Stunning villages nestled among fir trees, on the slopes of Koziakas, enchant anyone who chooses to visit them even once.
A stones throw from the city of Trikala, on the slopes of Koziakas, lies a mountain paradise with landscapes of unique beauty, stone bridges, dense forests, emerald meadows, waterfalls, rivers and beautiful villages nestled among the firs.
The mountainous region of Trikala is one of Greeces most beautiful winter destinations. After strolling through the city of Asclepius and the Lithaios River, you can visit some of the most picturesque landscapes of Thessaly. With the first snowflakes, the scenery turns magical.
To get there, you will pass through Pyli, a truly picturesque small town in every sense, as it forms theentrance to the mountainous massif of the prefecture. There still stands majestically the stone arched bridge of 1514, under whichflows the Portaikos River. It was built by Saint Vissarion and until 1936 it was the only bridge connecting the plain with the villages of the Southern Pindus.
Elati
Elati, 30 km from Trikala at an elevation of 950 m, lives up perfectly to its name as it is hidden in the greenery of firs. Its picturesque charm and wonderful climate make it one of Greeces most popular mountain destinations.At the entrance to the village lies the Prophet Elias Grove with its stone chapel of the same name - the perfect place for dozens of photos.
Next door, in a quaint little square, a traditional market operates with producers wooden stalls offering a wide variety of local products and souvenirs. High above, opposite the main square, amid the firs, stands the limestone Red Rock. It is accessible via an easy path and from its top the view of the village is panoramic. Here there is a developed climbing site offering a total of seven routes with various degrees of difficulty.
Pertouli
Fifteen kilometers from Elati and at an elevation of 1,150 meters stands Pertouli. Forested peaks, the namesake forest covering roughly 33,000 stremmas (managed by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and used for the field training of Forestry students) and running waters dominate the scene. Traditional mansions, many of which have been converted into atmospheric guesthouses, stone houses, scattered stone fountains and cobbled uphill alleys around the large central square compose the setting in this beautiful village. The little church of the Holy Apostles, a white miniature amid the lush green landscape, becomes even more picturesque when snow blankets the area.
At Pertouli Meadows, 6 km from Pertouli and 40 km from Trikala, operates the Pertouli Ski Center. Welcoming to both experienced and beginner skiers, it is set in a beautiful location, amid the firs. Three slopes and three lifts, a red run 1,500 m long, a blue 400 m and a green, training, 80 m long, leave no one disappointed.
If youre not a fan of skiing, you can rent sleds and enjoy downhill runs on the opposite slopes of the Pertouli meadows. You can also try other activities such as horse riding, archery and mountain biking.
Neraidochori
After Pertouli you will come across Neraidochori, a lovely village built in the shadow of the mountains Marosa and Neraida, at an elevation of 1,150 meters. Its red-roofed houses spread amphitheatrically across the slope. Old churches and stone fountains with crystal-clear running water adorn various corners of it. Here too you will find a variety of guesthouses and tavernas. After Neraidochori the road continues toward the region 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 Meteora, completing a magical circular route in the Southern Pindus.
