya.

Argolida: Dolines, the giant and mysterious craters

Karya Village: When nature and tradition marry

Spread out on the eastern roots of the mountain of Artemisio, with an altitude of about 700 meters, the settlement of Karya has kept all the picturesque elements of its architecture alive through the passage of time. Built amphitheatrically, with houses adorned by well-preserved loggias, and breathtaking views of the open horizon, this small village of less than two hundred permanent residents will surely fascinate you with its densely planted vegetation.

Fir, maple, and walnut trees, from which the name of the village derives, compose a small paradise on earth, which is completed with the existence of the forest of plane trees in just a few meters of path. There you will have the opportunity to admire up close the remnants of the old watermills, where with their driving force the waters of Artemisio, served the needs of the whole surrounding area. The representation of an old watermill and the explanatory signs of its operation will bring to life before your eyes the whole process of grinding cereals, but also building materials, that was carried out.

Karya-Agios Ioannis — The Church of St. John the Baptist

In the center of the village square, which overflows picturesquely, you will see a fountain made with stone as its first material, from which constantly flows gurgling water coming directly from the mountain. The Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, dating back more than eight centuries, from the Byzantine period, is the metropolis of the settlement and is undoubtedly a pole of attraction for visitors everywhere at its annual festival on August 29, where it celebrates.

Karya, like most Greek villages, has links with the struggle for freedom. One of the henchmen of the Old Man of Moria, the hero of the 1821 revolution Theodoros Kolokotronis, had the settlement as his place of origin. Giannakos Dagres, as he was called, actively contributed to the siege of the city of Nafplio, so you will see his statue adorning the courtyard of the church. Within walking distance, you will find the one-teacher primary school, which keeps open the doors to learning about the village.

Follow the road on the eastern slope of Artemisio to continue your journey through history. At an altitude of about 1,000 meters you will find the monastery of Panagia Karya, while right above it in a scenery of wild beauty, you will see the ruins of its castle stretching, with the stunning view you will observe from its surroundings, stretching to the Argolic plain.

Just so you know: The picturesque village of Karya, apart from the "Arachova of Argolida", is also known as Kolokotronitsi, which is due to the famous at the time TV show of the '90s choice of Greek television station ANT1 TV to shoot the series of the "The Cafe of Joy" in this place.

Karya Village: Unique hiking trails invite you to walk them

The beautiful place of Karya has a multitude of paths that you must walk and indulge in their beauty. If you are fond of hiking you can follow one of the two number paths that will lead you to the ridge of the mountain. During your journey to the village of Nestani, do not miss the opportunity to drink the so-called thermal water from the Brakatsaki spring. Whether you finally choose the demanding route in the south or the easiest in the north, the rocky landscape of the mountain, as well as the images you will gaze at from its top, will be truly unforgettable.

How to get to Karya Village: The unique village of Karya is less than two hours away from Athens. To find yourself in its amazing scenery drive to the prefecture of Corinth and then follow the national road Korinthos-Tripoli to the Sterna Interchange. From this point, you are separated by only 15 kilometers from your destination.

Karya village is the place where you can be relatively soon, but feel that you have traveled to a place out of a fairy tale. All that remains is to get ahead and start your journey to discover it.