Seasons Experience Thessaly in all its facets, combining traditions, natural beauty, and experiences tailored to each season of the year.
PLASTIRAS LAKE Gazing upon it, you'd think it had always been there. Everything blends so beautifully and harmoniously: the water, the dense vegetation, the picturesque villages, the wild mountains, and their reflections on the still, liquid surface. It's a place that constantly transforms with the seasons, yet always remains enchanting! It is many places in one, each more beautiful than the last! And yet, the lake wasn't always there! Image The Land of Deer For thousands, for millions of years, it was a "simple" plateau, that of Nevropoli, where deer once roamed ("nevros" means fawn, or the young of the deer), and which patiently awaited its "destiny"! In between, it experienced moments of glory during World War II, when for a year (1943-1944) it served as an Allied airfield, right under the noses of the Nazis. During the day it was covered with "portable" (!) trees, and at night torches lit the landing strip. For the Nevropoli plateau, the fullness of time came when the idea of the lake formed in the mind of a visionary, who came from a nearby village, Morfovouni. As early as the 1920s, the "Black Rider," General and political leader, Nikolaos Plastiras had imagined the lake that would later bear his name. Unfortunately, he did not live to see it, as he died in 1953, six years before the completion of the dam. Image The "Birth" of the Lake The dam was completed in 1959. The waters flowing down from the surrounding mountains, torrents, streams, and springs that formed the Megdovas River (or Tavropos), began to collect in the Nevropoli basin, until the glistening lake was formed. The locals did not "see" the beauty of the new landscape; they only "saw" the fields they had lost. Most, after mourning their livelihoods, with the compensation money warm in their pockets, headed down to the plains of Karditsa or to Athens. Those who remained continued with their old occupations and sometimes drowned in the lake, mountain people, unfamiliar with the wiles of the water. For about three decades, the place seemed to have sunk into a sweet lethargy. Image The Tourist Boom Until, timidly, the first visitors began to appear. In the early 1990s, the area's first guesthouse made its appearance, and the rest, more or less, is history. One guesthouse followed another, and a new tavern sprang up in every village, and there it is today, Lake Plastiras, one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the country. It deserves it 100%! An ideal place for those who love the mountains, but also for those who love the water. For those who want moments of relaxation and tranquility, who want to laze on the shores with a fishing rod and daydream for hours. For adventure lovers and sports enthusiasts, those who want to test their endurance in the water, on land, and even in the air. For foodies, for those who love meat, but also for those who love fish. In short, for everyone! View More PLASTIRAS LAKE - As If It Had Always Been There
ELATI Formerly known as "Tyrna," Elati is built at an altitude of 921 meters on the slopes of Koziakas ("Kerketion"). It is a popular destination for all seasons of the year, but the truth is that it is at its best when it is dressed in white! Until about the 1980s, Elati was known only to hunters. Then it began to timidly take its first tourist "steps," with the stunning landscapes that surround it and its excellent climate as its main advantages. The next two decades put it firmly on the tourist map, but always with careful movements, modestly and humbly. There are no mammoth units here, only atmospheric hostels. The nights are not wild, although you will be able to enjoy a drink. In the matter of food, both the "gourmet" and the "traditional" will be satisfied, while there is no shortage of shops such as "Likno" with traditional products and local herbs of the area. Image Base for explorations Although it is not of particular architectural interest, partly because it was completely destroyed by the Germans during World War II, it remains picturesque and lends itself to walks, either in the village or in the forests that surround it. Elati is an ideal "base" for road explorations in Koziakas, but also a little further in the area of Aspropotamos. It can also be the "base" for ski lovers, as the Pertouli Ski Center is just 9 km away. For the more adventurous, there is Kokkinos Vrachos, an organized climbing field with seven routes of varying degrees of difficulty. View More ELATI - In the Embrace of Mount Koziakas
PERTOULI Many consider that the area of Aspropotamos essentially begins from Pertouli onwards, as the inhabitants of the villages in this part of Koziakas share with the inhabitants of the "pure" Aspropotamos the Vlach origin, the livestock farming - logging tradition, and formerly the nomadic way of life! After all, a few kilometers after Pertouli, in the impressive valley that is formed, flows the Kamniaitis, one of the most important tributaries of the "Aspros" (Acheloos). Image Whatever the case may be, Pertouli is one of the oldest and most important villages of Pindos, although several times in its long history it was temporarily deserted either due to epidemics (1720 AD - plague) or due to enemy raids (it was destroyed by the Ottomans in 1823, but also by the Germans in 1943). According to one of the versions for the origin of the name, this is due to Triantafyllos Hatzis Berta ("Bertouli"), who re-inhabited the village after the plague