Metsovo - Enjoying the simplicity of a traditional mountain village (Epirus, Greece)

It is a beautiful traditional village built like an amphitheatre on the slopes of Pindos at an altitude of 1200 metres, at the junction of Epirus, Thessaly and Western Macedonia. It stands on the southern end of northern Pindos and extends between Mt Mavrovouni to the north (altitude 2.160m.) and Mt. Lakmos or Peristeri to the south (altitude 2.295m.), two of the highest mountains of Epirus.

The economy is mostly sustained on traditional occupations namely wood processing (carvings, furniture, iconostases, barrels, beehives etc), cattle breeding, cheese making, agriculture and of late tourism. A visit here is highly recommended if you want to sample a traditional Greek mountain life. Local attractions include churches & monasteries, museums & art galleries, but the real stealer is the traditional way of life that can be experienced here away from the maddening crowds and the natural beauty that surrounds it. The Aoos River which flows to the north and through Albania into the Adriatic Sea rises here and has lead to the creation of an artificial lake.

One of the best ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty that is inherent to the Region of Epirus is amble on a leisurely pace, enjoying nature's treasures up close and at your own pace.

Nature Activities

We found the following links really useful for the nature based activities that can be pursued here: Walk & Picnic; Go Fishing; Mule & Horse Riding; Skiing; Climbing; Mountain Biking; Off Road Vehicle; Kayaking; Sky Diving; Mountaineering; Cross Country Skiing; River Rafting.

Also Metsovo can be used as a base for excursions to the Nearby Attractions.

Detailed Map of Metsovo; More on Metsovo; About Metsovo; Metsovo history;

HOW TO REACH
By Car - From Athens the shortest route is via Meteora, along the National Road Athens -Trikala (5 hours). About one hour longer is the journey via Ioannina, following the opposite direction along the National Road Athens -Patra.

From Thessalonika the shortest route is via Meteora (about 4 hours/350 kilometres).

From Corfu - after taking the ferry to Igoumenitsa port, you can drive to Metsovo via Ioannina (1 hour and a half).

By Flight - Nearest Domestic Airport is Ioannina post which Metsovo is 50 minutes drive away. There are daily, two flights from Athens to Ioannina (55 minutes) and one flight from Thessalonika to Ioannina (40 minutes). Source http://www.epcon.gr/; More on How to Reach