Mount Olympus - The Spectacularly Sacred (Macedonia, Greece)

It is Greece's highest mountain and as per Greek mythology, the heavenly abode of the Twelve principal Greek gods (Zeus, the king of the gods, his wife Hera, brothers Poseidon and Hades, sisters Demeter and Hestia and children - Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes and Hephaestus).

The ancient sacred site today inspires thousands of hikers from all over the world to tackle the demanding trek to the highest peak in Greece. Once you reach there and take in the magnificence of the range it is easy to comprehend why the ancients chose this site to revere.

The entire area was declared Greece's first national park in 1937 and consists of eight peaks including the "Throne of Zeus" at 2909 metres and Mytikas which has the highest summit at 2919 metres. The park, located 100 kilometres to the south west of Thessaloniki is home to around 1700 plant species, shrouded with pine, beech, oak and cedar forests harbouring wildlife including wolves, bears and lynx. In winter the slopes are buried beneath two metres of snow and are only accessible to the most experienced climbers

HIKING MT OLYMPUS

Most serious climbers can complete the hike to the summit and back in a daytrip. Even for the less experienced two days is a good enough time frame as there are a large number of decent trails. Yet to experience the real magic of Olympus you may contemplate spending some quiet days in the woods.

You don't need any special climbing experience or equipment to take on Mt Olympus but you do need to be fit, properly equipped and have a good head for heights! Yet please don’t take the trek too lightly; it must be remembered that people have died climbing it. So please ensure the following for your own safety:

• Get a Map from the EOS office in Litohoro or the SEO office. They will provide you with a Greek map but having it is necessary.
• Warm clothes - even in the summer !!!
• Good climbing shoes
• Suncreen
• Hat / Helmet

The main base for hikers is the village of Lithoro, on the eastern border of the park. Regular bus services connect the village with Athens and Thessaloniki and there's a train station nine kilometres outside Lithoro.

Stay & Food: There are numerous places to stay including inexpensive hotels and campsites along the coast with good facilities. Lonely Planet recommends Olympios Zeus, Olympus Beach and Minerva. The least expensive hotel is the Markesia. The classiest hotel is the Mirto Hotel on the main square. There are plenty of restaurants and fast food places to eat.

Organized Tours: Most Greek travel agents arrange excursions to Mt Olympus with accommodation included (a hotel bed in Lithoro and a basic bunk in the mountain refuges that provide welcome overnight pit stops for hikers). Climbing Olympus is a major attraction and if you plan without a reservation in July or August you may have difficulty finding a bed for the night.

For sample routes and information you might find these links useful

Mount Olympus Hiking Six Peaks

A Hiking Route for Mt Olympus and Accommodation;

A Basic Map with the Refuges locations

For more information you can buy Lonely Planet's 'Trekking in Greece' or The Rough Guide.

Nearby Attractions
Ancient Dion - Visit the Archaeological Park and Museum at the foot of Mount Olympus. Sacred to the Macedonians, Alexander the great used to make sacrifices to the Gods here before going off to conquer the world. During the August Olympus Festival plays are performed at the restored ancient theatre.

HOW TO REACH

The main base for hikers is the village of Lithoro, on the eastern border of the park

By Car: From Athens OR Thessaloniki it's a relatively easy drive to Mt. Olympus. However, usual cautions about driving in Greece apply.

By Bus: From Athens OR Thessaloniki regular bus services connect the village.

By Train: From Athens OR Thessaloniki there are connections to Lithoro. But the train station is located nine kilometres outside of Lithoro.

Useful links: Matt Barrett's Guide

Macedonia the Hidden Gem of Greece (Mount Olympus, Vergina, Édessa, Prespa Lakes & Mount Athos)

Macedonia is the central region of northern Greece, most famously associated with its great kings, King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, who made Makedonia the most powerful empire in Hellenic times, stretching all the way into Asia.It is also the birthplace of the great philosopher Aristotle.

Largely undiscovered by tourists, it has a great diversity of attractions to offer and interests to pursue. Areas of Interest in the region would include:

Mount Olympus - The Spectacularly Sacred

Vergina (Aigai) – The Ancient Capital of the Macedonian Kings

• Édessa - Of Waterfalls & Water-Mills

Prespa Lakes - A Natural Park of Incredible Beauty

&
Mount Athos - The 'Holy Mountain, (Agion Oros)' a semiautonomous republic of the Greek Orthodox Church

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

Traversing the Vikos Gorge & discovering Zagoria, (Epirus, Greece)

The Zagoria region in the Pindos Mountains is a hidden gem where sleepy villages nestle beneath towering pine-clad peaks, and the heat of the summer is tempered with cool mountain air and dips in natural pools. Even at the height of summer, temperatures are pleasant in the high mountains, while dense forest shades the lower canyons.