epidemic. However, this version does not seem to hold true, as there is a reference to Pertouli as early as the 10th century. "Pertouli," therefore, according to some locals, is the "little door," the gateway to and from Aspropotamos. Passage and Station It has always been, along with its Livadia (meadows), a passage and a resting station for the transhumant livestock farmers, while the declaration of the "University Forest" in 1934 played an important role in the economic life of the place. The "Pertouli University Forest" occupies an area of 33,000 acres and belonged (?) to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Students of the Department of Forestry of AUTH do their practical training in the stunningly beautiful landscape. Some of the most impressive buildings at the entrance of the village belong to the University and were designed by the famous Greek architect, Dimitris Pikionis. Image Tourist Takeoff The tourist development took its first steps in the mid-1980s, along with the establishment of the Ski Center. In addition to skiing, around the ski center, in the magical Livadia of Pertouli there are infrastructures for all kinds of activities from Horseback Riding and archery, to rides with ATV vehicles ("quads") and snowmobiles. The forest and the slopes of Koziakas are characterized by very rich fauna, as brown bears, deer, foxes, wild boars, wild cats, and a wide variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs live here. According to the myth, Asclepius found his healing herbs here. The area is ideal for hiking, always with respect for wildlife, and there are also organized areas for camping. The hospitality infrastructures in Pertouli are excellent, with very atmospheric hostels, among which is the "Archontiko Hatzigaki" in one of the oldest buildings in the area. The taverns of the area are also famous, among meat-eaters mainly, completing a complete "package" of escape from everyday life! View More PERTOULI - Mountain Paradise
MILIES – The Cultural Heart of Pelion Milies is considered the cultural center of Pelion, as it was the birthplace of great Teachers of the Nation, such as Anthimos Gazis, Grigorios Konstantas, and Daniel Filippidis—personalities who contributed decisively to the dissemination of letters and the ideas of the Enlightenment. It was also here that the banner of the Revolution of 1821 was raised for the first time in the region, making the village a symbol of freedom and resistance. This banner and many other historical relics can be seen in the "Psyches Akos" Library, which houses rare books, manuscripts, and editions that testify to the intellectual wealth of the village. It is one of the oldest libraries in Greece and is inextricably linked to the intellectual flourishing of the region. Image The Mountzouris No visit to Milies is complete without a ride on the legendary Pelion Train, the famous "Mountzouris". The route from Ano Lechonia to Milies, against the backdrop of the gorges, bridges, and forests of Pelion, is one of the most romantic and picturesque experiences in Greece. The manual change of direction of the steam engine is not only a sight but also an unforgettable experience for the visitor. Image One village, two "neighborhoods" The traditional settlement of Milies is essentially divided into two parts. The first includes the area around the historic railway station, where the old, ruined buildings of the watermill, the guesthouse, the restaurant, and the three-story hotel of Athanasios, all testimonies of another era, dominate. Image The second and most vibrant point is the central square, a jewel with traditional cafes, stone-built houses, and the imposing church of Pammegiston Taxiarchon. The church stands out for its incredible acoustics and for its frescoes, among which you will see an extremely rare depiction of the zodiac! Image A wonderful cobblestone path connects the two neighborhoods of the village and is an ideal route for a leisurely stroll. Walking it, you will enjoy images from a place that respects its past and remains alive through its nature, tradition, and people. See Milies on the map, here View More MILIES – The Cultural Heart of Pelion
TRIKALA The fact that ancient Trikki was, according to the geographer of the 1st century BC Strabo, the birthplace of the god of Medicine, Asclepius, has given it timeless glamor over time. The oldest written mention of Trikki is found in the Homeric catalogue of ships, where it is mentioned that the city participated in the expeditionary force of the Greeks in the Trojan War with 30 ships and leaders the two sons of Asclepius, Machaon and Podaleirios, who had been taught the medical art by their father. The ancient city extended from the northern banks of the Lithaios River to the hill of the Byzantine castle, but few traces of it are visible, due to continuous habitation. On the contrary, what is visible to the naked eye in Trikala is the familiarity with new technologies that have given the city the unofficial title of the most "Hi-Tech" city in Greece. The Lithaios River has been the reference point of the city from ancient times and remains so today. Over 10 bridges cross the river, but it is the central one, a wonderful metal construction, that wins the eyes. It is also known as "French" because it was designed and built in 1886 by French engineers of the company "Thessaly Railways" and is the classic meeting point of the city. Image Walking in the city Starting from the "French" bridge, and after admiring the landscape with the plane trees on the banks of the Lithaios, most visitors choose