Located in the Western Peloponnese, Zacharo and Kaiafas Lake are among the most original Peloponnese locations. The proximity to the world-famous Ancient Olympia and other archaeological sites make Zacharo an excellent base for further exploring this side of Greece. The prefecture of Ilia remains largely undiscovered by international tourists, but its serene landscape will fascinate you.
Although I first visited the region almost thirty years ago, I recently had the opportunity to revisit it. Zacharo Beach is an endless stretch of sand, and if your definition of relaxation translates to easy-going days by the sea, you can’t go wrong. That being said, in this short travel guide to Zacharo and Lake Kaiafas, you’ll see my photos from the area. Moreover, I’ll share the best places to visit and also the nicest accommodations.
So, let’s see what makes the coastal town of Zacharo unique and how to make the most of your visit.
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From Zacharo to Kaiafas Lake
Zacharo is a small town that feels untouched by mass tourism. While the self-sufficient town is located a couple of kilometers from the sea, Zacharo Beach has a few facilities to accommodate travelers. You won’t find luxury hotels or organized beaches on this side of Greece. Here’s everything about the landscape’s authenticity and an old-fashioned way of enjoying your holidays.
Zacharo Beach
You’ll see an endless sandy beach connecting Zacharo and Kaiafas Lake on the map. It spans kilometers, and the beach is pristine, apart from the occasional cantinas and a few sunbeds. All you have to do is drive your car and choose where you want to unwind. Place an umbrella or find a shadow under the tamarisks and enjoy the serenity.
Of course, if you’re more into having lunch or a sunbed, you can pick one of the beach bars. The prices won’t vary, and you can expect professional service. Below, you can find the beach bars/cafes of Zacharo Beach, and for your convenience, every link will take you to Google Maps. Save the ones you like and visit them.
Fratzata Beach Bar. That’s the newest bar in the area and a fine place to unwind. It offers a variety of drinks, refreshments, and light snacks and stays open till sunset. You can see Fratzata on Google Maps here.
Tropicana Beach Bar. A tad old-fashioned, Tropicana is another fine option to spend a day relaxing at the beach. It also serves various dishes for lunch and has, of course, sunbeds. See Tropicana on the map here.
Almiriki Beach Bar. Halfway between Fratzata and Almiriki, you’ll find Almiriki. The odd word stands for “tamarisk” in Greek, and that’s another option for people searching for sunbeds and umbrellas. The service is also good, and you can expect coffee, snacks, and refreshments. See Almiriki on Google Maps.
Kaiafas Lake and Beach
Between Mount Lapithas and the Ionian Sea, you will come across one of the most beautiful yet semi-abandoned Greek lakes. Kaiafas Lake is in Zacharo’s northern part and is a protected Natura 2000 location. Less than a kilometer away from the sea, Kaiafas Lake is famous for its thermal springs and water sports. The lake covers an area of 1500 acres, but its deepest point is just 2 meters.
According to historians, the lake owes its existence to a major earthquake that occurred in the 6th century. This preserved wetland hosts an important ecosystem, and what makes it even more special is that it’s separated from the sea by a pine forest and impressive dunes.
Despite its beauty, the area feels abandoned due to littering and poaching. However, it’s one of the most beautiful locations in Greece, and it deserves to be visited and enjoyed before mass tourism invades it. In my opinion, this will happen sooner rather than later.
As for Kaiafas Beach, it is stunning. Although it’s the same beach as Zacharo, the dune formations make it even more impressive. The beach is not organized at all, but you can get provisions for the day at the nearby Kaiafas Station Cafe. The latter is set on the old railway station and tracks and gives an extra charm to the location. You can see the Station Cafe on Google Maps here.
Things to do in Zacharo
As I already wrote, Zacharo is a small town. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect plenty of sightseeing and activities. However, that’s an excellent base to explore the region. In this section about the best things to do in Zacharo, you’ll find activities close to the town.
Visit Ancient Olympia
The Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia is among the most famous locations of Greek antiquity. That’s where the Olympic Games were hosted every four years since 776 BC. Apart from the Olympic Games, the site attracted visitors worshipping Zeus already from the 10th century BC. Rich in history and historical significance, Ancient Olympia is a must-see location, and you can also admire the iconic Hermes of Praxiteles.
It is a short drive from Zacharo to Ancient Olympia. It takes less than 40 minutes by car, and the distance is just 30 kilometers.
Ancient Olympia tip
To make the most of your visit and understand Olympia’s impact on the ancient world, you can book an excellent private tour. It starts straight at the archaeological site and will walk you through the ancient remains and the museum. It lasts four hours and costs 190 euros for a group of up to 8 people—a true bargain if you are more than three or four people traveling. You can book the Olympia and Museum tour here.
Spend time at Zacharo Beach
That’s already mentioned in this travel guide, but spending time at the endless beach is among the best things to do in Zacharo. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax and swim on one of the last unspoiled beaches of the Peloponnese. The landscape is breathtaking, and it will surely have an impact on you.
I’ll share some tips in the last section of this guide but don’t miss the chance to swim in the Ionian Sea. The view is endless, and -believe it or not- the next settlement after the sea is Syracuse in Sicily!
Visit the mountainous villages of the region
Although Zacharo is famous for its beach, the mountains surrounding it host various pretty villages. The locals tend to escape the summer’s heat by spending time there, and there is plenty to see and enjoy. You’ll need a car to explore them, but if you equally appreciate the sea and the mountains, you’ll have a fantastic time.
