Discover one of the most beautiful and lesser-known villages of Agrafa. The nature around Anthochori makes the journey to this mountainous corner of Thessaly unforgettable.
On the slopes of the Thessalian Agrafa and on the banks of the small Anthochoritis River, near the northern part of Lake Plastira, lies a small and picturesque village worth discovering. Anthochori emerges within a serene and verdant landscape, at an elevation of 700 m, about 30 km from Karditsa and 12 km from Mouzaki.The nature around this village, the murmur of running water and the forest paths will relax you and fill you with wonderful images.
Anthochori: The village-retreat in Agrafa
The village is crossed by the Anthochoritis River and has many stone-built houses and beautiful churches. Standing out are the Church of Saint George (1623) and the Church of Saint Paraskevi (1887). The village’s old name was «Floresi» and, according to tradition, it derives from the Latin word flores, meaning flower.
What steals the show, though, is nature. On the road to Lake Plastira and at the exit of the village you will come across the old watermill that has been restored, set in a wonderful landscape. From there begins the lush green Anthochori Gorge and the well-maintained Β20 trail to the Anthochori waterfalls.
It is worth reaching the stone-arched Kamara bridge, on the Koromilia stream, which stands as a living monument to the activities of the area’s inhabitants. From Kamara the path continues to the location «Nine Springs», where the annual gathering of Anthochori locals takes place in summer.
Nearby excursions
- TheLake Plastirais just 20minutes from the village. The circuit of the lake (about 60 km) is an experience worth enjoying in every season. Activities for the whole family, picturesque villages, historic monasteries and tavernas with authentic local flavors await you inthis corner of Greece, often called “Little Switzerland”. If you want to see the lake’s most captivating side, drive up to the Observatory. Once there, your gaze will drift across the lake’s surface, while on the other side, the forested slopes and, in the distance, the imposing peaks of the Agrafa complete the magical landscape.
- Also, a short distance away is Pyli Trikalon. From there you can head toElati andPertouli,the stone-built traditional settlements set amid firs on the slopes of Koziakas.
- Alternatively, you can take the road to the villages of Argithea, near the Achelous dam, on the border of the prefectures of Karditsa and Arta. It’s worth atrip to the (little-known)Lake Stefaniada, which takes its name from the eponymous settlement 2 km from the lake. This small natural lake,nested among imposing mountain masses, at an altitude of 850 m, captivates the eye withits emerald-turquoise waters.
Accommodation & food in Anthochori
- Montanema Handmade Village is set in a beautiful location and comprises stone-built apartments and villas laid out like a small village. It features a very good restaurant («Fournia»), a bar, a spa and an outdoor pool.
- Near the village square, theTaverna Floresi serves home-cooked dishes and perfectly grilled meats.
