The lush natural landscape, the traditional villages, and minimal human intervention tell their own story in the Agrafa mountains.
A glance at the map of Evrytania is enough to highlight Agrafa as the mountain range of central Greece that forms the southernmost extension of the Pindus, encircled by three rivers: Acheloos, Agrafiotis and Tavropos.
In every village in the Agrafa area, nature is on full display with lofty peaks, hidden trails along rivers, and arched stone bridges amid plane trees. Somewhere there, at an elevation of 700 m, lies a captivating destination, Anthochori, Karditsa.
Anthochori is a picturesque mountain village that stands out for its stone-built architecture and the absolute serenity it offers. The reason many visitors choose Anthochori for their winter road trip is, apart from its enchanting landscapes and traditional cuisine, the peace and seclusion they can find.
«Montanema Handmade Village»: Where hospitality finds meaning
A small village within the village, «Montanema Handmade Village» could be considered a standalone destination year-round. A complex of residences with stone-built houses and villas and traditional decor will make for the ideal setting for relaxation and connection with nature. A unique characteristic of these residences is that on one side they border the pristine fir forest and on the other they enjoy the unobstructed view of Anthochori Gorge.
Just 4.5 km from Lake Plastiras, Montanema Handmade Village was built stone by stone out of the dream of two friends, Dimitris Panagopoulos and Christos Athanasiadis, who, guided by their love for nature and tradition, managed to create a “handmade” hospitality space.
Residences that «converse» with nature
If the stay at Montanema Handmade Village is associated with anything, it is with tradition and grandeur. The stone element harmonizes perfectly with wooden details and “antique” furniture that decorate the interiors of the residences. The spacious rooms and villas, with their grandeur and elegance, offer every comfort, each with its own sitting area, kitchenette and veranda.
The experience of staying begins each day in the best way with the bountiful breakfast spread across the buffet, culminating in the most atmospheric dinner. From morning, with the aroma of the lit wood-fired oven, hand-kneaded bread and traditional sweets, to local flavors in the clay pot, the harmonies of wines and dishes in the cellar, and the sweet end to the evening with select music and local wines by the fireplace at the bar, the tastes and aromas form a distinct chapter of our village experience.
The journey of relaxation will soar through the massage and wellness services offered at «Aquanema». The pampering ritual begins with a delightful steam bath in the hammam for detoxification and skin rejuvenation, and then the specialist therapists proceed with further exfoliation of the skin using locally produced essential oils.
Montanema activities
When was the last time you walked through a forest among waterfalls? At Montanema Handmade Village, guests experience nature in every way. Hiking, picnics, open-air meditation and cooking, and alternative activities on Lake Plastiras are experiences that will make your mountain excursion unforgettable. Beyond the rich natural scenery, young and old alike have the chance to feed and care for the animals hosted on the hotels farm.
For handmade-product enthusiasts, the hotel offers in-house workshops for making candles and soap. Using plant-based ingredients straight from nature, the experts show how you can simply and easily create handmade products for the home with the scents and oils that suit each person.
If there is one thing we look forward to on the cold winter weekends, it is a lovely excursion and even lovelier hospitality in one of the most picturesque parts of mainland Greece.
Montanema Handmade Village | www.montanema.gr
