Karpenisi... the Greek Alpes
03-10-2012 16:05
Being one of the most important high lights of Mountainous Greece, Karpenissi is not just a classical destination of wintry tourism, but a travelling proposal that can fascinate everyone. You can enjoy all kinds of alternative tourism like skiing in the ski centre of Velouchi, rafting, kayak, walking, climbing and riding. Stay in ski resortσ, traditional guest houses and small luxury hotels. Karpenissi, the capital city of the prefecture of Evrytania is considered to be one of the healthier resorts in Greece.
The wooded mountains, the picturesque hamlets and the ski centre, attract thousands of visitors. The dry and healthy climate, platans, oaks and firs make Karpenissi the ideal place for wintry but also aestival vacations. You have to drink of the crystal water that flows from the natural springs in the villages of the prefecture. In 12 Km. distance is found the ski centre of Velouchi where the visitor will enjoy the ski in the organised ski centre, which allocates seven lifts, twelve ski runs and ski learning lessons.
The prefecture of Evrytania with the variety of natural environment is offered for walk in beautiful forestal paths, rafting in the rivers such as Acheloos, Agrafiotis, Megdovas, Trikeriotis, Karpenisiotis and Krikelopotamos, kayak, crossing of gorges but also tours with mountain bike or 4X4 jeeps in the enchanting mountains of Timfristos, Agrafa, Chelidona and Kaliakouda.
Visit:
The natural monument of “Pantavrechi” a gorge of inconceivable natural beauty and the shelter of Mount Kaliakouda.
Walk in the forest up to the Black Cave admiring the wild nature.
Visit the Monastery of Panaghia Proussiotissa and see “the steps of Panaghia” and visit also the Monastery of Tatarna.
The heart of the city beats in the marble paved square with the statue of the hero Markos Mpotsaris and the famous age-long platens. Even if the city during the past has suffered a lot of destructions, the cathedral temple of Saint Trinity has survived. It is an impressive monument visible from each point of city.
Aghios Nikolaos
It abstains 9 kilometres from Karpenisi and it is found built amphitheatrically on Mount Neraidovouni among platens walnuts and firs. The beans and the chestnuts of the region are very famous, while the village has very good tourist infrastructure with modern guest houses and traditional taverns. The beautiful localities are Platanias, Palialona and the church of Aghia Paraskevi that is found in dense fir forest.
Gorgianades
The settlement is built amphitheatrically in dense fir forest and abstains hardly 4 km from Karpenisi on the way to Proussos. The houses are old stone-built, mainly two-stored with tiles, which are restored and renovated. In the sights of Gorgianades is included the little church of Virgin Mary of Mesampelia, remnant of the homonym monastery that was destroyed in 1821. Opposite to the area of Mesampelia there is park of outdoor activities, where you can have riding, archery, rappel in especially shaped installations, or simply enjoy your coffee in a beautiful natural environment.
Voutiro
Voutiro is a well-preserved hamlet with beautiful stone houses and exceptional view particularly from Aghios Ioannis that is found in the top of a hill. Visit the glorious Byzantine rhythm church of Aghia Paraskevi.
Koryschades
Koryschades is a traditional settlement with a lot of old mansions, surrounded by firs. In harmony with the saved mansions, the modern buildings maintain the traditional character of the village that provides appreciable tourist organisation and infrastructure. The visitors of the village admire the natural beauty: Wooded Mountains and dense fir forests, streams with platans and nightingales. Well-known however it is also the village for its history, after here it took place, on 14th May 1944, the “National Council of Free Greece” in the historical School. The school, which was built in 1901, functions now as Museum of National Resistance.
Klafsi
It abstains 9 km from Karpenisi. The name of village , meaning “tears”, emanated from the teardrops that were poured by the residents that had probably remained after the terrible destruction, from Galls of Vrenos in 279 BC. An important mosaic flooring of church dedicated to Saint Leonidis built at the 5th century is found near bank of Karpenisiotis River.
Mikro Chorio (Small Village)
It is built 5 kilometres far from the old village after the landslip of the mountain in November 1962. In the square of the Old Mikro Chorio you can get refreshed by the cold water of the springs. The old Mikro Chorio continues having his church as well as many beautiful rented rooms.
Megalo Chorio (Big Village)
It is the village that with its natural goods you offers you moments of rest in its green rich embrace. It has a lot of picturesque streets and presents intense tourist movement. In Megalo Chorio there are many taverns and shops, in the settlement of Gavros with pure local products. Picturesque cottages maintain their traditional architecture. An old custom that is maintained up to nowadays is that of “Kalimerades”. Young men begin the evening of eve of the Twelfth Day singing carols while the landlords offer them to drink raki, kourampiedes and money.
Gavros
In this village live 40 residents and abstain 13 km from Karpenisi. In the past the pilgrims that were going on foot to the monastery of Proussos used to stop for rest here. Today is ideal for staying in the modern rented rooms and for having lunch in the picturesque taverns serving local pies, trout and many more. It is worth visiting the village on 23rd of August in the feast of Virgin Mary of Proussos where festivities take place.
Krikello
It abstains 31 kilometres from Karpenisi. The village is situated in preferential place among dense forests of age-long firs, seldom aromatic plants and shady platans that are next to the banks of Krikellopotamos River. Maintaining the tradition and the glamour, with beautifully old stone houses, with stone roofs, Krikello has an important tourist infrastructure and its big square is surrounded by traditional shops.