It is unlikely to be able to explore the Mountain Corinth in a single weekend. If you do not have more time available, the ideal solution is to select a base in central point, such as Xylokastro, Stymfalia or Oakland and browse the more than surrounding areas allow you the time and ... resistances. Maybe to return next weekend.
The area extends, for the most part, on the slopes of Zireias, kataprasinou mountain that rises above the Corinthian Gulf.
Most villages, hanging in the northwest and southwest side of the mountain is accessible all year round. Many different paths can be made on foot or by car - several of them in exclusive vehicles 4x4, and after rain the roads crossing the forests of mountain Corinthia is not easily accessible.
Starting from almost all villages of Zireias you can only cross paths stretching kilometres whole, leading to the peaks of the mountain, in other villages or to katafyta forests of the region. A little help from the locals will need to cross non-labeled paths, which are likely to pose risks for inexperienced hikers - mountaineers.
There are paths from the villages of Stymfalias leading Little Zireia and paths from Gkoura leading to the top. Even significantly trails the region of Kastania and the region Feneou.
The network is dense and many paths diakladizontai new offering endless hours of relaxation and exploration. One of the most interesting paths is that starting from the road Stymfalias Kastanias, the highest point above the lake, and passes through thamnotopo with pournaria to reach the position of Mycenaean castle, where the view of the lake and the archaeological site the Stymfalou will reward you for walking.
From the most popular areas occupying the Zireia the valley Stymfalias herald-especially in winter-a mysterious atmosphere that charms visitors. The lake Stymfalia is one of the biggest visitor attractions in the region, for its unique natural beauty and rare species of flora and fauna hosts, as one of the most important wetlands in the country.
If you choose to explore Zireia car, one of the most interesting routes that start from the seaside Kiato, to reach the valley Stymfalias, passing through the beautiful mountain villages Velina, Klimenti, Kaisari, Kefalari and, finally, Kalianoi village, where the headquarters of the municipality Stymfalias.
After making one or more stops to admire the magnificent view of the valley from any point of the journey, the magical nature and forests of conifers and, of course, the magnificent lake, will continue from here to Messino, passing through forests with katafyta fir trees and chestnut trees, crossing the natural corridor formed by the two mountains and Zireia Oligyrtos until the plain of Feneou and admiring the magnificent views of the plains and mountains towards the Chelmos.
At a distance of around 12 kilometres from Mesino, find the small but impressive artificial lake Fame, in the middle of which dominates the island with the country church of St. Fanourios. Although the road pigainei close enough to land access, for the last steps of the journey will chreiastei having to walk the lake left and right.
To reach as here, will pass from ancient Feneo, you'll get the chance to admire the archeological museum, which hosts important findings from the wider region, but also to test the kitchen in "Koutoyki of Staikou".
If the museum does not chortasei the archaeological your interest, you will take the road through the plateau and you will find yourself in the village Mesino. There excavations are underway, but until now evrymata show significant archaeological interest.
It is-at least in architectural terms-the most interesting village in the region, as a result of the long slope and periorismei exposure to the sun is not preferred for holiday homes, leading to the form remains unchanged. Great small kafenedaki Square, but the aionovios tree trunk from which springs running water.
Leaving the Feneo and passing "xysta" from Lake Glory, towards Monastir of St. George, the path is really enjoyable because the roads are literally drowning in chestnut trees and trees, which stands interrupted only to provide small snapshots extraordinary view. The same monastery, anakirygmeno Byzantine monument after dating since the 17 th century, seems ideal for prorismos outing. There, the monks will kerasoun spoon sweets, while you can admire the perfectly preserved church and to visit the hidden school.
In the west, the picturesque village of Panorama deserves to get in your programme, if not for anything else, just for the tavern, Luisa. In a terrific point, with a breathtaking view, "Louise" is not famous for internal decoration, but for the excellent, simple and cheap food. Try certainly the tiganitous snacks or order from earlier cock homemade (tel. 2747 041 375). Calculate approximately 12 per person.
Already close to the most charming square of mountain-Korinthia and competition is far from easy! In Kalivia will walk in the spectacular stone-paved square and admire the unique perhaps in the world bell tower is built on a tree.
And the delicious choices do not end here. In the village Stymfalia will find the "Rose". The tavernoula could you guarantee that otidipote literally eat comes from its own production: pork taismeno by the same owner, hand-kneaded bread from his wife, greens in the region, tomatoes from perivolaki the all-myrizoun Corinth. Two people will eat yperaketa with less than 20 euros.
At the heart of almost plateau, "Eye" or "Gkioza" is not in any way a tourist paradise. Enter the program but a stroll from "tyrokomeio of Goritsas" located on your left hand when entering the village and psoniste cheese ... will not easily forget.
Shortly before Gioza, will find the sources or "sinks" as they are known to the locals. They say that water from there, it opens the appetite. will need!
Another route that deserves to do with the car, is starting from the Middle Trikala and ends, passing through the Upper Trikala, the plateau of Zireias. Short but very interesting, the path does not exceed 11 kilometres. During that period, you will have the opportunity to stop in Upper Trikala to visit the picturesque female monastery of St. Vlasiou dating the 14 th century. Reaching the plateau, the beautiful lake Dasiou, but also the magnificent views cut away.
For coffee, accompanied traditional "koutaloglykoy" xechorisame the excellent cafe in the square of Vangelis Kouras, but also the "Platano" Kastania.
Whatever you do, whatever path they choose to follow, it is that you're prepared to get enough - to much-off programme, including the natural beauty of the region undoubtedly will force you to make more stops than they had anticipated . Forests, crystal lakes and graphics, traditional villages, all require your attention and enough time to admire - and it is extremely difficult to resist it in such beauty.
Accommodation
In Corinth Mountain will find several options, from traditional hostels to luxury suites that are able to meet every taste and budget.
From the best choices, the village municipality Kalianoi Stymfalias, the group Pleiades (tel: 27470 22224, 6972237443) offers seven suites, fully equipped with a fireplace, heating, mini bar, television and kitchen. In Feneo, "Limeria of Pan" (tel: 27430 91115, 6948068430) have maisonettes harmoniously combining traditional architecture and decoration with all modern amenities - massage, heating, television, internet, mini bar, spacious living and private parking.
The traditional guesthouse "Gkoura" (tel: 27470 51343) decorated with natural materials such as stone and wood, binds harmony with the environment, without being deprived of luxury. Fully equipped rooms and studio, with independent heating, mini bar, television and kitchen, but also a beautiful small coffee in the garden, where you can enjoy breakfast or coffee you compose the scene of the ideal "base" for your campaigns.
Simple and "honest" in its proposals and prices, the guesthouse Kallisto in Koura dne will disappoint those who do not pay particular simasiastin luxury. The owner, himself a lover of the region eftiaxe the first agrototouristiko accommodations promising "alternative" calm and relaxation. (tel. 27470 51080)
Jason Tapas
