MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS

METEORA

ABOUT

Serene, spiritual, magical, mystical, extraordinary, breathtaking, immense, inspiring, impressive. These are only some of the words people very often use in an effort to describe the Meteora phenomenon.

Meteora is a truly inspiring and sensational setting of overwhelming rock formations, but one must also be prepared to expect that this trip is much more than merely visiting an exquisite landscape.

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A trip to Meteora offers the unique experience of nature’s grandeur in conjunction with history, architecture and man’s everlasting desire to connect with the Divine. From the early Christian times, the Meteora vertical cliffs were regarded as the perfect place to achieve absolute isolation, to discover peace and harmony and, thus, to support man’s eternal struggle for spiritual elevation.

It is a pilgrimage to a holy place for all Christians around the world. Meteora has become a preservation ark for the 2000-year-old Christian Orthodox creed.

THE MONASTERY

The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Hosios Athanasios was born around 1302 in the medieval town of New Patras, today’s Hypati and his lay name was Andronikos.

The main cathedral in the central courtyard is embellished with beautiful 16th century frescoes. Take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of the best samples of Greek Byzantine art and then rush to the museum, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. Once you’ve reached the summit, a rewarding view awaits you and the monastery calls for exploration.

ZAGORI

ABOUT
Peculiar geographical and cultural unity consisting of 46 traditional villages that are scattered in the east, central and west Zagori. It is geographically located between Ioannina, Metsovo and Konitsa with natural borders mainly Mitsikeli, Gamila and Aoos. The area is a combination of scattered pines and firs, crystal clear waters, traditional stone-made bridges, old manors, beautiful churches and lush vegetation. An area with flora and fauna of the richest in Greece not only in number of species but in rare ones also. Here one meets the bear, deer, wild-goat, jackal and others.
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South East of Konitsa in northwest Pindus between Timfi and Smolikas the Gorge of Aoos, is a part of the National Gorge of Vikos-Aoos. The access to the Gorge is through a path near the old single-arched bridge, at the edge of Konitsa. The area is characterized by changes in scenery, intense contrasts, where the steep gorges and calm mountain slopes are found one next to another.
THE LOCATION

East Zagori:

Kaberaga Bridge
It spans the Zagoritikos River, near Miliotades. A single arched bridge, its name is taken from Kaber-Aga; the gentleman who donated he gave the money to built it.

Tsipiani Bridge
A single arched bridge, over the Vardas River. Was constructed in 1875 with funds from Anastasis Paspaliaris and the people of Greveniti.

West Zagori:

Aristi – Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa
Dedicated to Virgin Mary the Monastery is built on a rock, over the west bank of Voidomatis River. The temple is dated back to 1665. It was an important monastery with cultural activity in the region of Zagori.

Papingo
A famous traditional settlement, built on the sides of Mt. Astraka (at a height of 2.436m). It consists of two settlements Small and Great Papingo that have kept their traditional appearance unaltered with big manor houses, stone paved streets and springs with crystal clear water.

Drakolimni
It is the biggest lake of the national park of Vikos-Aoos and is located in the mountains of Timfi at a height of 2.050m.

It stretches to about 5 acres. Here lives the alpine triton, a rare amphibian species.

For the visitor to get there, a road leads from Papingo to Astraka refuge, after 3 hours of walking. From there follow the marked path to Drakolimni (approximately one hour walk).

Central Zagori:

Vikos Gorge
Vikos gorge is at the west side of the National Park Vikos-Aoos and crosses West and Central Zagori. Its length reaches approximately 12 km., and the height of steep cliffs exceeds 1200m. In many spots, while its width is around 100 to 1000m. The gorge is water-made formation and is cut through by Vikos River, the water is seasonal.

it takes 5 hours to walk to the springs of Voidomatis River, in a magnificent landscape, characterized by the grey rocks and the green vegetation

Vitsa (ancient settlement)
Between Monodendri and Vitsa are located the ruins of a small settlement of Molossi, dated in 9th C. up until the end of 4th C. B.C. Excavations brought into light ruins of stone houses as well as two cemeteries with important findings. (Today is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina).

Tsepelovo
A well-preserved settlement, at a height of 1.100m height. During Turkish occupation it was the administrative centre of Zagori. Its manors are famous for the folk wall paintings.

