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

The Best of Epirus Region, Greece (Vikos Gorge & Zagoria, Metsovo, Ioannina, Dodoni, Nekromanteion

Epirus has the strongest regional identity in mainland Greece, bordering the peripheries of West Macedonia and Thessaly to the east, Central Greece to the south, the Ionian Sea and the Ionian Islands to the west and Albania to the north.

It owes its character to an unrelenting mountainous terrain (Pindus Range), forested gorges & wild rivers. These natural fortifications have been successful in protecting and isolating the region from outside interventions, even to a great extent from the Ottoman Rule. Their roles in ancient Greek affairs were relatively insignificant with only four archaeological sites of any importance, out of which two are isolated Oracles. But the regions attraction lies in its sheer physical beauty with limestone peaks and dense forests which provides an enchanting background to traditional stone built villages and arched packhorse bridges. Areas of interest in this region of Greece would include

Nature Trails

• Vikos Gorge & Zagoria - The deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, it offers a landscape of awesome beauty, as the walls of the canyon reach at some points the height of 1 kilometre and the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis River run through it in a spectacular route.
• Up on the mountains of Pindus some 45 picturesque villages called Zagoria or Zagorohoria offer unforgettable images to the visitor: traditional architecture and a unique folkloric character, countless centuries-old bridges and water fountains, cobble-stone meandering streets and passages, stone-built churches and tiny chapels and Mount Tymfi with its highest peak Gamila & Smolikas for the serious and seasoned trekkers.
  
• Metsovo (County of Ioannina) - an easily accessible charming village and should be visited if you want to savour the taste of Greek mountain life

Archaeological & Historic Interests

• Archaeological site of Dodoni Oracle - The oldest Hellenic oracle, dedicated to Zeus and the Mother Goddess. The site also includes an amphitheatre dating to the 3rd century BC.
  Lakeside town of Ioannina - It is the historical, cultural and commercial hub of the Epirus region. It was the capital of the tyrant Ali Pasha. The old town is strewn by the remains of the Ottoman quarters (the mosque, old fortifications) Ottoman-flavored bazaar and inexpensive eateries rimming the lake.

Ancient Nekromanteion, Oracle of the Dead (County of Preveza) - Located on a cliff near the shores of the lake Acherousia, at the junction of the rivers Kokytos and Acheron. According to the ancient Greek mythology, the Acheron river (‘river of woe’) was a branch of the underworld river Styx over which Charon ferried the newly dead souls across into Hades. So it is here, at the Nekromanteion, that the ancients believed were the Gates to the Dead. (Spooky)