The Forest (Foloi)
Description
The Fairytale Sanctuary of the Centaurs: Where 5 Million Oak Trees Touch the Sky
The Foloi Oak Forest (also known to locals as Kapeli) is one of the most evocative, rare, and ecologically invaluable natural wonders in all of Greece. It is situated in mountainous Elis, on the borders with Arcadia and Achaea, occupying an impressive, flat plateau at an altitude of 600 meters, beneath the southwestern foothills of Mount Erymanthos. The unique distinction of this earthly paradise is that it is the southernmost broad-leaved oak forest in Europe and the only one of its kind in the Balkans—forming a protected Natura 2000 oasis that spans 42,000 stremmas.
- Its Mythical and Natural Character: A true fairytale setting, where nature reveals a rare geometric ingenuity. The plateau is dotted with approximately 5,000,000 straight-trunked oaks that rise toward the sky like tall cypresses. According to mythology, the forest took its name from the Centaur Pholus, the benevolent, hospitable Centaur who dwelt here and became renowned for hosting Heracles during the labor of slaying the Erymanthian Boar.
- Suitable for: families with children, cyclists, hiking enthusiasts, nature photographers, and travelers seeking absolute tranquility. Since the plateau is completely flat, the forest is ideal for endless walks without tiring uphill climbs. For adventure seekers, the area offers beautiful hiking trails—most notably the "Tie Trail" (an easy 8-kilometer loop marked by ties on the trees) and the rugged Centaurs' Gorge.
- Facilities: The forest is open to visitors around the clock, free of charge. Located in the Loutsa area (near the village of Koumani) is the Foloi Environmental Museum & Information Center , a beautiful wooden building offering information on the area's ecology and mythology. Surrounding the forest, the traditional villages of Foloi and Koumani offer excellent stone-built tavernas serving local meats and traditional dishes.
- Access: Very easy and convenient by car via the road network of Ilia. The forest is located approximately 20–25 kilometers (a 25–30 minute drive) from Ancient Olympia and about 50 minutes from Pyrgos, following the Patras–Tripoli National Road (111). The main paved road runs through the heart of the forest, while dozens of accessible dirt roads branch off from it; here, you can safely park your vehicle and continue on foot under the shade of the trees.
Information