to start their acquaintance with Trikala from the Asklipiou pedestrian street, the most "lively" street of the city, south of the river. The street, which the Trikalinos call "Paralia", gathers dozens of commercial stores and cafes and is bustling with movement almost all hours of the day. The extension of the pedestrian street reaches the Railway Station. Image Returning to the "French" bridge and passing to the north of Lithaios are the Manavika, a once infamous neighborhood that housed brothels, but transformed into another pole of the city's social life, with the opening of restaurants, mezedopolia and tasteful bars. Nevertheless, the most famous point of Manavika is the 150 square meter mural, which turned the awkward wall of an apartment building into a work of art. Where Manavika ends, the Varousi begins, the old city of Trikala which experienced great prosperity between the 17th and 19th centuries, when most of the mansions that the visitor admires today were built. The walk in the narrow alleys offers a wonderful journey in time. Above Varousi, dominates the Byzantine Fortress and the Clock Tower which is the "trademark" of the city. Image Cultural Spaces Trikala has a great cultural tradition and its contribution especially in the field of folk music is enormous. The composer Apostolos Kaldaras, the lyricist Kostas Virvos, the great singer Dimitris Mitropanos were all Trikalinos! But above all stands, leading and unsurpassed, the great figure of Vasilis Tsitsanis. If you want to learn everything about the life and work of the great folk bard, a visit to the impressive Tsitsanis Research - Museum Center is a must. Next to the Tsitsanis Museum is one of the most important monuments of Trikala, the Osman Shah Mosque also known as "Koursoum" or "Koursoun" ("lead") mosque, which today is used as a venue for cultural events. It is the only work of the leading architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, in Greece. We should note that Mimar Sinan was of Greek origin, from the village of Agioi Anargyroi (now "Agirnas") of Caesarea. Another important cultural space is the Kliafa History and Culture Center where a museum of local history and an industrial museum operate, while it also has a large hall for cultural events and a library with 6,000 books. Image A very important industrial monument of the city is the Matsopoulos Mill which was the first industrial flour mill built in Greece and the largest in the Balkans. The Mill operated for a century (1884 - 1984) and has been declared a historical preserved monument. Today it has been transformed into a multi-purpose art and culture space that includes the Industrial Museum, a cinema hall, a summer cinema, theater, painting and sculpture workshops and a cafeteria. For more than a month, during the Christmas season, it is transformed into the Mill of the Elves, the "Christmas Village" that has transformed Trikala into the top festive destination in Greece! View More TRIKALA - Hi-Tech on the River of Forgetfulness
LIVADI OLYMPOU Spread amphitheatrically on the slopes of Titaros, Livadi impresses the visitor from the first, distant glance. The large slope of the village offers unobstructed, satisfying views of Olympus, from almost every neighborhood. It seems to have been there forever, but it is relatively "new". History has it that the village was founded "only" in the 17th century by Vlach livestock farmers, who came down from even higher, following, according to legend, a mare that was looking for a warmer climate to give birth. Apart from being "new", Livadi is also very "lively" with over 2000 permanent residents, most of whom are proud Vlachs who stubbornly continue to speak their language. The most eminent compatriot was Georgakis Olympios. A member of the Filiki Eterias, Armatolos of Olympus and close associate of Alexandros Ypsilantis, he met a glorious death in September 1821 in Moldovlachia when, taking part in the Struggle in the Paradanubian regions, he blew up the gunpowder warehouse of the Sekkou Monastery to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Ottomans. His paternal home has been transformed into a folklore museum where you can learn a lot about his history and the old way of life in Livadi. Image Gastronomic Journey You will learn even more if you visit the Women's Cooperative "O Sofras" and the homonymous tavern. Here you will taste traditional flavors, nettle pies, stewed zygouri, yaprakia, handmade trachanas and their famous "good" xinotyri cheese, the "kasou nti bounlou". Beyond the impressive gastronomic journey, the women of the cooperative will take you on a mental journey with their descriptions of the great festivals of the Holy Spirit, the Prophet Elijah and the Fifteenth of August and will tell you about the special customs of New Year's, with the bells that drive away evil spirits, the meat pie they eat instead of vasilopita and the special Vlachian magiritsa, the "bazavousa". And of course they will praise the excellent local products, mainly cheeses and meats, which bring crowds of people to the village every weekend. In the vicinity of the village, it is worth visiting three important monasteries, of Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Triada and Prophet Elias with this last one offering the most beautiful view of Olympus. Going up towards the peak of Titaros (1839 meters), if you are lucky you will see herds of wild horses galloping freely. Perhaps some of them are descendants of that first mare that brought the first inhabitants to Livadi. View More LIVADI OLYMPOU - A Vlach Pride