A hiking heaven it offers spectacular routes through the deep Vikos Gorge which averages 700 metres in depth and is the second longest in Europe after the much busier Samarian Gorge, Crete.

The 12-kilometer gorge itself can be hiked in two or three parts:

• Monodendri north to Vikos
• Vikos to Papingo
• Monodendri south to Kipi

Highlights of a trek through this region includes the deserted monastery of Agia Paraskevi, perched in an eagle's nest position high over the Canyon; the cobbled streets of tiny rural hamlets with their preserved Zagorian styled old mansions, ancient tracks over elegant stone packhorse bridges, the Vaidomatis River that runs through the gorge and the ascent up to Drakolimni (Dragon Lake) which offers breathtaking views out over the mountains and gorges. However it’s recommended not to try hiking alone in this region as it is very easy to get lost and the gorge is still refuge to many wild animals such as bears, boars and birds of prey. Hence it’s best to engage the services of an experienced guide to hike around the Vikos Gorge.

Most trails up the demanding Gamila Massif (2497 metres) are steep and lengthy. Using the Gamila refuge as a base, day hikes can be made to Drakolimni of Gamila, the peaks of Gamila and Astraka and explore the Mega Lakko Ravine. Arrangements for use of the refuge must be made at the EOS office in Megalo Papingo (Tel. 30-265-3041138). They also provide information and maps.

For more information visit the following links:
Map of Zagori Villages; A Vikos Hike Travelogue complete with pictures of the region
The Daily Traveller - The Grand Canyon of Greece; About Zagori; Matt Barrett's Greece Travel;
HOW TO REACH

By Car - From Athens via Ioannina which is a seven hour drive. take the National Highway to Larissa. An excellent primary road travels west from Larissa to Ioannina via Trikala and over the Katara Pass. This portion is an interesting and scenic drive that passes the famous monasteries of Meteora and through gorgeous mountain landscapes. Most of the access roads to Zagoria are located between Metsovo and Konitsa along the main highway from Ioannina to Kastoria. Past Ioannina, the first villages of the Zagori is only 16 kilometres away. However extreme caution needs to be taken while driving as apart from the mountain road being steep, narrow, and winding, local drivers do drive a bit recklessly around hairpin curves.

By Bus - From Athens to Ioannina post that onward connection to the Zagori villages. Do visit the website for more information.

By Flight – Nearest airport Ioannina which is served by domestic connections including flights from Athens

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)

Lake Plastiras - Thessaly, Greece

Set at an altitude of about 800 meters in the Agrafa mountain range, the man-made Lake Plastiras and its surrounding area is offers spectacular natural beauty and magnificent views.

Outdoors Activities:

It offers you the opportunity to walk, drive or bike along fir, oak and chestnut trees, down shady lanes with openings to views of immense height and the vast plains below. Fishing, sailing, kayaking, river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, cross country skiing and jeep tours are other options available.

There are several small villages surrounding the lake. The villages of Kryoneri and Kalivia are well developed for tourism and here you will find hiking tracks, hotels, places to rent sports equipments, organized outdoor areas and the beaches of the lake. The tourist haven and best-known village, Neochori, is worth visiting as it was built on a slope and offers the best views of the lake.
You can buy local products (like honey, spoon sweets, frumenty, garden products, wine, raki and more) from the producers of the region along the road.

Important monuments and places of interest in the wider region includes the Monastery of Korona, Pelekiti and Petra, and the Gaki and the Kaimakia Caves.

More Information on Lake Plastiras
Accommodation - Greekhotel.com

Surreal Monasteries of Meteora, (Thessaly, Greece)

One of the most visually stunning and spectacular places in Greece is the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. I recommend a visit to Meteora to experience the surreal marvels of man and nature, if not for, spiritual, religious, historic & academic interests.

In the middle of northern Greece, at the western region of the Thessaly plain, beside the Pindhos Mountains, sandstone rocks formed 60 million years ago rise from the ground, atop which are perched the monasteries of Meteora. The rocks themselves are so overwhelming that it takes a while to notice the monasteries. Gloriously incongruous at noon, silhouetted against the setting sun, eerie and huge in the floodlights at night, they're an awesome sight. Featured in a James Bond movie, the rocks are an adrenaline booster to both, professional and amateur rock-climbers.

Originally the monks, seeking solitude, settled in the caves within the rocks, a thousand years ago. But Turkish rule, forced them to climb higher and higher up the sheer rock face, till they had built the monasteries on virtually inaccessible peaks. The monasteries embody the sheer tenacity of the monks and exemplify their architectural feat in building complex structures at a time, when access was limited to ropes, ladders and nets. During the Turkish occupation Greek culture and traditions were kept alive in these monasteries. It attracted not only the pilgrims, but also the philosophers, poets, painters and the intellectuals of Greece.

Today of the two dozen monasteries, only six are active. They are full with religious treasures, wall paintings, icons and libraries rich in old manuscripts.

Agios Nikolaos (St, Nicholas) Anapafsas: built in the 16th Century by Dionysius; it features splendid frescoes by the 16th-century Cretan painter & monk Theophanes.

Agia Triada (Holy Trinity): founded by the monk Dometius in the 15th century, it is perched atop a slender pinnacle, only accessible by 140 steep steps. Its solitariness is further enhanced by the only two resident monks. The remoteness of its spectacular location was famously used for the James Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

Roussanou Monastery: founded in 1545 by two brothers Joasaph and Maximos, on the ruins of an even older church. It contains outstanding wall paintings, wood & panel icons and icon stands.

Agios Stephanos (St. Stephen): an active nunnery with an important relic: the head of St. Charalambos, whose powers include warding off illness. It has uninterrupted view of the plain towards Kalambaka.

Great Meteoron: built upon the highest rock, it is the best known Meteora Monastery. The Serbian Emperor Symeon Uros became a monk and donated his entire wealth to it, thereby making it the richest and most powerful of all the monasteries. It contains some of the most gruesome frescoes of Early Christian sufferings at the hands of the Romans, as well as, beautiful wall paintings and post Byzantine Mural art.

Varlaam Monastery founded in 1517 by Theophanis and Nektarios Apsaradas it houses an important collection of relics, intricately carved wooden crosses, icons, embroidered epitaphoi and many other ecliastical treasures. It also contains frescos by the well-known post Byzantine iconographer Frangos Katelanos.

More details: Greeklandscapes Meteora; Wikipedia Meteora Monastery; meteora-greece.info; Greek Official Website; greecetaxi.gr/meteora

Monastery Open Timings

Other Practical Info:
There is an entry fee to enter each of the monasteries and as prevalent in most of the Greek monasteries proper attire is required. Women in knee length skirts and arms fully covered, men in full length trousers and shirts.

All the monasteries are connected by a series of path works and if you begin early you can cover all in one day. They are also connected by roads so if you are coming by car and don't have all day to wander around you can also get close enough and then continue on foot. The Lonely Planet Guide to Greece is handy when it comes to instructions on how to get from one monastery to another but don’t panic if you aren’t carrying one, local guidebooks are just as useful.

Other Attractions /Activities:

Kastraki is a popular destination for rock climbers and walkers

Adventure Sports: Meteora is also a great place to go rock climbing and Trekking. Hellas has a rock climbing school for beginners as well as programs in the area for beginners and advanced climbers. They also organize ultralight flights, paragliding and parachuting for all those who like to live on the edge.

In Kalambaka: Two sights of importance: The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin & The Cave of Theopetra which has revealed signs of being inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic Period and therefore demonstrates the transition from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic way of life in Greece.

Many people do Delphi in combination with Meteora.

Accommodation:

Most people stay at the two closest villages to Meteora are Kalambaka and Kastraki each within 15mins walking distance of each other. For more details: kalampaka.com; hotelsintrikala.gr; Matt Barrett's Hotel Guide

How to Reach

By Bus: There are several connections from Athens to Trikala and then further to Kalambaka.

By Tour: Meteora is on the tour circuit. Several tour companies offer a day or more combined with other sites. Do check Dolphin Hellas Travel, Fantasy Travel, Viator for more details

Rent A Car - Swift in Athens is recommended by Matt Barrett for good rates, a Plaka location and the added benefit of them picking you up from the airport or your hotel and driving you to the National Road so that you don't have to negotiate with the crazy Athens traffic. Check www.greektravel.com/swift. Off course there are a host of other options that can be explored online (travelsupermarket.com, europcar.com, etc)

By Train

From Athens take the train to Volos. From there take the connecting to Kalambaka.

From Thessaloniki - There is a connection to and fro from here

By Taxi: You can travel by Taxi at your own comfort or pace, for further details click on http://www.greecetaxi.gr/. Or you can travel with George the Famous Taxi Driver in an air-conditioned Mercedes. He even handles the hotel arrangements and you can combine it with other sites or check

Exploring Thessaly, Greece (Mt Pelion / Pilio, Monasteries of Meteora, Lake Plastira)

Located above the region of Central Greece is the picturesque prefecture of Thessaly (Thessalia). Bordering with the Aegean Sea on the east it offers a varied landscape abound with natural beauty and makes a perfect round the year holiday destination. Easily accessible from both North and South Greece the destinations worth visiting would include:

Mount Pelion / Pilio (County of Magnesia) - Offers the perfect combination of sea and mountain. During the summer season, the beautiful beaches all around the coast are full of people enjoying the summer sun and sea. During the winter season, visitors descend onto Mount Pelion for its fantastic ski centre. Other winter sports and activities also take place here.

Cliff Hanging Monasteries of Meteora (County of Trikala) – An out of the world experience, the stunning monasteries are located right at the top the gigantic rocks and needs to be seen to be believed.

Lake Plastira (County of Trikala) - The area is one of immense natural beauty, and is a place that visitors will instantly fall in love with.

Check my other blogs for more information

Kalavrita - A journey through Vouraikos Gorge, The Cave of the Lakes, Ski Tracks & Greek War Monuments - (Peloponnese, Greece)

You can drive all the way up, but it is highly recommended to take the Vouraikos River, Funicular Railway from the coastal town of Diakofto all the way up to Kalavrita.

Built in 1885 by the Italians, the train traverses around 20 Kms on the narrow gauge tracks through a fine gorge, following the stream bed of River Vouriakos, winds up into the mountains through tunnels, past water-falls, along cliffs and through forests of pine and oleander. The hour long journey is one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. If you plan to take this wonderful journey, it is recommended by the Lonely Planet Guide to get first class tickets as those seats have the best view.

There are numerous Hiking Trails in the area. If you want to hike up the challenging Vouraikos Gorge, then you can alight at the small village of Zachlorou. An hour walk from the village of Zachlorou is the spectacular site of The Holy Monastery of Mega Spileo (“Grand Cave”). Built in a giant cave in 326 AD, it is full of beautiful frescoes, mosaic floors and other treasures. You will also be rewarded with a fantastic view of Mount Chelmos, Mount Petruki and the Ladopotamos River. Many people walk down through the gorge to Diakofto.

Post Zachlorou you arrive in Kalavrita.

Of importance are the following monuments:

• The Monument of the Holocaust of Kalavrita (the Place of Sacrifice): a memorial for the villagers who had been brutally executed by the Nazis. A large white cross stands on top of the Hill of Kappi overlooking the town and massive stone monuments list the names of the dead. The white stones spell out the words "Peace" and "No More War".


• To understand the brutality of the deed and the pathos of those who survived "The Drama of Kalavrita" by Dimitris Kaldiris and a visit to The Municipal Museum of the Holocaust of Kalavrita can be eye opening.


• Just outside town are the The Holy Monastery of Agia Lavra - The first flag of freedom was raised here in March 1821, by Bishop Germanos, indicating the Greeks rebellion against the Turks.


• Across the road on another mountain is The Monument of the Heroes of the Revolution of 1821 which honours the brave souls of the revolution. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the whole valley which is surrounded by pine covered mountains.

Around Kalavryta
Kalavrita Ski Center – It is located 14 kms from Kalavrita, complete with modern facilities and recognized as one of the best in Greece.

If you are interested in Greek mythology, an excursion to The Waters of Styx and the Mavroneri Waterfall can be made. This is where Achilles was baptized and achieved immortality, (with the exception of the spot on his heel where his mother held him).

Another place of steeped in mythological references and of great natural beauty is the River Ladonas – Lake Ladonas. Ladonas is one of Ancient Greece’s mythical rivers.

The Holy Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin of Makellaria – famous for its wonder-working icon of the Virgin. It is a work of art from the Byzantine period, admired by all for its particular feature of giving the impression that wherever you stand the Virgin’s eyes follow you.

The Holy Chapel of Panagia Plataniotissa - the small chapel is tucked inside the hollow of a large plane tree, which can hold as many as 20 people.

