It was one of the Principality of Achaia's major ports. The city was surrounded by a massive fortification wall with bastions and turrets. Killini is connected by ferryboat with Zakinthos.
Six kilometres further north is where the Franks had their castle, the fortress of Hlemoutsi, the most beautiful and best preserved of all the castle in the Peloponnese. It was built in 1220 AC.
A few kilometres beyond Hlemoutsi, are the hot springs of Killini, a well known spa, developed by the G.N.T.O., with organized camping grounds and mineral waters. The waters bubble out at a temperature of 25.5 degrees Centigrade and are recommended for asthma, rheumatic and skin diseases.
The buildings are spread out among pine end eucalyptus trees. A truly tranquil and pleasant spot, a paradise for all.
Ilis used to be the organizer-town of the Games, the place where the athletes used to train before taking part in the Olympic Games and where the judges used to stay.
Excavations have brought to light the Theatre, traces of the Gymnasion, the Market, the Palaistra and two shrines to Aphrodite.
Furthermore, there is also an archaeological museum. In Ancient Ilis,a festival, with a variety of shows, is organized by the Society of Friends of Ancient Ilis.
Greenery gradually gives way to rock, massive peaks and a few scrawny shrubs.
Amidst this tangled wilderness the temple of Apollo Epikourios is a surprising sight. Designed by Iktinos, architect of the Parthenon, it was built in 420 BC on the foundations of an older temple by residents of the neighbouring settlement of Figalia. It was dedicated to Apollo, in thanks for the god's delivering them from an epidemic.
This is the best preserved temple in Greece, second only to the Temple of Hephaestus (The Theseion) in Athens.
The medieval Katakolo is located in the district of Ancient Pheia. In the bay of Agios Andreas, atop a hill, are the remains of a fortress called Pontikokastro, built by the Villehardouins.
In Katakolo's port, that is recently reconstructed, the tourists have the opportunity to visit the tourist shops along the road next to the fishing boats.
Katakolo's taverns are famous for the fresh fish they offer in their menu, whereas the cafes and bars are famous for the excellent view they offer to those seeking a picturesque place to enjoy their cup of coffee or their drink next to the sea.
Kaiafas is a well known spa, its famous mineral waters gush from two caves formed by crevices in the rocks. The larger one is called the cave of the Anigrides, the smaller the Geranion grotto, dwelling places of nymphs since antiquity.
The place is strangely beautiful, delightful, though the odor of the springs does detract somewhat. Legend maintains that the centaur Nessus washed his wound here after being struck by Heracles' poison arrow, and that is why the water smells.
However, Kaiafas is not only sulphurous springs; it is also pine trees, sand, sea and a long, long shore. It's hard indeed to draw yourself away from such a sea.
Zaharo is enveloped in pines and olive trees bordered by an enormous stretch of beach with white sand and sparkling water.
You can enjoy your holiday swimming in the endless sea and laying on the beach with the golden sands that extends from Kaiafas to Kyparissia and relax with delicious snacks and traditional greek ouzo at the taverns which are placed along the beach.
Zaharo's beach is awarded every year by the G.O.T. as one of the most beautiful and clean beaches of Greece.