Kaiafas, the Lake and the Spa
The Lake of Kaiafa was part of an ecologically important coastal zone in Ilia Prefecture. This zone included, besides the Kaiafa Lake and its curative spa, the pine forest of Stofylia, the dunes near the village of Kakovatos, the hill Elliniko and the cave of Anygrides Nymphae. The pine forest of Strofylia was most important for its Pinus pinea (Stone Pine) population. Unfortunately, the recent devastating fires wiped out the whole flora and almost all fauna of the region, together with most of Zacharo. We, lovers of our country, have no words to describe our mournful sentiments after this catastrophy. We keep, though, this album online, for everybody to see what we lost and what we must strive to get back, if Nature would ever forgive us...
The Kaiafa Lake covers an area of nearly 200 ha neighboring to the forest and is connected to the sea by a narrow canal, a situation that creates the prerequisites for a rich brackish water plant and animal habitat, where the most important species is the endangered Great Fen Sedge Cladium mariscus. It is a natural water ecosystem but animal ecological niches are seriously threatened by activities like water skiing and others related to unplanned tourist expansion.
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Click on any of the pictures to enlarge.
The Old Train StationThey are everywhere in Greece... For reasons difficult to explain, back in the 50's, the railroad system was deemed to have no future; it was when the modern system of National Roads was inaugurated and thought best suited to serve the traffic needs of Greece. Of course, this decision was applauded by those interests related to the petroleum industry and by automobile dealerships! The stations, mostly built in the closing years of the 19th and the first couple decades of the 20th centuries, were left to decay.
Lately, a more ecological approach has forced the authorities to reconsider the future of the railroad. Tunnels are now being excavated and new equipment is gradually being introduced. While the "oldie" rail stations are a heritage owed to that erroneous 20th century thinking, we are certainly grateful for having them and are pleased to see them being maintained.
Such Train stations appear in five more of our destinations so far: The Davlia Station (Viotia Prefecture, Central Greece), the Zachlorou Station in our 'Kalavrita, Vouraikos Gorge' Album, the Kalavrita Station in 'Kalavrita Town Photo Section (Achaia Prefecture, Peloponnese), the Central Greece/Viotia/Aliartos Town Photo Album and the Trikala Station in our Trikala City page; and more there will be!
The Kaiafa Train Station |
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The Kaiafa Train Station |
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The Kaiafa Train Station |
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The Kaiafa Train Station |
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The Kaiafa Train Station and the Café next to it |
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The Kaiafa Train Station
A sign symbolizing the way things are often modernized in Greece: the old exclusively Greek sign has been painted over and the Kaiafa destination was given its English name! Some people, Greek and visitors alike, like it! |
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