Karyes, one of the two communities of the prefecture, is in North Laconia, on the slopes of Mt. Parnonas, in a region inhabited since ancient times. The city was known for the sacred enclosure of Artemis and the Nymphs. Artemis was called Karyatis and her statue stood out in the open. Young virgins, the Karyatides, would dance in her honour and they were the inspiration and prototype of the statues of the same name, which supported the entablature of many edifices, instead of columns. At Karyes there are copies of the Karyatides from the Erechtheium of the Acropolis in Athens.

In the Byzantine period the town was called Arachova, a name which it kept up to the 20th century. Its inhabitants were famed for their independent spirit, they took part in the Revolution of 1821 and fire was set to the town by Ibrahim. They also fought against the Germans (2nd W.W.) who burnt down the town once again.

The region is situated at an altitude of 1000m and has excellent climate. The inhabitants make a living mainly by animal rearing, bee-keeping and farming.

Karyes is the ideal place to start on hiking explorationsalong the trails of Mt. Parnonas. Indeed, the European Mountain Route E4 passes by.

Om the 26-27 of July a big fair is organised withm the assistance of the cultural society and participation of the local music band.