It is already in autumn, the weather has contributed to the well ... winter thoughts and the calculus "goes upwards." We leave behind us the summer breaks and choose known or little known destinations for winter weekends following. Follow us.
Starting the Tour of us say to escape somewhat from the secular winter resorts and look equally beautiful areas. The Mountain Fokida and the southern edge of the prefecture of Fthiotida are two of them. Unfortunately for those unfortunate enough to have close to Arachova.
Fortunately for us to choose, because they have managed to remain authentic, serene and picturesque. In this proposal we will integrate into one and you will be the present.
A characteristic of the region is the dense vegetation of the mountains of Gkionas, Vardoussia and Oiti that surround it, with many quaint villages on the slopes, their parapotamous Mornos to ring in your history, a part of the international oreivatikou path E4 always available to Wander, chomatines routes for daring drivers, fresh meat or hunting in the area taverns, picturesque guesthouses, simplicity ... What else to ask?
What will amaze you, believe me, is the constant rotation of the landscape from the savagery of koryfogrammon the serenity of plateaux in combination with the traditional colors of the Greek province, which has remained unchanged.
Rightly So every weekend or region is an attraction from the fans of mountain climbers, sightseers and nature seeking to calm (a few are true) accommodation in the region, and large doses of peace and oxygen.
As a basis trip around the region, due to positioning, it would suggest that you select the PAVLIANI, a village in the foothills of the national park of Oiti.
What will amaze you, believe me, is the constant rotation of the landscape from the savagery of koryfogrammon the serenity of plateaux in combination with the traditional colors of the Greek province, which has remained unchanged.
Rightly So every weekend or region is an attraction from the fans of mountain climbers, sightseers and nature seeking to calm (a few are true) accommodation in the region, and large doses of peace and oxygen.
As a basis trip around the region, due to positioning, it would suggest that you select the PAVLIANI, a village in the foothills of the national park of Oiti.
Next stop, our village Kaloskopi. "The balcony of Gkionas" as the locals say, is below the central road on a left turn. Built in the shadow of Gkionas and is considered the base of Oreivaton. From there they usually start most oreivatikes groups have intended the homonymous mountain and the known location "Deep Laka", beneath the pyramid.
The village is "pnigmeno" in green. The square, with the old school that now serves as a guesthouse is particularly graphic. Where available anavasis can follow the normal path of Oreivaton and both stand, leaving cars on location "Mnimata" from which begins the path that leads to the top.
Leaving the Kaloskopi aniforizoume in the central road to the next station the village MAVROLITHARI. There, a stop for coffee in the village square is necessary. The view from point leads us to our next destination, the village Stromi.
The waterfall at the entrance, welcomes us and obliges us in a position for photos. Continuing spend more than the parapotamo Mornos (Vourlorema) and arrived at the square. Hospitable tavernaki left open almost all year with products from stani and bostani family, is a good suggestion for lunch.
The rising way above the square leads to "Isioma", the region alongside the Vathias Lakas in Gkiona. The route is chomatini and was part of the Acropolis Rally in previous years.
Turning left at the fork facing us are heading Joined the Church Rachi. The point has built church dedicated to the Virgin Mary Stromitissa. To say that history is said that a vision revealed in a faithful, thammeni image of the Virgin at that point.
The site is built the church is magnificent. Looking around the perfection of the landscape in synarpazei. We really are a breath away from the top of Gkionas. Dexiotera in "Cold Fountain" is, as witnessed by the name, drinking water. Aniforizontas is known to the locals "Panourgia's Cave" of the well-known hero of 1821.
Before we get to our final destination, it is worth a brief visit to the village of Sykia with stopover in church Zoodohos Pigi-which is uphill along a dirt road two kilometres-inside a cave. Behind the sanctuary, in a small lake depth, is said to have found the image of the Virgin Mary.
The village lies a few kilometres south and is built in the western foothills of Gkionas. The impressive beauty of the stone wall that rises above it will take your breath away. The homonym orthoplagia is the most difficult physical climbing ramp Europe s, with a negative inclination, and reaches a height of 1,200 metres.
We left, and not coincidentally, the end of this journey, the village hero of the Revolution Athanassios Diakos, from which they took and the newer name. Built in the 1,100 metres at the foot of Vardoussia is in our view the most comprehensive proposal for all season destination.
The running water, the river which crosses are responsible for orgiodi vegetation Invasion of the region. The village is small but the consistency creates the impression that it is complete. The site that is built and architecture have rightly classed as beautiful in the region.
In the vast square dominated by the bust of Athanasios Diakos and the holy temple of Transfiguration of the Saviour. Paradipla the guesthouse and traditional tavern give you the impression that you have around you all the necessities.
Escaping from the village and along the path to the two shelters, deserves to ascend to the apex of Vardoussia, or at least to try ...
What will you leave this tour, is full of cameras-and the main-beautiful images forgotten Greek nature. From whatever point they agnantepsete from any corner and see if the region, we are sure will leave the best impression.
As understood in this journey we lose the sense of time and placing search of nature and surprises, our synepairnei. Maybe we propose more than we can fit in two eikositetraora.
There is a solution: Simply, we must consider something to extend your stay!
PAVLIANI xechorisame hotel - coffee "Stone" (tel: 22310 83111) Hostel "Vista" (tel: 22310 82962) and in Upper PAVLIANI the guest house "Katerina" (tel: 22310-83009).
In Athanasios Diako suggest for your stay in the hostels I. Ravani (tel: 22650 63214) and A. Mastrokostopouloy (tel: 22650 63201).
In MAVROLITHARI suggest "Hostel MAVROLITHARI", located in the village square (tel: 22650 62410).
Where to eat
Unreservedly to honour all the taverns of the area will find open. We will propose some concrete. We however urge you to try everything from local yogurt and feta cheese, until all sorts of handmade pies with sex as hunting and where to find it available. Remember that specialties of the region is only a good Greek Food. Enjoy.
Leaving ...
To get what you want from the flea market in Lower PAVLIANI. The products are all local. You'll find honey and walnuts, oregano and tea, but also delicious apples famous in the region.
Finally, you apochairetoume and I expect the next path.
· More photos from the site www. Fokida.gr, which are grateful.
