Alternative Tourism
Alternative tourism is a non-massive form of tourism destination development that promotes a new holiday philosophy that is environmentally, socially and culturally friendly.
This soft development enables interaction and coexistence between members of different social groups (tourists and their host communities) and is developed with the consent and participation of the local community.
Indicative alternative tourism activities in Achaia
Wine tourism
Greece, home of Dionysus, the god of wine, has the longest history of wine production and consumption in the world. Wine has been produced in Greece for more than 4000 years.
The culture of wine, the consumption of wine as a social event and its sophisticated appreciation, was first developed by the ancient Greeks.
Today Greece plays an important role in international culture and the wine industry.
There are dozens of vineyards and wineries that can be visited, giving the visitor the opportunity to explore the magical world of vineyards and wine, to learn about traditional and modern winemaking methods and to taste fine Greek wines, combined with traditional flavours.
Numerous vineyards in the region of Achaia. Indicatively we mention some of the ones that can be visited:
Visitable organic vineyards
- Santor wines Santameri Olenia, www.santorwines.gr
Visitable vineyards
- Achaia Clauss, www.clauss.gr
- Antonopoulos vineyards at Kydonies Vasilikos Farron, www.antonopoulosvineyards.com
- Vineyard RIRA Rira, Arravonitsa Erineos Aigialia in the hills of Aigialia, www.rira.gr
- Papastamopoulos Domaine Lusika Olenia, www.papastamatopoulos.gr
- Vineyard zone in the slopes of Aigialia, www.oenoforos.gr or www.rouvaliswinery.gr
- Tetramythos in Ano Diakofto, www.tetramythoswines.com
- Parparousi Winery, Patras Suburb, www.parparoussis.com
Kayaking - Rafting
Horse riding
Hippocamelos, www.ippocamilos.gr
Rio Equestrian Club, www.ippikosriou.gr
Patraikos Equestrian Club, www.patrio.gr
Sailing
In Patras the Patras Sailing Club is active, in Rio the “Iason” Sailing Club and in Aigio the Aigio Sailing Club with the Corinthian Gulf.
Diving
The seas of the wider area of Patras are considered the connecting link between two sea basins (Ionian and Aegean) from which they are enriched during their geological history with organisms
Indicatively we mention www.ioniandivers.gr, www.nekdiving.gr
Kart
A short distance from Patras about 12 km. there is a well-organized Kart track.
Parachute Paragliding
The Patras Paragliding Club (L.AL.P.A.P.A.) holds seminars on meteorology, windsurfing, first aid and rescue, and Greek and foreign experts are invited for this purpose, in order for its members to fly with full knowledge of the subject and with the greatest safety.
Oblos, Panachaiko and Skiadas, Santomeri and Kalavryta host meetings, Cup and Championship games and thus become a pole of attraction for athletes from all over the country, giving the opportunity for fair play between athletes and for celebration and feasting. At the same time, the athletes of the Association with their continuous participation and distinctions in Panhellenic races, are recognized in the field and are recognized as very remarkable pilots and good friends.

Skiing and snowboarding in Kalavryta
The facilities of the Kalavryta ski resort are the second largest in Greece and are located on Mount Helmos at an altitude of 1700 to 2340 meters. It is one of the most well organized ski centers with 12 runs of more than 20 km in length.

bird watching
The Lagoon of Kalogria is a paradise for bird watchers at the northwestern end of the Peloponnese and an ideal starting point for a tour of the area. Following the route to the neighbouring Prokopos, you will have the opportunity to observe its northern side, while in its reed beds you will find little terns, or bulls and mustached bulls resting.
The wonderful Forest of Strofilias greens your walk with its large pine trees, oaks and pines. Further south is the Kotichi Lagoon, an equally important wetland with reed beds and islets that is home to many species of wild ducks, wild geese, herons and swans. The area is considered a wetland of international importance and is protected by the Ramsar Convention. More information at the “Information Centre of the Kotichi Lagoon – Strofylia Forest”.
Lappa settlement, near the coast “Kalogria” Tel: 26930-31651 fax: 26930-31652
