From the slopes of Pelion to Mountainous Arcadia, Travelgo recommends 5 picturesque villages that are ideal for the first spring weekends - Lush green landscapes, nature-based activities and good food
Spring is a breath away and the weekends ahead are perfect for revitalizing escapes in lush green nature. For lovers of mountain excursions, we picked 5 wonderful villages, from the Zagorochoriaand Pelion to Mountainous Arcadia, that are ideal for trips this time of year. The «scenario» includes relaxation in plane tree-shaded squares and plenty of strolls along cobbled lanes, forests and lakes.
Zarouchla, Achaia
In about two and a half hours from Athens, you can be in a picturesque place that blends natural scenery of unparalleled beauty, serenity and nature-focused activities. Built at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the slopes of Helmos, amid firs and chestnut trees, Zarouchla is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages of Achaia. In the settlement you will find charming guesthouses and cozy little tavernas to savor local flavors, while your gaze will be drawn to the imposing tower houses, some of which have been restored.
Do not miss visiting the enchanting Lake Tsivlou (half an hour from Zarouchla), an important wetland with rich flora and fauna. Perched at an elevation of 700 meters, it was formed in 1913, when a major landslide in the area dammed the bed of the Krathi River. The area lends itself to a host of activities, from hiking and horseback riding to mountain biking, and even 4x4 routes that will thrill the more adventurous in the group.
Accommodation & dining
- In the central square of Zarouchla, the traditional hotel Stis Elenasoffers a welcoming atmosphere to guests. At a distance of 300 m from Zarouchla, within the fir forest, Nymfes features 5 independent little houses, built entirely from natural materials. At Lake Tsivlou, you will find theAithra Boutique Hotel, a guesthouse crafted from wood and stone, with views of the turquoise-green waters of the lake.
- O Giannis on the main road of Zarouchla, To Petrino at Lake Tsivlou, and Dinos taverna in Mesorougi are among the best choices for food in the area.
Valtessiniko, Arcadia
Known as «the balcony of Mainalo», Valtessiniko,60 km from Tripoli and just 20 km from the famous Vytina,is one of the most beautiful yet most mountainous villages ofArcadia.Perched at 1,110 meters,amid lush fir forests, this village stands out for the wonderful views it offers over the verdant slopes of Mainalo. Designated a traditional settlement, Valtessinikofeatures stone-built houses and labyrinthine paved cobbled alleys. Among the most significant and impressive buildings is the one that houses the Folklore Museum. The village has lovely churches anda central square with cafés and little tavernas.
From Valtessiniko starts a section of the famous Menalon Trail, which extends for 75 km, passing through Arcadia’s historic settlements. Hiking enthusiasts can walk the section that connects Valtessiniko with nearby Magouliana, a lovely route through firs, about 6.5 kilometers long.
Accommodation & dining
- The stone-built guesthouse Thea Valtessiniko, built on two levels on the ridge of the slope, almost hangs aboveValtessiniko. The Valtessiniko studios complex consists of 7stone-built buildings hosting maisonettes and a large suite. Petra & Elato Art Hoteloffers unparalleled views of the traditional settlement and the green landscape.
- In Valtessiniko you will find two small tavernas, Vasilikos and Klimataria, serving well-grilled meats and traditional dishes. Just outside the village, in Magouliana, Iosif’s taverna is famed for its amazing lamb chops.
Agoriani, Fokida
Although it is just 25 km from Arachova, Agoriani has its own loyal following among those seeking relaxation, the calm of nature and crisp mountain air. Built at an elevation of 900 m on the northwestern side of Parnassos, on seven small hills (hence its modern name Eptalofos), Agoriani is blanketed in green, while waterfalls add their own distinctive note to the scene. In the village square you will taste traditional dishes as you enjoy panoramic views of Parnassos’s forested slopes and the plain of Lilaia. The village also has a Folklore Museum, where you can learn more about life in the village since the early 20th century.
From the village square, a paved path leads to the beautiful waterfall of Agoriani - the village landmark - 20 meters high. Nature lovers can hike trails, the most famous being the E4 that connects Agoriani with Delphi in 6 hours, and explore the renowned Corycian Cave or Cave of Pan.
