From Florina to Arcadia, Travelgo.gr recommends five picturesque villages for alternative summer getaways.
Mountain villages are not only for winter. When the heat soars, a mountain escape is a great alternative for those who want to seek coolness away from crowded beaches. In the Greek mountains you will find tranquility and gorgeous landscapes, you will relax in stone-built villages with running waters and plane tree-shaded squares and cool off in natures pools, rivers and waterfalls. Here are five beautiful villages to head for the hills this summer.
Papigo, Zagorochoria
They may be a famed winter destination, yet theZagorochoriaare wonderful in summer too. Its hard to single out the most beautiful village. The most famous are Megalo and Mikro Papigo, about three kilometers apart. A stroll along the cobbled lanes reveals well-preserved houses of Zagori architecture, churches and stone fountains, while the imposing towers of Astraka rising above the settlements command the gaze. Noteworthy places to stay and eat, as well as opportunities for thrilling hiking routes, attract travelers who seek relaxation, atmosphere and adventure in nature.
Follow the path that links the two settlements to reach the Kolymbithres or Ovires. These are hollows formed by the natural flow of water that look like small pools. In summer, the Kolymbithres are perfect for refreshing dips and sunbathing on the smooth schist slabs. For the more adventurous there are options such as rafting on the crystal-clear waters of the Voidomatis, crossing the Vikos Gorge, and hiking up to the Dragon Lake of Tymfi, one of the best-known alpine lakes in our country, set on a plateau of the Tymfi massif at an elevation of 2,050 m.
Megalo Chorio, Evrytania
Evrytania has been dubbed the Switzerland of Greece and not by chance. Fir-clad mountains, gorges, waterfalls, rushing rivers and picture-perfect little villages compose a magical world in the heart of Central Greece, well worth discovering in the summer months too. Just 13 km from Karpenisi,theMegalo Chorio,nestled in a dense fir forest on the slopes of MountKaliakoudaat an altitude of 720 meters, is an ideal base for excursions in the area. It is one of the most picturesque and convenient settlements to stay in, midway along the route that starts from the town of Karpenisi and ends at Prousos. The exuberant nature that surrounds it, the traditional architecture and the options for accommodation and dining it offers have made Megalo Chorio one of the most beloved among visitors to Evrytania.
With Megalo Chorio as your base, you can explore the surrounding picturesque villages and visit the historic Monastery of Prousos, which is carved into a sheer rock within a landscape of wild beauty. A visit to Prousos can be combined with a hike to the Mavri Spilia (Black Cave), which served as a refuge for locals during the Ottoman period and the German occupation. Also, summer is the best time to traverse -with the help of experienced guides- the impressive Panta Vrehei gorge. Between the mountains Kaliakouda and Platanaki, at the narrowest point of the Krikellopotamos, you will discover a magical place with pools, waterfalls, sheer rocks and wild vegetation.
Nymfaio, Florina
Just a short distance from the city ofFlorina, there is a mountain village that looks straight out of a painting. Nymfaioenchants visitors with its distinctive architecture and setting. Though a famed winter destination, this village is beautiful in every season. Built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, Nymfaio is a true oasis of coolness in the summer months. The entrance with its arched wooden footbridge linking two impressive mansions, the cobbled paths, the finely crafted stone houses and the towering beech trees that surround the village create a unique setting. The settlement is officially listed as traditional, with stone and wood dominating. The villages emblem is the old stone school, the Nikeios School, a donation from the great tobacco merchant Jean Nikou in 1928.
Nymfaio is the headquarters of Arcturos, the non-profit organization known for the protection it offers to the bears that live in Greece. An unforgettable experience is a visit to the Bear Sanctuary, which is located within a fenced area of 50 stremmas, in a natural beech forest. Starting from Nymfaio, you can walk through the forests that surround it and breathe the invigorating mountain air, go horseback riding and cycling, visit Lakes Zazari and Chimaditida which are protected Natura 2000 areas, and sample fine wines from renowned vineyards.
Stemnitsa, Mountainous Arcadia
Built amphitheatrically on the western slopes of Mainalo, at an altitude of 1,100 m, Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful and historic villages of mountainousArcadia.Thismajestic village is a true museum of traditional architecture. The imposing tower houses, cobbled lanes, Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and stone fountains create a unique atmosphere,while the areas rich nature invites you to savor the beauty of the mountain landscape and lose yourself on lush green paths. The ornate bell tower of St. George stands out from afar and will lead you to the beautiful and always lively central square of Stemnitsa. The village has a noteworthy folklore museum, as well as the School of Silversmithing, one of the few in Greece.
Stemnitsa is an excellent base for excursions in the wider area, such as neighboring Dimitsana with the Water-Power Museum and the Lousios Gorge with its beautiful monasteries: the Monastery of Timios Prodromos, clinging to the sheer rock, and the Monastery of Filosofou. With a length of 15 km and a width of about 2 km, the Lousios Gorge is among the most important sights of Arcadia, and one of the most imposing gorges in Greece. Impressive vegetation, old bridges, fulling mills and watermills create a beautiful setting, and crossing the gorge is a unique experience for visitors. The Lousios River is ideal for those who love rafting and for those who want to try the sport for the first time.
Tsagarada, Pelion
If you find it hard to part with the sea, the Pelion is the ideal destination to swim at gorgeous beaches while enjoying enchanting mountain nature. A great choice is Tsagarada, one of the most beautiful and greenest villages of the Mountain of the Centaurs, on the Aegean side, about 50 km from Volos.Those who love to lose themselves in nature will find their paradise here. Impressive centuries-old plane trees, running waters, stone-paved lanes and traditional houses, sparsely built within the lush natural environment, create the ideal setting for relaxation. The village is divided into four quarters (Agioi Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos and Agia Kyriaki), with beautiful squares and churches, traditional mansions and stone-built lanes,while it offers several interesting options for accommodation and dining.
Put on comfortable walking shoes and take a circuit of the village. For hiking lovers, one of the most beautiful trails starts from Agia Paraskevi and, after a route through the forest, ends at Damouchari (known from the film Mamma Mia) with its lovely natural little harbor and then at the seaside resort of Agios Ioannis. In close proximity to Tsagarada you will findrenowned beaches such as Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Plaka and Papa Nero.
