Exploring Trikala, Elati and Pertouli, one of the most beautiful regions of Greece. A vibrant, modern city and picturesque villages built on the slopes of Koziakas, invite travelers on a winter adventure.
Every time we find ourselves in Trikala, we reaffirm that the city of Asclepius and the Lithaios River is evolving year after year and becoming ever more beautiful, ever more interesting. Then there is the gorgeous mountain range of Trikala that invites you on a winter adventure. After you take your strolls around the city, you can visit some of the most beautiful villages of Thessaly.
Elati, Pertouli and Neraidochori, stone-built traditional settlements among the firs, on the slopes of Koziakas, enchant those who choose to visit them even once. Outdoor activities, the Pertouli ski center and the dozens of sights in the area can guarantee wonderful moments in one of the most beautiful mountain regions of Greece.
A stroll in Trikala
The river, the old town, the fortress with its 33-meter-high clock, the squares, the parks, the pedestrian streets and the bike lanes make the city of Trikala ideal for leisurely strolls in every season. In the last decade it has become one of the most popular destinations for the holiday period, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Greece who want to experience the magic of Christmas at the famous Mill of the Elves park that is set up at the old Matsopoulos Mill, in the citys park of the same name.
The Lithaios River is the jewel of the city. A walk along its banks, lined with towering trees, is always a pleasure. Along the rivers course there are 13 bridges, most of them for pedestrians only. The most important is the central footbridge, built by French engineers in 1886, which is a landmark for the city.
Climb up to the Byzantine castle to enjoy the citys wonderful view from above. At the foot of the fortress spreads Varousi, the old quarter with the famous - from Vassilis Tsitsanis song - «the alleys of Sakaflias». Wander the stone-paved alleys, admiring the traditional mansions and the Byzantine churches. The other old-town quarter you will certainly visit is Manavika, once infamous and for many years neglected, which today hosts many tavernas, tsipouro bars and restaurants for every taste.
The best way to explore the city is on a bicycle. Trikala is a city with a strong cycling culture. In total, over 30,000 bicycles are in circulation, which equals one bicycle for every 2.5 residents.
Dont leave Trikala without tasting the famous Trikala sausage, the delicious cheeses and dairy products (the best known being galotyri and Trikala feta), the renowned Farsala-style halva and traditional spoon sweets. The flavor experience is completed with excellent-quality wine and tsipouro.
On the slopes of Koziakas
A stones throw from the city of Trikala, on the slopes of Koziakas, lies a mountain paradise of unique beauty, stone bridges, dense forests, lush meadows, waterfalls, rivers and gorgeous villages among the firs. With the first snowflakes the landscape turns magical. To get there, you will pass through Pyli, a picturesque small town, true to its name as it is thegateway to the mountain mass of the prefecture. There the stone arched bridge of 1514 still stands proud, under whichflows the Portaikos River. It was built by Saint Vissarion and until 1936 it was the only bridge that connected the plain with the villages of Southern Pindos.
Elati
Elati, 30 km from Trikala and at an elevation of 950 m, fully justifies its name as it is hidden in the green of the firs. Its picture-postcard charm and delightful climate make it one of the most popular mountain destinations in Greece. At the entrance of the village is the Grove of Prophet Elias with the stone chapel of the same name - the perfect place for dozens of photos.
Next to it, in a quaint little square operates the traditional market with the producers wooden stalls offering a wide variety of local products and souvenirs. High up, opposite the central square, among the firs, towers the limestone Red Rock. It is accessible by an easy path and from its top the view of the village is panoramic. Here there is an organized climbing area offering seven routes in total with various levels of difficulty.
Pertouli
Fifteen kilometers from Elati and at an elevation of 1,150 meters, Pertouli reigns. Forested peaks, the eponymous forest covering approximately 33,000 stremmas (it is managed by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is used for the field training of Forestry students) and running waters dominate the scenery. Traditional mansions, many of which have been converted into atmospheric guesthouses, stone-built houses, scattered stone fountains and steep cobbled alleys around the large central square compose the setting in this beautiful village. The chapel of the Holy Apostles, a tiny white gem in the lush green landscape, becomes even more picturesque when snow blankets the area.
At the location Pertouli Meadows, 6 km from Pertouli and 40 km from Trikala, operates the Pertouli Ski Center. Friendly to both experienced and beginner skiers, it lies in a beautiful setting, among the firs. Three pistes and three lifts, a red run 1,500 m long, a blue 400 m long and a green, training run 80 m long, leave no one disappointed.
Those who are not ski lovers can rent sleds and enjoy descents on the opposite slopes of the Pertouli meadows. You can also try other activities such as horseback riding, archery and mountain biking.
Neraidochori
After Pertouli you will come across Neraidochori, a beautiful village built in the shadow of Mounts Marosa and Neraida, at an elevation of 1,150 meters. Its houses with red roofs spread amphitheatrically on the slope. Old churches and stone fountains with crystal-clear running water adorn various corners. Here too you will find a variety of guesthouses and tavernas. After Neraidochori the road continues towards the area of Aspropotamos. Passing through or bypassing many small villages, after 40 km, it leads to the location Tria Potamia. From there, after 62 km, it ends in Kalabaka and the Meteora, completing a magical circular route in Southern Pindos.
Palaiokarya Bridge
One of the most beautiful stops you can make in the area is Palaiokarya Bridge, 25 km from the city of Trikala. A magical scene unfolds before the eyes of those who reach this imposing single-arched stone bridge with its two artificial waterfalls. It is a monument perfectly harmonized with the natural landscape. The bridge dominates a narrows, about half a kilometer from Kato Palaiokarya (you will reach it by following the route from Pyli towards Stournareika). The bridge is 26 meters long and has stood there since the 16th century. Two dams built in 1970 form two artificial waterfalls that complete the enchanting picture.
