FROM PATRASPhotographs FROM THOLO 1 hour 38 kilometres
- When approaching Tholo from the north on the coastal road (9), turn left just before the white domed church following the signpost to 'Lepreon / New Fygaleia (Nea Figalia) / Naos Epik. Appollona VASSAI' (Temple of Apollo)u.
- This road to Lepreo will take you past a painted house with mannequins in the yard. Known as the 'German' museum it offers a quirky view of Greece.
- A few kilometres after Lepreo you will cross over a gorge on a narrow white bridgev known as Korakofolia ('raven's nest'). On the other side is Faskomilia ('sage'), a small village smelling sweetly of sage - what else? - and the last place you can get petrol. Note credit cards are not accepted.
- Six kilometres and lots of sheep later, you will reach Nea Figaliaw or Zourtsa. This is the largest town in the area and, although it shares its name with Ancient Phigaleia, it is not your final destination. It is, however, the last town on your journey with shops, tavernas and cafés. Depending on the time of day (everything closes from 14:00 until 18:00), it is a good place to pick up supplies before the final stage of your ascent into the mountains.
- When leaving Nea Figaleia take the sharp left hand turn at the end of the main streetx signposted to the 'Temple of Epikourios Apollonas' (30 km) and the 'Neda Waterfalls'. This will take you onto a twisty road which seems to go on forever. But the road is tarmac and easy driving with fantastic views.
- Continue until you reach the village of Petralona, approached up a hill. At the top of the hill is a sharp left hand bend and two brown signsy to the 'Temple of Epikoureios Apollonas' (21 km) and the 'Neda Waterfalls'.
- Follow these signs and after a few kilometres you will see a road to the left signposted to 'Lynistaina (3km) / Andritsaina (14 km). Continue ahead following the signz to the 'Temple of Epikoureios Apollonas' (19 km).
- After this junction, the landscape becomes quite impressive as the road passes through a steep gorge with vertiginous drops to valleys below{.
- Continue until you reach Perivolia where the 'Temple of Apollo Epikiourisa' is signposted to the left. Go straight ahead - following the sign| by a yellow public telephone to 'Fygaleia' (3 km) and the 'Neda Waterfalls'. You will pass two stone fountains on your left and a church on your right.
- Continue through Perivolia towards Ancient Phigaleia.
- You will know when you are approaching the village because the road changes from tarmac to crazy paving.
- Continue on the crazy paved road - following the brown sign| to the 'Ancient Fountainhouse' - as it swings left past two large stone houses on your right, then a fountain and a taverna on your left.
- Keep going and you will see a graveyard on your left followed by a church.
- Opposite the steps to the church are two driveways; the first leads to The Ark where you will be staying, the second to the "Kantina" ('village hall').
- Turn into the Kantina grounds as this is the best place to park on arrival.
- If you get as far as the ancient fountain house shaded by a huge plane tree, you have gone too far!
