The river Ladonas is the main tributary of Alfeios river. It was named after Ladonas in Boeotia, when settlers from Boeotia came to the area in 1370 B.C.

One of the sites worth seeing is the river’s dam. An artificial lake was created in one of mount Aphrodisios’ ravines, measuring 15km long and 6.000 acres. The dam was built at the location called Pidima, at an altitude of 420m. The landscape around the lake is imposing and the natural surroundings are virgin.

One can reach the lake Ladonas through Tropaia or Dafni in Achaia. The drive is exciting and there’s a wonderful view to the lake and the dam all along the route. When you reach the dam the road forks out: to the left it runs along the riverbed of Ladonas and leads to the villages Vachlia, Kondovazena and Voutsis, while to the right, is runs along the north side of the lake and leads to the village Mouria and from there to Dafni and the road “111”. Both trips are interesting. The river Ladonas flows out of an area of exceptional natural beauty, near the village Likouria, NE of the lake, on route to Klitoria.

Ladonas is one of Ancient Greece’s mythical rivers and there’s an abundance of references to this river in ancient Greek mythology. One of the most notorious myths is the one referring to cloven-hoof god Panas and nymph Syrinx. Panas used to roam a lot around the area of Ladonas, when he saw the pretty nymph; he chased her and closed in on her. The nymph, exhausted by the chase, reached the river and begged Ladonas to help her. When Ladonas saw Panas approaching, he transformed her into a bamboo tree. Panas then cut off a few bamboo canes and created his own original, in form and sound, musical instrument which he named syrigga. This is also the river where goddess Dimitra bathed herself, and it is here too, where the goddess of hunting Artemis, engaged in hunting. It is here also that the myth of Leukippos, who dressed up as a woman, unfolded, in order for him to be near his beloved nymph Dafne, an act he paid with his life when he was discovered. Near the beautiful forest of Soronas – named also the Aphrodisia mountains higher up – it is said that Aphrodite used to meet her illegal lover god Ares. Finally, it is at the river Ladonas where Hercules caught the deer following a successful pursuit and here too, god Apollo fell in love with Ladonas’ daughter, Dafne.

Ladonas comes into very particular natural beauty at the locations called Nisia, Podogorino, Smixi and Haliki near the village Dafne (Strezova). Of great natural beauty are also the adjacent locations to Ladonas, called Kourbo, stis Kyras to Gefyri, Mouria and Kanellaki. Indeed, such is the beauty in this area and the plethora of myths and traditions about Ladonas, that traveller Pafsanias was compelled to write about it in his

“about Arcadia-Achaia”:

“Ladonas has the best waters of all rivers in Greece. It holds a reputation amongst people because of Dafne and the traditions around her…As for its natural beauty, Ladonas is not second to any other barbarian or Greek river….”

The river Ladonas, and its tributaries Paios, Aroanios and Tragos, are suitable for canoeing- kayaking and rafting. Their soft flow is ideal for beginners and children. Ladonas also offers opportunities for trekking, swimming and fishing. The areas around the river welcome climbing, biking and hunting fans. It is known, that, in certain parts, wild bores come down to the river. Visitors to the area range from private individuals to alternative tourism organizers. The lake Ladonas also offers possibilities for rowing, wind-surfing, fishing, swimming and boat rides. The best starting point for trekking and other alternative tourism activities is the village Dafne in Achaia. Only five kilometres away from the village, at a beautiful setting by the river, you can find organized alternative tourism facilities where you may also try out archery, mountain biking, rowing, canoeing and kayaking. Close to the village Mouria and to Gefiri tis Kyras, there are taverns where you can eat.

With the help of special financing programmes, local authorities are working towards the upgrading of the lake for tourism exploitation. Already the area around the artificial lake has been declared an ecological park.

Descending from the dam, Ladonas enters the valley, where there is a hydro-electric factory. Heading towards the NW, and after having received the waters from the current of Lagadas and other tributaries, and after having traversed most of Arcadia, Ladonas meets up with Alfeios river at the location called Tripotamia. At Toumbitsi and Haratzinos, there are bridges allowing drivers to cross the river.