The «village of the fairies», built at an altitude of 1.140 meters, on the slopes of Mount Koziakas, is an ideal destination for lovers of mountain relaxation.
Nestled on a hillside of the imposing masses of the mountainous region ofTrikala, amid lush nature, lies a village with... a fairytale name that enchants visitors. At a distance of 50 km. from the city of Trikala, 40 km. from Kalambaka and next to Pertouli, Neraidochori is an ideal destination for lovers of mountain relaxation.
The village is built in the shadow of the Marosa and Neraida mountains, at an elevation of 1,140 meters. The villages first name was Veternik, whileit is believed that its present name derives from the nearby Mount Neraida.
The villages red-roofed houses spread amphitheatrically across the slope. Old churches and stone fountains with crystal-clear running water adorn its many corners. In Neraidochori there are guesthouses and tavernas. The cobbled square is the villages meeting point. Here youll see the Church of Saint Nicholasand the bust of Christodoulos Chatzipetros, a fighter of 1821, while its worth visiting the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi (1792) a little outside the village.
Also, at the location Smixi,in an idyllic setting,youll see the stone-built Hatzipetros bridge, which has stood there since 1750. From the bridge begins the «Vlachostrata» trail. It is a cobbled mountain path that in the past connected Thessaly with Epirus. For many centuries it was used by the inhabitants of the mountainous areas to transport their products and by shepherds to move their flocks. Part of the trail, about one kilometer long, has been preserved and offers stunning views of the area. After an hours hike lies the Ftelia Spring with a designated rest area.
The name «Neraidochori»
According to a legend, once there lived in the village two wealthy and beautiful girls, Maro and Neraidoula. Thieves entered the village wanting to take the two young women captive. But they managed to escape. One climbed to the top of one mountain and the other to the top of the other. When the thieves left, the girls did not return to the village. They had vanished. The old men and women of the village said that many times, on moonlit nights they saw their shadows and on dark nights they heard their plaintive voices. Since then the mountains were named «Marosa» and «Neraida». This tradition is one version of how the village received the name Neraidochori.
What to see in the area
The areas natural beauty, which is also its greatest asset, the routes through the fir trees, the Pertouli Ski Center and the dozens of sights can guarantee wonderful moments in a captivating mountain corner of Greece.
Close to Neraidochori are the areas best-known villages,Elati andPertouli. The stone-built traditional settlements with their picturesque little tavernas and guesthouses immersed in the fir forests enchant all who choose to visit them. In a lovely location among the firs, at the spot Pertouli Meadows, operates the Pertouli Ski Center, which isideal for experienced as well as beginner skiers. If youre not into skiing, you can enjoy rides witha sleigh or go horseback riding across the magical Pertouli Meadows.
After Neraidochori the road continues toward thevillages of Aspropotamos,which offer unique experiences to lovers of mountain routes.
Thepicturesque small town ofPyliis the gateway to the mountain massif of the region. There still stands today the stone arch bridge of 1514, beneath which flows 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 the Southern Pindus.
One of the most beautiful stops you can make in the area is the bridge of Paleokarya, 25 km. from the city of Trikala. A spellbinding 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.
Before you head up to the mountains, take a stroll in the city of Trikala, and if time allows, its worth visiting Meteora as well.