Probably the prettiest village is Lepreo, featuring a small waterfall in its main square and stone-built houses. Next to it, you will also find the Lepreo Archaeological Site, where you can see the walls of its Ancient Acropolis and the remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Demeter. And here’s a travel tip: have lunch or dinner at Baniska Tavern at Lepreo’s main square. It serves the most delicious food in the area!
So, drive your car around and let the road take you to the small villages near Zacharo. You can’t visit them all, but all of them have their charm.
Explore Kakovatos
Kakovatos feels like an extension of Zacharo. However, the sister town of Zacharo feels more developed in every sense. It has more accommodations, more tavernas, and is seemingly more organized. If you’d rather have more dining and drinking options, Kakovatos ticks most boxes, and here you’ll find a wider variety.
Compared to Zacharo, it’s more developed but might slowly miss the original feeling. However, Kakovatos is charming, and you shouldn’t expect a mass tourism destination. It’s still a village in Ilia and deserves a visit if you feel like being among more people.
Where to stay in Zacharo, Greece
As you probably understand by now, Zacharo is not a place with lots of modern-day facilities. Here is everything about relaxing and old-fashioned style of vacation. That being said, in this section of the travel guide, you’ll find the best places to stay in Zacharo and close to it. Some of them are in Zacharo, while others are located in nearby Kakovatos or close to Kaiafas.
So, let’s see the best hotels and accommodations in Zacharo.
The best hotels in Zacharo, Kaiafas and Kakovatos
After checking several accommodations in the area, here are the best places to stay in Zacharo and close to it.
Asfendamos. Located in an isolated spot just off Kakovatos, Asfendamos is probably the finest accommodation you’ll find. This stylish property features a few standalone stone-built houses that, in their interior, keep the traditional style of the region. Asfendamos has a swimming pool, and what’s fantastic is the bar-restaurant on site. See prices and availability for Asfendamos here.
Thea Luxury Residences. Located just off Zakharo, close to Neochori Beach, Thea is the latest addition to the accommodation properties of the area. Featuring luxurious apartments at rational prices, Thea’s rooms offer a view of the open sea and complimentary breakfast. See prices and availability for Thea Luxury Residences.
Ostria Hotel Kakovatos Beach. As its name suggests, Ostria Hotel is located straight at the beach of Kakovatos. The elegant rooms of this beachfront property are a few steps away from the sea, and there’s an on-site snack bar for its guests. See prices and availability for Ostria Hotel Kakovatos Beach.
Where I stayed in Zacharo
For my accommodation in Zacharo, I chose Banana Place. My parents have been visiting this place for decades, and I joined them for a short summer holiday. Banana Place offers easy-going accommodation, but you won’t find luxury here. The bungalows are set in an 8-hectare field, and banana trees are scattered throughout the property. Although the property shows its age, Banana Place has a huge plus: it’s just a 4-5 minute walk from Zacharo Beach. Moreover, this part of the beach has no facilities, so it’ll be just you and the endless sea.
Additionally, the prices are the most competitive you’ll find in the whole region, ranging from 30 to 50 euros per night. If you’re not looking for fancy accommodation, and plain rooms don’t bother you, that’s definitely a place to check. That’s a relatively cheap place to sleep and enjoy beach days. See Banana Place here.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Zacharo and close to it.
5 quick tips for your Zacharo holiday
In the last section of this Zacharo guide, I’ll add 5 travel tips for Zacharo. After spending almost two weeks in the area, I’d like to give some extra info.
- Be careful at Zacharo Beach. That’s not a generic advice. Zacharo Beach is known for its tall waves and powerful currents. When it’s wavy, stay ashore. However, don’t swim too far from the coast, even on calm days. The sea has strong currents. Additionally, don’t let the shallow water fool you in the beginning; it gets deep very quickly.
- Explore the region. As I wrote, visit Kakovatos, don’t miss Kaiafas Lake, and stop at Lepreo for food and a stroll.
- The best place to eat in Zacharo usually goes unnoticed by locals and travelers. Trelokouzina (translates to Crazy Kitchen) is just off the main road. Dimitris, the owner, makes the tastiest Greek salads directly from products from his fields. Don’t expect an overwhelming menu. There are 5-6 dishes daily and a dish of the day. However, all of them are delicious. See Trelokouzina on Google Maps here.
- Tap water in Zacharo is not drinkable. Make sure to buy bottled water from the local mini-markets or the tavernas. However, the water is fine for showering and brushing your teeth.
- The municipality of Ilia and, subsequently, Zacharo are famous for their olive oil. While you should enjoy it while in Zacharo, bring a bottle or two back home. Besides enjoying it after your vacation, you also support the local economy.
From Zacharo to Kaiafas Lake: Conclusion
The Peloponnese features several stunning locations and places of interest. However, just a few can beat the originality of Zacharo and the nearby Lake Kaiafas. The fact that the area remains undeveloped makes it unique for Greek and international travelers. That said, it’s not an exaggeration to state that you should discover Zacharo before it gets on travelers’ radars.
The golden sand, the crystal-clear waters, the natural beauty, and the food quality guarantee an unforgettable experience at moderate prices.
More about the Peloponnese: Ancient Corinth, Mycenae guide, Sykia, Ancient Epidaurus, Agia Fotini, Nemea
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Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos