We head for the mountains bound for five of the most mountainous villages in Greece. Built at an elevation of over 1.300 meters, these villages seem to touch the sky.
We travel to the slopes of Smolikas, Grammos and Tymfi to take deep breaths of beauty and fresh air in some of the most mountainous villages of Greece. Built at high altitude on wild and imposing mountain peaks, drowned in greenery, but in snow in winter, some smaller and others chief villages, they are little gems that stand out for their authenticity.
Samarina, Grevena
On the slopes of the northern Pindus, in the Grevena regional unit, in a lovely setting amid dense forests, lies Samarina, one of the best-known Vlach villages in Greece. The villages elevation "ranges" between 1.450 and 1.600. Samarina is famed for its natural beauty, abundant cold waters and healthy climate. For these very attributes, it has also been nicknamed "Beautiful Samarina". The distance from the town of Grevena is 50 km., while very close by is the Vasilitsa Ski Center (15 km.). The women of the village weave thick woolen fabrics, blankets and rugs, and wonderful too are the village "dristeles", or "natures washing machines", which first appeared in the Greek lands in the mid-19th century and through which clothes were cleaned with the help of hydraulic energy. Due to the altitude, as is natural, every winter Samarina is "adorned" with snow, yet the village is beautiful in the other seasons of the year as well.
Aetomilitsa, Ioannina
Perched on the southern slopes of Grammos, at an elevation of 1.430 meters, Aetomilitsa is the northernmost village of the Ioannina regional unit on the border with Albania. The village is 50 km. from Konitsa and the route to reach it is beautiful. Aetomilitsa is a starting point for mountaineering routes to the surrounding beautiful, stunning peaks of Grammos, which make the area a paradise for hikers and climbers. In the village there is a mountain refuge that operates year-round and also serves food. There are also two tavernas and a cafe bar located on the square.
Pisoderi, Florina
Pisoderi is a picturesque, verdant village with a long history. Built on the slopes of Mount Varnountas at an elevation of about 1.420 meters it is the most mountainous settlement of the Florina Prefecture and one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in the Balkans. The villages jewel is the Modesteios School, which was built in 1904 with a donation of 6,000 gold coins by the Hagiotaphite Archimandrite Modestos (Georgios Minoidis), who hailed from Pisoderi. Very close to the settlement, just 2 kilometers away, at the location Vigla, the Pisoderi Ski Center operates, which is surrounded by a landscape of stunning natural beauty. From the top of the ski area the view toward the Prespa Lakes is mesmerizing.
Nymfaio, Florina
Just a short distance from the town of Florina, there is a mountain village, built at 1.350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks as if it were taken from a painting. Nymfaio, known as the "stone jewel of Macedonia", enchants the visitor with its distinctive architecture and setting. In fact, it has been designated one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Europe, while in the global UNESCO competition it contended for the International "Melina Mercouri" Prize for exemplary management of cultural heritage and natural environment. The entrance with the arched wooden footbridge, which joins two impressive mansions, the cobbled paths, the well-crafted stone houses and the towering beech trees that surround the village create a unique scene. The settlement is designated traditional, with stone and wood prevailing, while the roofs of the houses are made of galvanized sheet so that the snow slides off easily.
Vradeto, Ioannina
Built on the southwestern slopes of Tymfi, this serene and remote village, about 50 km. from the city of Ioannina, is literally surrounded by the impressive Vikos Gorge. It lies at an elevation of 1.340 m. and is considered the highest of all the villages of Zagori. The junction after Kapesovo leads to it, after a 9 km. route and there is no other road connection with the rest of the villages apart from this road.The village has boundless views in every direction, while nearby is the viewpoint Beloi from where you have the entire Vikos ravine at your feet. For this reason it is also known as the "balcony" of Zagori. Until the 1970s, the villages only link with the "outside" world was the famed stairway with its 1.100 cobbled steps. This stone construction, with a total length of 1.200 meters, served as the entry and exit to the village and led to neighboring Kapesovo, while it took a full 20 years to complete.