Accommodation & dining
- In a landscape of unique beauty and across an area of 100 acres lie the 39 independent wooden chalets of Elatos Resort & Health Club. A fine accommodation option is also the Balcony of Agoriani, which offers warm rooms and a taverna.
- For food, top choices include the taverna Mavrodimos, Kyr Giannis and Stavros.
Tsagarada, Pelion
Nowhere else in Greece does the sea harmonize so ideally with the mountain as in Pelion. Tsagarada, about 50 km from Volos on the Aegean side, is one of the most beautiful and greenest villages on the Mountain of the Centaurs. It is divided into four quarters (Agioi Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos and Agia Kyriaki), with gorgeous squares and churches, traditional mansions and stone-paved cobbled lanes, while it offers several interesting options for accommodation and food. It is the village that can lead you into the forest to discover the magic of Pelion’s nature at the same time that it can send you to wonderful beaches.
If you like hiking, you can follow the path that starts from Agia Paraskevi and, after a walk through the forest, ends at Damouchari and then at Ai-Giannis. And when the weather truly settles, using Tsagarada as your base, you can visit famed beaches such as Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Plaka and Papa Nero.
Accommodation & dining
- Elegance, privacy and luxury meet at theElysian Luxury Villa, built in an exceptional location with panoramic views of the Aegean. The traditional guesthouse Amaltheia offers 7 rooms decorated with care to create a warm and homely atmosphere. A short distancefrom the village’s two squares, the recently renovated rooms of the luxurious Iris Guesthouse will host you in the best way. The Villa Melissa is a beautiful residence in nature for holidays with privacy andviews of the Aegean. The Kallisto Traditional Houses offer lovely rooms that will make you feel at home and enchanting views of the mountain and the Aegean.
- The restaurant “Aleka” at the AlekasHouseguesthouse is a classic for local specialties. Inthe central square of the village you will find Paradisos, one of the oldest tavernas in the area. In Taxiarches Square, Kalyvi serves good, home-style food. A good choice is also Agnanti, where beyond the classic flavors you will also find more creative dishes. On the old road to Mylopotamos beach, Deipnosofistisservesdishes that blend local tradition with Mediterranean and international flavors.
Ano Pedina, Zagorochoria
With a small plateau at its feet, well-preserved stone houses, tidy cobbled lanes and quality guesthouses, this picturesque and tranquil village of Central Zagori is an ideal choice for those seeking a good base to explore the area. Ano Pedina is built at an elevation of 960 meters on the southern slopes of Tymfi and about 35 kilometers from the city of Ioannina. The village is a designated traditional settlement, as it preserves characteristic Zagori architecture. Everywhere you see well-preserved houses and mansions, fully in harmony with the superb natural environment. A significant attraction is the Monastery of Evangelistria at the village entrance. Other monuments include the Church of Agios Dimitrios (1793) and the old school where the library of Neophytos Doukas with rare volumes is housed.
The location of Ano Pedina is ideal for getting to know the area, crossing the majestic Vikos Gorgeand rafting on the Voidomatis. It is worth taking a stroll through Kato Pedina, as well as the neighboring settlement of Elafotopos, while nearby you will find many interesting villages (Vitsa, Monodendri, Aristi, Papigo, etc.), old churches and stone bridges.
Accommodation & dining
- Built at the highest point of the village, Gioraldi Guesthousecomprises four 18th-century stone buildings that uniquely marry the old with the contemporary. The Pirrion Wellness Boutique Hotelis a high-standards hotel, perfectly in harmony with the enchanting landscape. Very special is the Amaryllis Guest House, a 19th-century stone-built mansion with 8 romantic rooms, combining the aesthetic of the French countryside with traditional Zagori architecture. Ameliko Zagori will host you in beautiful rooms with handcrafted wooden furniture.
- For foodthere is the very good taverna Sotiria Tsigara. Also, therestaurant«Skantzochiros» of the Pirrion hotel serves dishes from Greek cuisine with Mediterranean and international touches.
