For many, southern Pindos has been associated with winter holidays. With a closer look, however, you will discover that this is an area worth visiting all year round. Each season has something special to offer you. Elati, Pertouli and Neraidochori are a “journey” to snow-capped mountain peaks, fairytale alpine forests, stone bridges, rapid rivers and activities in nature.
Where will you stay?
There are many choices. Charming guesthouses and luxurious hotels ready to satisfy even the most demanding. We stayed and we recommend the Mountain Inn, in an idyllic setting in the forest, 4 kilometers away from Elati. These are five wooden two-story houses that contain everything you need for a comfortable stay.
What will you see?
– The arched bridge of Pyli. It is located just outside Pyli and bridges the mountains of Koziakas and Itamos. It was built by Saint Bessarion in 1514 and is 65 meters long and 13 meters high.
– From there, follow the path that leads to the Gate of the Virgin Mary. It was founded in 1283 by the sevastokrator John Angelos Komnenos Doukas, son of Michael II Doukas, who was the despot of Epirus.
– Nearby is the Holy Monastery of Saint Bessarion. A medieval monastery-fortress which, in its heyday, had 365 monk cells (as many as the days of the year).
– The waterfalls of Paleokarya. After Pyli, follow the road to Arta and in about 11 kilometers you will see signs for Paleokarya. There you will encounter the famous 12-meter-high waterfalls with the uniquely beautiful arched bridge.
– The Pertouliotika meadows. In close proximity to the ski resort, the fir forests give way to low vegetation and shrubs. Streams, small ponds and pools create a unique landscape in which one can encounter cows, deer and wild horses. At the end of May, the Sarakatsanai meeting takes place there.
– Also of interest are the neighboring villages of Desi and Pyrra, as well as the wider area of Aspropotamos, from where the Acheloos River (or Aspros as the locals call it) originates.
What will you do?
The only thing that's certain is that you won't get bored! In winter, go skiing at the Pertouli ski center (ideal for beginners), snow mobile rides in the Pertouli meadows, and winter hiking.
In spring the area is ideal for mountain biking, ATV'S (pigs), archery, horseback riding and rafting in Aspropotamos, walking in Vlachostrata. For those who want something more extreme, the climbing area of Pyli is one of the best in Greece! For more information about the activities in the area, see Kerketio Extreme Sports, Pertouli Extreme Sports, Escapeway, Trekking Greece
Where will you eat?
The area is famous for its hunting (roe deer, wild boar, hare, deer). In Elati you will eat at Papanastasiou, to the Deipnosophist and in Panselino, in Neraïdochori in Niavi and in Pertouli in PanagiotisYou will taste coffee and handmade local delicacies at Millet in Elati, while in the evening you will have a drink listening to rock-jazz music at Grizzly Bear.
Tip: Don't forget to visit the woodcarving workshop of Angelos Patsiatzis and pick up local souvenirs and herbs from "Liknos".
One thing is for sure. You will be filled with images and landscapes of the Thessalian land that leave no one unmoved….
Here's a video we made in the snow:
Check out another rafting and monoraft experience we did in Aspropotamos:
Information and online cameras about the conditions in the area can be found via elaticam.com