There are also several archaeological sites scattered throughout the hills and mountains around Kalavrita including the Archaeological Site of the Ancient City of Klitor; Archaeological Site Of Ano Lousoi; Pafsania’s Vine Branch

The Cave of the Lakes – it is located on the way from Kalavrita to Klitoria at an altitude of 827m.The cave is endowed with a unique geomorphologic character not found anywhere else in the world. 13 lakes are arranged in a cascading format at three different levels inside the cave. The cave is fed by snow melts which are canalised through swallow-holes and underground natural channels. Although the existence of the cave has been known since ancient times, its second level was not discovered until 1964. In the lower level (inaccessible) were found human and animal fossils of Paleontological importance, as well as remnants of pottery dating back to the Neolithic and the early Helladic period. In 1981, the cave was opened to the public. The cave covers an area of 20,000 square meters, of which only 1,980 have been explored and 350 have been arranged for tourist visits. The visitor enters the cave through an artificial tunnel which leads directly to the second floor. There is a metal walkway that follows the string of cascading lakes and climbs through the subterranean passageway complete with magnificent multicoloured stalactites and stalagmites. In winter when the snow melts, the cave is transformed into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls. In the summer months, part of the cave dries up revealing a lace-work of stone-basins and dams of up to 4 m in height. The rest of the cave retains water permanently throughout the year in 13 picturesque lakes.Tours are taken through the cave every half hour or so and the guide speaks in English and Greek. The cave is open to the public all year round; facilities include a waiting room and a tourist kiosk. You are not allowed to take pictures, but the postcards they sell at the kiosk are good enough.

Some interesting links on Kalavrita are: Off-Road Outings By Jeep; en.wikipedia.org/Kalavryta; http://www.kalavrita.gr/DynSITE/?lang=en; Matt Barrett's - Kalavrita

How to Reach

• By Car: If you drive from Athens, you take the national road that goes south to Corinth and then you follow the signs for Patra. You turn for Kalavrita in the conjunction of Diakofto. The trip will take about 3 hours.


• By Bus: There are several buses that leave daily from Athens to Kalavryta. More information can be obtained at http://www.ktel.org/. There are also special buses during winter for skiers. The buses live early in the morning from Kifissia, Kalimarmaro, Neo Psichiko and Palaio Faliro.


• By Train: There is also a rail service to Kalavrita. You go by the regular train to Diakofto and then you change and take the funicular train up till Kalavrita town. The trip from Diakofto to Kalavrita takes almost an hour. It is considered as an amazing trip especially during spring. You will find more information at http://www.ose.gr/

Accommodation: www.kalavrita-hotels.gr/; /www.web-greece.gr/kalavrita; http://www.greekhotels.gr/peloponnese_hotels/ahaia_hotels/kalavryta_hotels.asp;

Lousios Gorge - Hiking Trail (Peloponnese, Greece)

Situated in Peloponnese, Greece, it is a 15 Kms long canyon, running north to south with an approximate width of 2 Kms. Situated in an impressive mountain area, with small picturesque villages and cliff hanging monasteries, it is very popular with hikers. The topography, dense vegetation, Lousios River (that runs through it), intermittent waterfalls, monasteries that appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs, and the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys all contribute to some excellent, fascinating hiking trails. However, during rainy days, the gorge is dangerous to cross and is not permitted.

At the end of the gorge is the municipality of Dimitsana, a typical example of Arcadian architecture. The amphitheatrically construction of the village over river Lousios, on an altitude of 1000m, the spectacular view of Megalopolis lowland and Mount Taygeto, the tall stone built houses and the stone paved lanes, all create an atmosphere of nobility and charm.

At the other side of the gorge is the ancient city of Gortys with the Temple of Asclepius.

The gorge is encircled with the Karytaina-Dimitsana Road to the east and several other rural, zig-zag roads and trails.

The Monasteries to look out for would be:

The Byzantine Monastery of Philosophou - Situated on the riverbank, it was established in 963 and was dedicated to the “Assumption of Holy Mary”. This is the place were during the period of Turkish Domination the famous “School of Dimitsana” and the “Secret School” were based.

Another monastery worth exploring is Monastery of Prodromou.

For more details on the area click on the following link: travel down-lousios-gorge-to-old-arcadia

Hiking in Greece - The Great Outdoors

When to go?

If you want to ensure perfect weather for hiking, the best is to go either between mid-April and mid-June, OR between mid-September and end of October. The summer months may be too hot for some, but if you take it easy and you avoid walking in the middle of the day, you can have a wonderful trekking experience in the summer as well. During the winter, the weather can range from sunny and warm (temperatures may go up to 20 degrees) to freezing and snowing, with rainy days in between.

Where to go?

Anywhere! It simply depends on your inclinations and what else you want to do during your holidays. During the summer, you may prefer the cooler mountains air, and during the winter, island walks can be an almost spiritual experience. But we would recommend a hike through at least one of Greece three famous gorges:

Vikos gorge - Epirus
Lousios gorge - Peloponnese
Samaria gorge - Crete

Check my other blogs for more details on Vikos & Lousios