|
|
|
Municipality of Irea Twenty seven villages and communities constitute the Municipality of Irea with the districts of Agios Ioanis, Arahova, Kakoureika, Kokinorahi, Kokoras, Liodora, Lutra of Irea and Likouresi, Lisarea, Ochthia, Paluba, which is the administrative centre, Pirris, Rafti, Sarakini of Irea, Servo, Chrisohori and Psari. The Municipality is seated in the Prefecture of Arcadia, and holds and area of 144082 square meters. Population: 3059 citizens (according to the 2001 cesnus).
Moving on from the Spas of Irea, the road leads to the villages of Loti and Agios Ioannis. The ancient Irea was once situated in this area, whose remains are nowadays scattered all over. All the villages of the Municipality of Irea offer a unique opportunity of experiencing splendid moments of beauty; also the visitor should by no means fail to taste their wine and local raki, their cheeses and frumenty, all of which are traditional products of the Municipality. |
The
village of Palouba, the seat of the municipality, is the starting
point for tours around the other villages, while visitors may seize
the opportunity of tasting traditional foods and relishes at its
coffeehouses and restaurants. The road to Zatuna and Dimitsana passes
through the picturesque large village of Rafti, where there is a
traditional hostel and three restaurants still in operation, while
the picturesque country church of Taxiarhes (Archangels) attracts
our attention. Agalo is situated close the Rafti, with its picturesque
stone-built houses and its high quality dairy products. Three km
away from Raftis there is Arachova, where the picturesque villages
of Kokoras and Kakoureirka, the church of Agiow Athanasios of Christianoupoli,
the "Cave of Lagaftis" and the remains of Aga's Tower
House are unfolded before our eyes down the valley of Irea. The
village of Palouba is the starting point of a marvelous route to
the village of Sarakini, where a visit to the community office with
the excellent folk collection, is worthwhile.
In
close proximity to Sarakini there is Lisarea; one road from there
leads to Ochthia, a village with a lovely view, while the other
one lead to Kokinorahi. Moving on from Ochthia, we pass through
Liodora, where it's worth having a rest enjoying the traditional
raki. One of the major villages of the Municipality of Irea is the
one of Servo; it is amphitheatrically built, surrounded by lush
vegetation, with many interesting folk heirlooms. The church of
Zoodochos Pigi (lifi-giving spring), the church of the Panagia (Virgin
Mary), "tou papa to lithari" ("the stone of the priest")
next to the church of Agia Paraskevi (St Paraskevi), "o Soros
tis Grias" ("the corpse of the old woman") with the
ancient tomb and the house of the chieftain Daras in the village
are all of special interest; coffee-shops and taverns are open throughout
the year.
From
Servos, the road leads to Likouresi and Psari, two picturesque villages
ideal for tranquil walks. Moving on from Servos, we meet the marvelous
canyon of Gura coming down to the village of Kokinorahi (red slope).
One of the main characteristics of the municipality of Irea is its
exquisite mineral water springs situated in the village of Lutra
Ireas (Spas of Irea) and consisting of twenty luxurious cabins and
bathtubs; they are considered to be the best in Greece marked out
for their healing properties (tel. 0970 25000). Inside the village
there are coffee-shops and taverns that are opened throughout the
year. 
