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Evrytania, Greece’s Undiscovered Gem

Rising over 1000 metres high and popular year-round among adventure sports and nature lovers, Evrytania is lush, scenic and varied, with bubbling streams and snow-clad forests; an ideal destination for hiking, climbing, rafting, trekking and much more.

Insights Greece - Evrytania, Greece's Undiscovered Gem — *Koryschades*

Soaring above the capital of Karpenisi is Mount Tymfristos (also called Velouchi), with its popular ski centre. Here you’ll find delicious rustic cuisine here, as well as a wide choice of comfy B&Bs where you can cozy up by the fireplace and watch the snowfall. Although, being a mountainous region, much of the cuisine is meat-centred, Evrytania is widely known especially for its delicious river trout.

Best Places to Eat

-To Spiti Tou Psara (on the provincial road that goes from Karpenissi to Prossou) for delicious grilled or butter-fried trout. Trout is also great at Fresko, where you can also buy it to take away.

-River Art Cafe-Restaurant is a most unusual as well as flavoursome stop for anything from breakfast to full-fledged local feast in a quirkily artsy ambiance.

-For trout as well as local game head to ultra-rustic and cozy Hagiati for homemade stews, pies and hilopites pasta.

Don’t leave Evrytania without trying: Local prosciutto ham (made by Allandika Stremmenou) and cheeses made by Koutroumanou such as creamy, zingy katiki cheese, mild myzythra, graviera and the local star cheese, tsalafouti.

Cover Image GTP – Greek Travel Pages

Glimpses of Beautiful Grevena

You’ll find mushrooms, mammoths, and a gorgeous warm valley in and around this wonderful western Macedonian town.

Officially designated the City of Mushrooms in 2007, because of the 2000 varieties of mushrooms that grow here, Grevena’s entrance is decorated with a giant statue of a hand full of the flavoursome fungus, and there are also restaurants dedicated to the variable ingredient. The Vasilitsa Ski Resort in the Pindos mountain range is another reason visitors flock here during winter, while year-round visitors can enjoy the outdoor adventures- and incredible beauty of the Valia Calda national park, one of Greece’s most impressive.

Top things to do

– Visit the Mushroom Museum in Lavda village to feast on photographs, audiovisual materials, illustrations, and sculptures inspired by the area’s mushroom culture.

-Explore the Valia Calda, famed for its astounding biodiversity, with a multitude of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species inhabiting thick beech and black pine forests and alpine meadows (that in spring blossom with 18 types of orchids!).

-Meet a 12-ton Mammoth skeleton at the Milia Municipality’s Natural History Museum – the mysterious creature lived in the region two millennia ago and international fans held a conference here a few years ago.

– During summer, the Greek Mushroom Festival takes place here, which is one of the biggest Mushroom festivals in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the globe.

-At Eleftherias Square visit the stone clock tower, known as Plateia Rologiou, and Aimilianou Square is where you will find all the locals gather.

-Visit the Municipal Central Library located by the river where you will find discover a lot about the region’s history.

-Drive to nearby Mastorohoria, on the border of Kozani, a charming traditional settlement with stone-built homes and arched bridges. Sit down at one of the Karelia and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee.

Best places to eat

-Sworn mushroom-lovers always stop at cozy Avlais, where the star ingredient can be enjoyed in endless traditional and inventive renditions.

-Mushrooms are also honoured at Perdika, where the menu also offers plenty of meat options like wild boar stew and grilled meat platters.

-If you have a sweet tooth don’t miss out on Achilleas’ Bougatsa and for coffee or cocktails head to Fuit Art Cafe.

Don’t leave Evrytania without trying: Manitaroproinda Grevenon sells everything you can conceive of related to mushrooms – from liqueurs and cooking powders to desiccated mushrooms and truffle oils.

Getting there

From Athens, drive west along the Olympia, Ionia, and Egnatia motorways, it’s around a five-hour drive. From Thessaloniki, it’s around 180 km and it’s roughly a one-and-a-half-hour drive.

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5 Fairytale Villages in Greece

Any part of Greece you choose to visit will unveil unique landscapes of incredible beauty! But the truth is, villages are often overlooked by the sun and sea seekers, who mostly visit the Greek island villages.

However, the country has a plethora of lovely places to explore, destinations that go beyond the hustle and bustle of the most well-known spots.

Immerse yourself in five of Greece’s fairytale villages and make sure you add them to your travel list.

Metsovo

Situated in the mountains of Pindos, in Epirus, Metsovo is one of the most picturesque Greek villages, tranquil and beautiful, ideal for escaping the daily urban routine. Wander around its maze of alleys, enjoy the mountain peak views, and go for a refreshing hike. Metsovo keeps its traditional and authentic character and welcomes visitors all year long.

Tips:

*You have to try its local, delicious cheeses, especially Metsovone; a smoked semi-hard cheese, made of both cow and goat milk that gets naturally smoked.

