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Psathopyrgos

COUNTY: Achaea MUNICIPALITY: Patras

Clear
20.86ºC

Population

500 - 1,000

Infrastracture

Clinic

Distance from nearest city

10-35km

TL;DR

A small fishing village that has an islandic character, combining mountain and sea in a beautiful scenery.

A small picturesque village of 800 residents, 16.4 kilometres northeast of Patras. The area is comprised mostly of plains and marshlands, a union of sea and mountain; the village sits right on the verdant foot of Zireia mountain, which is part of Panachaiko mountain.

Psathopyrgos village was called Zachoulitika or Zachouliotika by its first villagers who arrived at the area in 1886 from Zacholi of Corinthia. Its current name is derived from two distinct things. The second part, pyrgos, means tower in Greek and comes from the multiple historical sources claiming the ruins of a tower were discovered near its shore, some historians believing it was part of the walls of Athens and later independent fortress, while others claiming it was a shelter for fishing boats. The first part “Psatho-” comes from the plant called Psathi in Greek, abundant in marshlands. The marshlands of the village are actually really fertile, making the village famous for its raisins.

The village of Psathopyrgos has a strong islandic character and it attracts many vacationers during the summer months. That character is created by the seaside taverns and “ouzeri” (establishments where one can enjoy ouzo and meze), low homely houses that form straight lines, fishing boats roaming the calm seas, as well as picturesque little nooks that seem out of postcards. The village has a small pebbled beach with clear waters, next to the small port, and it fills with people during the summer; the mountain’s green mass is imposing, sitting near the sea.

Other than the beaches and the local food, tourists can enjoy the four burial stones of the Geometric period (900 to 700 BC) that had clay jars, sitting 2 kilometres southwest of the village. Another interesting sight is the engraved stone column and ruins of a tower, found in the former Papastpiliopoulos estate, just 350 metres from the railroad (which is currently in a temporary suspension of operation). In a depth of 43 metres, near the village, is the Greek sunken minesweeping vehicle Nestos, sunk in 1941 by the Germans; the diver can also enjoy the trip from Psathopyrgos to the Loggos location, with a focus on the area of Panagopoula, since the sea bottom is perfect for both diving, spearfishing, as well as normal fishing.