Greek PM Envisions Turning Kalavryta into Year-round Destination

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni during their visit at Kalavryta.

During an official visit to Achaia this week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Kalavryta, home to one of the country’s leading ski resorts, should be turned into a year-round destination.

Mitsotakis, who was accompanied by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, referred to funding already channeled into the upgrade of the Kalavryta ski resort, adding that it could and should be utilized 12 months a year with other alternative activities in addition to skiing such as cycling, hiking, or visits to the Helmos Observatory, among others.

“Turning Kalavryta into a 12-month tourist destination requires a significant investment in the ski resort, which we are willing to support once we see a response and desire from the local community,” he said.

Kalavryta Ski Center.

The prime minister added that approximately 20 million euros in EU funds had already been allocated to the Kalavryta Ski Center with projects set to be completed this summer.

“This investment alone completely changes the ski resort, increasing significantly its capacity and establishing it as one of the leading ski centers in Greece,” he said.

Mitsotakis added that funding from the recovery tool was being considered for further projects at the ski resort. This possibility, he said, would be discussed with Kefalogianni.

Kalavryta Mayor Thanasis Papadopoulos has submitted a request to the Tourism Ministry to transform the ski center into a “multi-thematic park of four seasons”. According to the mayor, a budget of 10 million euros is needed for works and interventions.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni (center) looks on as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left) speaks to Kalavryta Mayor Thanasis Papadopoulos.

The Kalavryta Ski Center is situated on the northwest side of Mount Helmos, 14 kilometers from Kalavryta and 200 kilometers from Athens. The center has been operating since 1988 and consists of seven lifts, 12 ski runs, free parking, cafeteria, restaurant, ski rental shop, ski school and first aid station.