It is located in the heart of Morea, namely the Peloponnese, high above the Alpheus River. The houses of Karytaina harmoniously blend with its magical natural environment that serves as a starting point for various exploration trips not only to Gortynia but also to entire Arcadia. Its inhabitants are hospitable and warm.
The municipality of Karytaina administratively belongs to the region of south Gortynia and comprises sixteen villages and settlements, including Karvounaris, Kalyvakia, the municipal department of Kotilion with the regions of Stroggylo and Palatos, the villages of Mavria, Kyparissia, Katsibalis, Kourounios, Zoni, Atchicholos and Vlachoraptis in the corresponding homonymous municipal departments, and finally Sarakini, Palaeokastro and Kryonero. Karytaina offers tourists magical routes to every nook and cranny of Arcadia.
Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Andritsaina and Karytaina with their remarkable history and natural beauties are the jewels in the crown of Arcadia. Visitors can live here unique experiences as they have the chance to relax in a wonderful natural environment and come into contact with the locals’ traditional lifestyle. Karytaina is famous for its excellent traditional architecture. Most of its houses were built in the 19th century. The strolls around the village through its narrow stone-paved streets are really wonderful.
Sights: 1) the belfry of the church of Zoodochos Pighi (Our Lady, the life-Containing Fount). It was built during the period of the Frankish domination, in the 14th century, at the same time as the castle. 2) The exquisite Byzantine churches of Karytaina – there is a large number of them – that reflect its history as well as its major historic role from 1200 to 1700 inclusive. These monuments are also fine examples of majestic architecture. 3) The wonderful cafés, the stone-built fountains and the bridges of the village. 4) There are also splendid local and tourist hangouts.
Routes from Karytaina: Karytaina can serve as a starting point for exploration trips to various locations. For example, you can visit Lycosoura, the most ancient town in the world; it is built on the slopes of Mt Lycaeum where there is a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Moreover, you can explore the imposing Loussios gorge, traverse its small traditional bridges and enjoy the view of dense plane forests along the banks of the river. According to mythology, Zeus, father of gods and men, was born on Mt Lycaeum and was bathed by the nymphs in the Loussios River. In ancient Gortys, there are the remains of the famous baths of Asclepius next to the holy river. The regions at the small traditional bridge of Karytaina-Atsicholos near Karytaina are suitable for rafting and canoe/kayaking. Andritsaina is an exquisite picturesque tourist destination. Its natural environment offers tourists unique, unforgettable experiences. Atsicholos is a fascinating, picturesque settlement lying just 7 km north of Karytaina.
