ALPHEIOS THE MYTHICAL RIVER

Text and research by Nikos Aivalis, translation by Eva Trombetas

Alpheios is the most important river in the Peloponnese, as well as the largest, both in terms of length and water volume. Its length (110 km) ranks it in the fifth place in the length of rivers whose waters are exclusively in the Greek land. It is also called Ruffias, which comes from the popular paretymology after many transitions: Alfios - Alfias - Arfeia - Ruffias. The name of the river is etymologized by the ancient greek verb "alfano" which means rich, offer wealth, hence the word "valuables". It springs in Arcadia, near the village of Kampochori, at the foot of Taygetos, runs through the basin of Megalopolis and passes next to Karytaina. In its course receives the waters of the rivers Elissonas, Lousios, Ladonas, Erymanthos and Kladeos. Finally it poured into the northern end of the gulf of Kyparissia on the side of Ilia, near Katakolo.

The current of this river is impetuous and carries a lot of material, while continuous allurements are made resulting in the sea in quite a radius strips of land, necks and lagoons, such as those of Agoulinitsa, Mourias and Caiaphas.

Alpheios

Alpheios is a river that is historical in many myths. According to Greek mythology, Alpheios was one of the deified rivers of the Greeks, worshipped mainly in Arcadia, but also in Ilia and Messinia. He was the son of Oceanus and Tethys, the descendant of the Sun. According to Pausanias, Alfios was a hunter who loved Arethusa but she did not want him and to avoid him went to Ortygia, an island near Syracuse in Sicily. Alpheios, from his great love, was transformed into a river and through the waters of the sea reached Ortygia, close to his beloved. In the valley of Kato Alfios, in Alifira, it is said that the goddess Athena was born, adult and armed by the head of her father Zeus. Ruins of the temple of Athena are preserved in today's Alifira. According to Pliny, the river was navigable from its mouth to the area of ancient Olympia, where visitors arrived in small boats for the Olympic Games.

the route of the river Alpheios

Both the surrounding natural environment with the rich vegetation, the riparian forests and the abundant waters, as well as the villages of the areas it crosses, make it special to visit here. Alpheios in its path passes through many different ecosystems and types of vegetation. Around the river the vegetation consists mainly of plane trees, many large willow trees, oleanders and vitex agnus castus, while a little higher on the hills prevail oaks, arbutus unedo, pistacia terebinthus and maples. Many characteristic species of the Peloponnesian flora grow near the river, with remarkable plants such as iris, narcissus, tulip, crocuses, cyclamen, as well as orchids. The largest riparian forest is the one at the junction of Alpheios with Ladon.

iris

In the small canals and ponds that are formed where the tributaries meet with the main river develops a valuable ecosystem, with many birds, among them rare species, as well as amphibians and fish. Some characteristic specimens of ornithofauna are of vultures the falcons, the snake-eagles, the sparrowhawks, the owls, etc. Near the estuary live many herons, cormorants and grebes. From amphibians in the river live various species of frogs, toads, while reptile fauna includes various species of turtle, lizards, water snakes, vipers, but also endemic species of the Peloponnese such as konaki, moraitosaurus, graicosaurus, ophiomoros and gustera. Of mammals in the river live otters, and in the surrounding forests foxes, weasels, hares, ferrets, badgers, wild boars and hedgehogs, while in various places near the river live jackals. Ichthyofauna includes 22 species, such as eels, carp, trout, laconic pelasgians, silurus glanis and river mullets.

Alpheios

Much of the river is not easily accessible for ordinary hikers, but with good equipment nature lovers will discover a river with a rich ecosystem. Also on the river are organized several activities of alternative tourism. Also Alpheios, in continuation of Lousios, is offered for rafting and is even distinguished for its impressive passages. To explore the river, choose Olympia as your starting point. From here you can discover the dam and the estuary in the west and the confluence with Erymanthos and Ladonas in the east. If you prefer the wildest semi-mountainous route of the river, starting from Karytaina, you can reach many inaccessible places that are offered for walking.

the mouth of the river Alpheios in the gulf of Kyparissia