The village of Caryadis - Slow Travel destination: Karyes
Karyes traditional village
An ideal Slow Travel destination for hikers, nature, and history lovers.
Karyes is traditional village built at an altitude of 950m at the foot of Mount. Parnon.
Karyes has less than 1.000 inhabitants, it is located on the northeastern side of Laconia and borders with Arcadia region.
The village is surrounded by a forest and the beauty of nature.
The European Path 4 crosses Karyes and a network of hiking and cycling paths are starting from the village.
The traditional houses have red-tiled roofs and the village`s square with the age-old plane tree invites you to sit under its shade and enjoy slow, a cup of Greek coffee, or a refreshment at the ‘’Kafeneio’’ of the village.
Chestnuts, traditional cheeses, organic oil & honey, walnuts, olives, and locally-made wine, are some of the flavors you must taste when visiting Karyes village.
The inhabitants of Karyes are living peacefully and in harmony with the natural environment around their village.
They are working in agriculture, livestock farming, beekeeping, and tourism industry.
The Cultural Association of Karyes is very active and organizes local celebrations on a regular basis. More information about their events and festivals you can read here.
Does the name ‘’Caryatid’’’ rings a bell?
Karyatides or Caryadits are the sculpted female figures used in marble architecture since ancient times (550 BC).
Karyatides literally means ”maidens of Karyes”.
In Karyes was built in 1983 the temple dedicated to goddess Artemis.
The maidens of Karyes were virgin priestesses who danced every year in “Karyatia”, a celebration in honor of Artemis of Karyatida.
The local dance named “Karyatis” was a difficult dance and Kariatides became famous for their harmonious dance and their beautiful appearance, so that all the harmonious female figures, mainly in sculpture, began to be called Caryatids.
Hiking in Karyes & Caryatides trails
In Karyes you can enjoy hiking as there are more than 50 km of signed hiking trails crossing oak and dense forests and the ‘’Shady Zeus’’ trail dedicated to Zeus Skotita during antiquity.
Caryatides trails are seven (7) marked hiking trails and four (4) mountain biking trails.
The Caryatides trails cross numerous dirt roads and the Karyes forest, rich in chestnuts, walnuts, and beeches.
The E4 international path also passes through the forest and Karyes village.
An easy hiking path starts from Karyes and leads to the small settlement of Kalivia. An amazing hiking route overviewing the river Deiros, Mount. Parnon and Taygetos!
Taste the tradition in Karyes
In the shops of the village, you can taste and buy local flavours like
artisan cheese, sweets, pasta, village bread, and local wine.
In the taverns of Karyes you can experience the traditional cuisine at a slow pace like a local!
Traditional Products ”Tasia Arfani-Macheira”
Main street – Entrance of the Central Square of Karyes
Tel: 2731095508
Cheese Products – Tavern “O Platanos” – Theodoros Koutsogiorgas
Central Square Ag. Andrea
Tel: 2731095366 – 6978199150
Traditional Products – Restaurant “Ardamis” – Evangelos Ardamis
10 km Karyon-Tripoli / Chania Bakourou
Tel: 2710382594
Karyes is just 190 km away (2,5 hours) from Athens and 35 km ( 35 min ) from Sparti.
You can reach Karyes by the local bus or by car. The schedules of the buses you may check here.
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