Activities that will offer you unique experiences in the mountain nature By food journalist Dimitris Stathopoulos.
Activities that will offer you unique experiences in the mountain nature.
The winter mountain landscape differs noticeably from the summer image, as the rainwater has given the trees a magical green, has washed the foliage, and has helped grass sprout everywhere.
In some cases, snow has covered everything, transforming the area into something fairy-tale. Winter excursions to the mountains are usually combined with some activity, turning the trip into a true experience that will bring together friends or family.
Traveling through Greece, we choose four popular destinations and combine them with favorite activities.
Zagori: Hiking the Stone Steps
It's a place that condenses all of Greece. It's a place that manages to balance between tourist development and the true, authentic Greece. Rivers, ravines, forests, alpine lakes, and all of this just a few kilometers apart. You love Zagori for what it is and fall in love with it for all the things you can do. Walking is a basic activity where some do more, some less, but everyone will try to walk on one of the dozens of marked trails.
After all, the place itself demands exploration to give you the peak of its experience and beauty. Walking with the right accompaniment, as mountain movement requires knowledge, we'll manage to win and fully enjoy what this place has to offer us.
Among the many routes, we distinguished the one from Skala Vradetou to Kapesovo, which is also one of the most popular routes. This famous stairway has more than 1,500 steps and 39 turns. It's maintained in very good condition, and until 1973, it was the only road connecting Vradeto with the other villages. Starting from the village, we locate the stairway's beginning and find ourselves before a stunning image with its switchbacks. We continue our route in the Mesaria ravine and then begin the ascent toward Kapesovo. The route is almost 3.5 kilometers long and requires about an hour and a half to complete. Note that the path is marked.
Info: Trekking Hellas Ioannina, Giorgos Poulopoulos, 2651071703, 6944750009
Kalavryta: Archery in the Forest
The ski center may grab all the attention, but Kalavryta has in its quiver another series of distinctive activities that one can enjoy during a visit to the area. We met Kostas Kakavas and Nikos Prionas at the 4seasonsoutdoor facilities in the Kalavryta settlement. They're two people who love nature, who have invested in it, operating with respect toward it and with sustainability as their axis. The truth is that from here, one can choose a series of activities, such as hiking to interesting destinations in the area, skiing at the ski center, even orienteering.
This last one, for those who don't know, is a quite popular sport in Northern Europe, where participants are called to discover certain "checkpoints" while simultaneously observing and enjoying beautiful spots in the area. However, we chose archery and prepared appropriately. A route of almost 20 minutes was needed and we arrived at the point where the target was set up. In a clearing in the forest, the peace and tranquility make the experience special. After a series of instructions, we started shooting. As time passes, this becomes more and more interesting as even the most novice manages to acclimate and gradually find the target better and better.
Metsovo: Snowmobile Adventures
We leave behind the settlement of Metsovo with its shops and tavernas, and climb toward the Anilio ski center. The road remains open and safe even on the most difficult days in terms of snow. Arriving at Anilio Park, one has the opportunity, depending on the season, to choose from a full range of activities. Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, snowmobiling, sledding are some of them. Whatever you choose, you'll appreciate the well-organized space that gives options for both adults and younger visitors.
www.aniliopark.gr
Pertouli: Mountain Snowmobile Excursions
We leave Elati behind and climb toward the ski center at Pertouli Meadows. The road passes through stunning fir forests, where later in winter, the spread snow will create an even more magical image. Arriving in the ski center area, next to the chalet, Giorgos Polygenis has founded Pertouli Extreme Sport, where he gives visitors the opportunity to do a series of activities in nature. Among other things, he has snowmobiles with which you can move comfortably and safely through the snowy nature. This way you'll be able to admire spots that aren't easily accessible. Following the instructions and with the accompaniment of experienced drivers, you'll enjoy the snow-covered peaks of Koziakas. What you should have done beforehand is dress warmly and be careful, following the instructions given to you.
Info: Pertouli Extreme Sport, Giorgos Polygenis, 6981764200
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Greek food unique?
Greek cuisine is built on simplicity and quality ingredients. What makes it distinctive is regional variety — every island and mountain village has its own flavors, often unchanged for centuries.
