The Alfeios River is one of the main rivers of the Peloponnese. It runs about 110 km from southern Arcadia to the Ionian Sea, across the middle of the peninsula. Near the village of Karytaina, it meets the Lousios River, and rafting trips run through the gorges where the two rivers join. Below Karytaina, an old stone bridge with a small chapel in one of its arches crosses the Alfeios. Further west, the river flows past the ancient site of Olympia. It ends in the Alfeios delta on the Gulf of Kyparissia, a protected wetland where grey herons, little egrets and kingfishers feed. Plane trees and oleanders line much of its course.
Geography
The Alfeios is about 110 km long, and its basin covers about 3,650 square kilometres. It starts at about 380 metres, near Falaisia in southern Arcadia, and flows north-west and then west. Most of its basin lies in Arcadia, with smaller parts in Elis and Achaea.
It has three large tributaries, all joining from the right bank. The Lousios joins near the village of Karytaina, below its own gorge. The Ladon and the Erymanthos join further west. The river then passes Olympia, the ancient site. Further down, the Flokas dam holds back its water for a hydroelectric plant. The river reaches the Ionian Sea in the Gulf of Kyparissia, through a delta of sand, reeds and wetland.
Activities
Rafting is the main activity on the river. The usual trip starts at the Atsicholos bridge on the Lousios, runs through a narrow gorge with stone bridges and springs, and continues onto the Alfeios. It ends at the Koukos bridge, a single stone arch built in 1880 at a narrow point of the river.
The route is graded easy and suits first-timers and families, with guides from local operators. Several of these operators are based around Karytaina, a hill village above the river. Trips run in every season, so check the dates and the water level with the operator.
History & Culture
Below the village of Karytaina, the old bridge of Karytaina crosses the Alfeios. It dates from the Frankish period of the 13th century and was repaired in 1439–40. A small chapel is built into one of its arches. The middle of the bridge was blown up during the Greek Civil War, and a wooden section fills the gap. A modern road bridge passes above it.
In Greek myth, Heracles turned the Alfeios and the Peneus from their beds to wash out the stables of King Augeas. This was the fifth of his twelve labours. The river was also worshipped as a god at Olympia, the ancient site on its lower course.
Nature & Outdoors
Plane trees and oleanders line much of the river, with kermes oaks and strawberry trees on the slopes above. About 22 kinds of fish live in its water.
At the mouth, the Alfeios delta spreads into sand, reed beds and shallow wetland. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, the European network of protected nature areas. Grey herons, little egrets and kingfishers feed there.
Practical information
Getting there
Karytaina, the village near the rafting route, is about 20 km from Megalopoli in Arcadia. Olympia, the town next to the ancient site, lies on the lower river in Elis. The river is long and the places to visit are far apart, so a car is the practical way to reach them. Rafting operators usually arrange the meeting point when you book.
Good to know
Basic swimming ability is recommended for rafting, even though the route is graded easy and suits first-timers and families. Trips run in every season, but the water level changes through the year, so ask the operator what to expect on your date and where to meet. The old bridge of Karytaina has a wooden middle section, so take care if you walk onto it.
Alfeios River— been there?Tell others what you saw.
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