Only about two hours from Athens, Mountainous Corinthia is a destination that brings together everything we seek in a getaway: villages, lakes, spectacular natural scenery and great food.
From the stone-built villages of Trikala Corinthia to the serene waters of Lake Doxa and the mountain routes of Feneos, Mountainous Corinthia is a destination made for a road trip in every season. Around a two-hour drive from Athens, it blends dramatic natural scenery, traditional settlements, delicious flavors and guesthouses that invite relaxed moments far from the city.
Autumn and winter have a different kind of beauty, when the forests dress in warm hues, snow falls and crackling fireplaces offer cozy warmth. The area is perfect for exploring, getting to know picturesque villages, outdoor activities and stops for coffee and local food. Below we present a route to get to know Mountainous Corinthia, taking time in each village and savoring the road trip.
Trikala Corinthia
Trikala Corinthia is one of the most popular bases for exploring Mountainous Corinthia. Set on the slopes of Ziria, it's divided into Lower, Middle and Upper Trikala, three districts with traditional houses, cobbled corners and lovely mountain views. You'll find plenty of places to stay, along with many options for coffee and food. If you're in the area on a weekend, you may need to book a table at a traditional taverna.
Start your stroll in Upper Trikala with its traditional character, continue to Middle Trikala and then wander through Lower Trikala. You'll enjoy your coffee in the beautiful natural setting, with views of Ziria's slopes. In the cold months, the area is ideal for staying in a stone-built guesthouse with a fireplace, while the rest of the year it makes an excellent base for walks and escapes into nature.
Ziria
From Trikala, the road trip continues towards Ziria, along a route of forests and mountain slopes with wonderful views. The Ziria Ski Center is about 10 km from Trikala Corinthia and makes a good stop in winter, when conditions allow snow activities. However, the wider area is appealing the rest of the year too. In spring and summer, the mountain routes are ideal for walks and connecting with nature, while in autumn the forest colors create a particularly beautiful backdrop for photos and short stops. If you don't want to do winter sports, a short outing is enough to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
Lake Doxa
One of the area's most striking places is undoubtedly Lake Doxa. It's about 32 km from Trikala Corinthia and 23 from the Ziria Ski Center. It's set on the Feneos plateau, at an elevation of about 900 meters, and is surrounded by mountains and verdant slopes that change appearance with the seasons.
The lake is ideal for a leisurely walk by the water, photos and picnics in nature. The small Chapel of Saint Phanourios, on a narrow strip of land jutting into the lake, is the landscape's most iconic feature. In autumn, the trees' hues reflect on the water, while in winter the surrounding peaks may be snow-capped. In spring and summer, the landscape turns lush green. If you'd like to walk, you can explore spots around the shores by following the marked trails.
Monastery of Saint George of Feneos
A stone's throw from the lake, you'll find the historic Monastery of Saint George of Feneos. Built in a privileged position above the lake, it offers views of the natural landscape and makes an interesting addition to the route, especially for those who love history and traditional architecture. It's worth taking a little time to tour the monastery and to soak up the impressive view of the lake and scenery. There you'll learn more about the monastery's history and enjoy moments of tranquility. Before visiting, don't forget to check the monastery's opening hours.
Goura
Next stop on the route is Goura, a mountain village with stone houses, a traditional square and a relaxed pace of life. It's just 10 km from the lake and is a very good place to experience a different side of Mountainous Corinthia, away from Trikala's busier atmosphere. Take a stroll through the village's narrow lanes, sit for coffee in the square and enjoy a meal at a traditional taverna. Goura is ideal for a final stop before the return, as it's about 2 to 2.5 hours from Athens depending on traffic, and also for an overnight if you'd like to devote more time to the villages and routes of the area.
The small villages of Mountainous Corinthia
On the way from Goura back to Athens, you'll come across small villages worth a stop. Visit Mesino, Mosia and Kastania which is built at an elevation of 820 m. Continue to Lake Stymphalia with the Archaeological Site of Ancient Stymphalos, and to picturesque Kefalari with its stone-built houses and guesthouses for an overnight stay. Next to Kryoneri, you'll also find the Kryoneri Observatory of Corinthia.
Local flavors
A trip to Mountainous Corinthia definitely calls for stops to sample the local cuisine. In the tavernas of Trikala and Feneos you'll savor traditional flavors, from grilled meats and slow-cooked stews to pies. Seek out dishes featuring Feneos's renowned legumes, such as beans and fava. Don't miss trying local products and spoon sweets to take home with you. In the colder months, a meal by the fireplace is part of the experience, while in spring and summer opt for an outdoor table, soaking up the mountain scenery.
Useful tips for the road trip
If your goal is a laid-back weekend, you don't need to pack your schedule with activities. A good meal and a few hours of rest by the fire are reason enough to return to Mountainous Corinthia. You can tailor the stops according to the time you have. A good trip duration is two to three days, so you can get to know plenty of places without rushing.
There's no ideal season to go, as every month of the year has its own beauty. Autumn stands out for its warm colors, winter for the snow, spring for the lush green landscapes and summer for cool escapes to the mountains. Before you set off, don't forget to check the condition of the mountain roads, especially in the winter months, as snowfall and ice can affect access.
