The village is an oasis of natural beauty, tucked away in a little-known area of the Ionian coastline. Part of it embraces the low hills, and the rest opens up to the valley all the way down to the golden sandy beach, which seems to go on for miles; the white crocuses sprouting from the sand are a delightful snapshot of the local flora. Bordered by the river Neda in the south and Kaiafas Lagoon in the north, Zacharo is the perfect showcase of all that is worth seeing in Peloponnesian nature, while the entire area is studded with thick patches of pine and olive trees.
Kaiafas Lagoon is only separated from the sea by a narrow strand, and surrounded by a forest of fragrant pines. Its thermal waters, flowing from the caves of mythical nymphs, cover an area of 1.68 square kilometre, 3 kilometres long and 2 metres deep. At dusk, the islet of Agia Aikaterini in the middle of the lagoon adds a tinge of mystery, with its secluded monastery overlooking the water. In the morning, though, it is a great place for water sports and activities in the spa town built by its bank.
If Kaiafas is the northern boundary of the wider area of Zacharo, then the river Neda, the only Greek river with a feminine name, is the southern one. Named after the nymph Neda, who washed the new-born baby Zeus in the waters of the stream Lousios, the river has sculpted the mountain around it, forming deep ravines, gorges and stunning waterfalls, which will turn a simple trek into an unforgettable experience. For the more daring, white water rafting and kayaking are also available.
