Set on the eastern slopes of the Vardousia Mountains, in the heart of Roumeli, amid a dense fir forest, the picturesque village of Athanasios Diakos is an ideal destination for weekend getaways.
Within easy reach of Athens (two and a half to three hours), the villages of mountainous Fokida are ideal for escapes from the daily routine. Soothing views of the surrounding peaks, cobbled lanes, dense forests to explore, great food...
Youll find all this in Athanasios Diakos, one of the most famous and picturesque villages of Roumeli. Built at an elevation of 1,050 m. on the eastern slopes of the Vardousia, this small village gazes across to Giona and Oiti, and serves as a base for many enchanting mountain routes in an alpine setting with fir trees stretching as far as the eye can see.
Athanasios Diakos: Escape to the heart of Roumeli
The villages original name was Ano Mousounitsa and it was renamed in 1959 according to an issue of the Government Gazette of the time. The father of the hero of the 1821 Revolution Athanasios Diakos came from here - hence the villages current name. In the cobbled village square with its great plane trees you will see the heros statue, placed there by Plastiras in 1922 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Revolution.
Here youll find a few but very good places. With excellent local meats and dairy (be sure to try the famed ice cream at «Ραβάνη»), the food will satisfy even the most demanding. It is worth taking a stroll to the back of the village to reach a beautiful spot where the river runs, enveloped in trees. Dont miss the historical museum of Athanasios Diakos, operating in the village since 2009. There you will learn about the life and deeds of the hero of the Revolution, see authentic 1821 costumes, flintlock rifles, copies of Diakos letters, and other objects from that era.
The houses of the upper and lower quarters fill with life mainly in the summer months, with running waters creating the ideal setting for relaxation away from the crowds. In fact, on the last weekend of July, two-day events are organized that include lectures, mountain running races, cycling, and various cultural events in the village square. As for the winter months, snow spreads its splendid white mantle, covering nature with the magic of its simplicity.
Nature lovers rendezvous in the village to hike the E4 trail, which starts from Florina and ends in Delphi, along a route of wonderful landscapes and springs with crystal-clear waters, rivers, meadows, and dense vegetation.
The trip to Athanasios Diakos can be combined with a visit to nearby Pavliani ( 28 km ) with its uniquely beautiful recreation park at the springs of the Asopos river.