TZOUMERKA

ABOUT
Tzoumerka is a mountain range that is located in northwestern Greece. These limestone peaks rise east of the Axeloos river and are surrounded by the main spine of the Pindus mountain range. There are many peaks in this range with the highest one in the front range being Katfiyi which stands at 2393 meters. The area is also heavily wooded and recieves more than 60 inches of rain per year. Snow can last on the highest peaks well into July and sometimes evenb in August. The history of the area is rich as the first inhabitants of the area were named Athamones. These peoples left the area of Ioannina province and the lowlands of Arta to escape the oppressive Ottoman occupation that commenced in the 1500's and did not leave the area until 1821. The Athamones chose to live in the harsh conditions of the mountains rather than to live under under Turkish rule. Hence, the existence of the many wonderful towns that dot this wild and rugged area.
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The Tzoumerka can be accessed by driving to any of the many villages that surround the high mountains. The two main points of entry are from Arta to the south and Ioannina in the north. From both cities the mountain can be reached in roughly 1 hours and 30 minutes, depending on which village you want to visit. The most famous towns are Kataraxtis, Kipseli, Pramanta, Melisourgi, Drosopigi, Agnanta and Sirako. The town of Kataraxtis affords the best access to Katafiyi, the highest peak as there is a access road that leads nearly to the top of the mountain. From Ioannina head south on highway E-951 until the signs for the town of Bafra are seen. Exit for Bafra heading east and follow the signs until you reach the town of your choice. It is fairly easy to follow directionsas the mountains tower in the easterly direction. From Arta, take highway 30 north following the signs for Drossopigi.In winter the mountain roads can be especially dangerous as snowplows do not operate often and most of the villages are uninhabited.
THE VILLAGE OF SIRAKO
It is one of the most historical and aristocratic villages of Epirus. It is 52 km away from Ioannina and it is found in 1.200 meters altitude. It is built on Mount Peristeri in the verge of a ravine and it is particularly famous so much for its traditional character but also because it is the birthplace of important historical figures for Greece. Ioannis Kolletis, the first constitutional Prime Minister of the country and Kostas Kristallis, a big poet and novelist are among them. In Sirako you will mainly admire the traditional houses with the marvelous Epirotic architecture but also important cultural monuments. Six unique churches are found there, such as that of Saint Nikolaos with the splendid temple and the impressive domes, the house of poet Kristallis that has been changed into a museum, the folklore museum Kostas Avdikos and a lot of ther interesting sights.

METSOVO

ABOUT

Metsovo, a cattle-raising settlement initially, became in time an important commercial centre, exploiting its geographical place and historical events. It is a representative example of resistance to the abandonment of the Greek countryside. It is built amphitheatrically in one of the mountain slopes of Pindos (1160m height). It attracts visitors with its wealth, the diversity of the scenery and the way of life the people lead and experienced.

The Metsovo Ski Area is made up of three resorts: Politsies, Karakoli and Zygos. All three are small but have good facilities. Metsovo Ski Area has 3 lifts and 5 groomed trails. There are 10 kms of cross country skiing available at Zygos, in the Metsovo Ski Area.

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Vallia Kalda
The National Park of Valia Kalda (warm valley) one of the most important in Greece, is included in the list of the world’s most endangered areas requiring protection. It is one of the most significant nature areas in Europe, providing shelter for over 80 species of birds.

Zaravina Lake or Delvinaki Lake
Located on the road that leads to Delvinaki. The ecosystem of the lake is rich and is a habitat for birds and plants, many of which are rare, like the vidra.

Zitsa
Zitsa is built near the foothills of Prophet Elias and is surrounded by famous vineyards famous all over Ioannina. It underwent economic growth and flourished during the Turkish domination. The church of St. Nikolaos at the centre of the settlement was built in 1890. Each year, in the last week of August the wine festival is organized in Zitsa, near the monastery of Prophet Elias, where visitors may enjoy local famous wines.

Lithino – Theogefiro (God’s -Bridge)
This natural bridge over Kalamas River made communication for local people easier, until recent times. It is actually a rock connecting two sides of the river that nature gave the shape of a bridge. Folk tradition has connected it with many legends and gave it the name God’s bridge. Under God’s bridge flow clear waters of Kalamas.

LOCAL CUISINE

Wine, smoked Metsovone, wild truffle, pies and game dishes are just some of the elements that compose the multidimensional experience of gastronomy of Metsovo and Epirus. Metsovo produces one of the most famous wines of Greece, "Katogi Averoff". The wineries of the region are famous for centuries, as indicated by an old ledger of 1723, which mentions that vines of Metsovo give 50,000 bottles of wine. Also, Cheese making is an art widely spread to the villagers for years. The first cheese factory founded in the region was that of Tositsa Foundation, which is now the largest of Metsovo. Until nowadays it continues the tradition of cheesemaking, offering great varieties like Metsovone, gruyere and parmesan of Metsovo.

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