Guide to Metsovo
Metsovo, built on the slopes of Mount Pindos, is the birthplace of many important men and great national benefactors (Averof, Tositsas, Stournaris, etc.). Today it is a developing tourist resort, keeping alive its local traditions and customs, a rich musical heritage and the local (Vlach) dialect. It is renowned for its stone mansion houses and traditional products (wine, cheese, wood-carvings and textiles). In the town, it is worth paying a visit to the Folklore Museum housed in the Tositsas Mansion, the Averof Art Gallery, the church of Agia Paraskevi, the Averofios Garden, the Tositsas Dairy Foundation, the ‘Katogi’ winery, the Tsanaka house and the monasteries of Agios Nikolaos and the Dormition (Koimiseos Theotokou).
The Valia-Kalda Park, part of the National Park of Northern Pindos is known for its microclimate and rich flora, especially the forest of fir, Bosnian pine, black pine and beech trees. Here lies the beating heart of northern Pindos. The region is considered to be one of the most remarkable areas in Europe in terms of its natural wealth, and it has been included on the list of the 12 most environmentally sensitive areas in the world. It is the favourite refuge for the brown bear, as well as many species of rare mammals and birds. There is a National Park Information Centre operating in Metsovo.
On the Politses Plateau, the beautiful artificial lake at the springs of the Aoos River with its small forested fjords and tiny islands creates a beautiful mountain landscape. In Anthochori, you can visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi at Kokkino Lithari, which was established in the 17th century, as well as the Open-air Water Power Museum, where you can see restored watermills and fulling mills, and ‘mantania’ (artificial water-powered mechanisms used for washing heavy wool rugs etc.).
There are two ski resorts in the region, one in Anilio (which opened in 2012 and is the newest ski resort in Greece) and the other is the Profitis Ilias Ski Centre. They feature all modern amenities, and you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other winter sports. Visitors can also go ice-skating at the brand-new rink in Metsovo, and the only rink in the wider area. Signposted trails offer perfect opportunities to go mountain hiking, horse riding and cycling. At Mavrovouni, the Flegga lakes at altitudes of 1960m and 1940m are popular destinations, and there is a also a mountain lodge.
Activities
Experiences
Epirus manages to be a one-of-a-kind destination: an enviable combination of cultures and traditions, with a natural environment unique in Greece, and it never fails to surprise and delight its visitors. Epirus is located in the north-west corner of Greece and is an ideal travel destination all year round.
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Epirus manages to be a one-of-a-kind destination: an enviable combination of cultures and traditions, with a natural environment unique in Greece, and it never fails to surprise and delight its visitors. Epirus is located in the north-west corner of Greece and is an ideal travel destination all year round.