*Go hiking in the nearby Valia Calda National Park, one of Greece’s best trekking destinations. Take in the beautiful natural landscape and, depending on the season, pick your favourite activity and have fun!

Nymfaion, Florina

This mountain village in northern Greece is a stunning spot; a true gem. Explore the local shops within the cobblestone streets, capture the stone-built houses, drink a glass of locally produced wine and discover its rich history and traditions.

Tips:

*If you’re an adventurous type of traveller, enjoy one of the various activities, depending on the season; try horseback riding, go mountain biking or enjoy canoeing.

*Go to “Omegas tigris” for tsipouro and cold cuts.

Agoriani, Parnassos

This tiny village on the slopes of Parnassos is a true fairytale. Agoriani, also known as Eptalofos, offers a beautiful natural landscape and is the best getaway alternative to the very popular Arachova. Unwind at one of the local tavernas under the plane and walnut trees, go skiing in the nearby ski centre, or hike in one of the trekking routes.

Tips:

*Try the local delicacies, including honey and a range of meat.

Stemnitsa, Arkadia

Stemnitsa is a mountain village in Arkadia, Peloponnese, and is considered one of Greece’s dreamiest locations. This charming village is known for its monasteries, stone houses, and silver and gold craftsmanship.

Tips:

*Don’t leave without buying a ring, a silver icon, or other jewellery items.

Monemvasia, Laconia

No words can successfully describe the beauty of Monemvasia. Admire its medieval village enclosed within the “Kastro” (Fort), its romantic alleys that absorb the bougainvillea colours, and marvel at one of the most authentic Greek villages that manage to maintain their identity despite the mass tourism.

Tips:

* Try locally produced fruity wine.

*Try Matoula’s homemade recipes for local tastes.

Feeling inspired? Which fairytale escape will you choose?

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Exploring the Splendid Archeron River

The Acheron River, set 25km from Parga, is a local gem that supplies the entire area with refreshing H2O. With abundant vegetation and crystal clear water, it’s surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.

Location

Its springs are located in Ioannina, on the mount Tomaros, at an altitude of 1600 m. The river runs through Preveza and Thesprotia and flows into the Ionian Sea, to the village of Ammoudia. The springs of the Acheron River are an area of outstanding natural beauty are close to the villages of Kanalaki and Glyki.

Getting there

The best way is by car and the area is easily accessible through motorways. From the village of Gliki, you can follow the road signs for “Acheron Springs.” If you haven’t hired a car, you can book a trip with a local travel agent and visit with a tour group.

History

Apart from the natural beauty, the springs of Acheron are known worldwide for their mythological contents. In Ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. According to tradition, Zeus was devastated when the Titans drank from the water, and the ancient Olympian god of the sky condemned the river to remain eternally under the earth while its water became darker.

What you will find here

In many parts of the river where the water flow is normal, there are lakes and water pits that are home to a range of amphibians and fish. In other locations, the river flows through steep and high cliffs. In the rocky side slopes of Acheron, there are many birds of prey that nest in the forest slopes of the canyon.

Acheron River is worth the visit for its magnificent transparent water and
the surrounding rocky landscape. It should definitely be on the list when visiting Parga or any of its nearby areas, as it retains its unspoiled natural beauty and secret energy. Exploring the flows from the mountains of Souli Epirus until it reaches the Ionian Sea in Ammoudia Beach is a memorable experience.

Nearby

Just a few km away from the sea, there is a forest with exotic-looking plants growing in the water. After you cross the forest, you will see the edge of the river, reaching the imposing Roman bridge, where you can sit and have lunch. Today, the Acheron River is an ecosystem that is recognised and a protected area by the Natura 2000 Network.

What to do

Apart from exploring the natural wonders, you can also enjoy some great local dishes at one of the nearby restaurants. For adventurous types, along the river is pathways for hiking and rafting activities. The landscape is hilly and green with surrounding elm and oak trees. And for those who don’t mind the cool temperature, make sure you take an unforgettable dip in the extremely cold crystal clear waters at any given opportunity.

Adventure sports

• Horse-riding at Piges

• Paragliding at Paramythia

• Rafting, kayak, canoe-kayak at Stena

• Mountain-bike along the river

• Canyoning at Stena

• A caique mini cruise at the Acheron estuary

• Swimming in the cold waters of the river

Nearby discoveries

• The historical villages of Souli

• The beautiful town of Parga

• The necromantic oracle of Acheron

• The remains and the Museum of the Ancient Nikopolis

• The town of Preveza

• The Ancient Theatre of Dodoni and Ancient Kassiopi

Cover image @wewondertheworld

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Your Curated Guide to Greece

Evrytania, Greece’s Undiscovered Gem

Rising over 1000 metres high and popular year-round among adventure sports and nature lovers, Evrytania is lush, scenic and varied, with bubbling streams and snow-clad forests; an ideal destination for hiking, climbing, rafting, trekking and much more.

Glimpses of Beautiful Grevena