Karpenisi: The Traditional Way of Life

In the central part of Greece there is a remote area called the "little Switzerland of
Greece". The area in Greek is known as Evritania and the central town is
named Karpenisi. (Most people when they refer to Karpenisi are also referring to the
whole region of Evritania, the words will be used interchangeably.)
As a result of this region being as remote as it is, it has remained pretty

underdeveloped. In fact it remains one of the poorest areas of all of Greece. Much
famine and war has inflicted this part of Greece -- right after World War II Greece
was torn by a civil war and the province of Evritania was the site of many ugly battles.
It is important throughout your travels to this part of Greece to be sensitive to the
past suffering of the people of this region and to its continued poverty.
Behind this tough yet proud history, there exist pristine forests, beautiful rivers and
lakes. Most of Greece is arid and dry but in Karpenisi there is much greenery and
forestation. Whi
The traditional way of life

Are you a nature lover? Do you seek the kind of thrill that will pump up your
adrenalin? Karpenisi is the ideal destination as there is a multitude of activities for
you throughout the year. So, dont waste time, take a trip to the heart of Greek
nature and see ravines with impressive waterfalls, dense forested areas and rapid
river waters!
For water lovers

Follow Krikellopotamos crystal clear waters amidst a verdant landscape. This
route of remarkable beauty will take you all the way to the ravine of PantaVrechei [Always raining]. This well-known ravine owes its name to the impressive
waterfalls which form ponds ideal for swimming; for those interested, the
surrounding rocks are amazing natural climbing tracks. Another destination for
climbers is the Black Cave where you will be able to combine hiking with
climbing on a via ferrata [Italian for iron road] which means climbing on a rock
where iron fixtures provide safety. Cascading waters will keep you company along
the way.
Let Tavropos and Trikeriotis rivers fascinate you with their rapid waterways.
Sailing down Trikeriotis river will give an adrenalin rush to rafting fans
whereas Tavropos river is a pleasant waterway for those less advanced or even
for beginners. If you look for calmer waters, then Kremaston Lake is the best
option for you as serenity and out of sight natural beauty will definitely win you
over. It is a fine swimming destination in the summer and great for canoeing or
kayaking all year round.
For land sports fans

Grab your bicycle and ride on! The Karpenisi environs are just perfect
for mountain bikingthrough forests of fir and chestnut, as well as for horseback
riding by the river. Lead your horse along the picturesque pathways which follow
the course of Karpenisiotis river and feel you are an integral part of nature. The
route ends at the impressive bridge in Koryschades village.
For car or bike fans

Turn the engine on and head for Mt. Kaliakouda! It is the perfect destination if
you love four wheel drives or on-off motorcycle riding. Feel your adrenalin rising
as you follow the forest road in the fir tree woods all the way to the mountain hut
on a 1,450m. elevation. The view of the Karpenisi basin is simply breathtaking!
For snow sports fans

If youre interested in snow sports, make sure you visit Velouchi Ski Centre. There
are 9 skipistes, 3 off-piste runs and 2 snowboard pistes for you to try your skills
on! Apart from ski-related sports though, there are also other equally exciting
activities on this mountain, such as paragliding flights with all of Karpenisi town
under your feet! Its worth a try!
Discover local culinary treasures

All these sports activities on the mountain are definitely going to whet your
appetite! Taste Evrytania country sausages with or without leek, local
pies and river
trout at
nearby
tavernas.
Try
the
top
quality
organic prosciutto made of a black indigenous breed of swine, a delicacy which
was known as akrokolion in antiquity; nowadays it is produced at Prouso
village. The product was awarded the second prize in the international
gastronomic competition in Sicily, and the plant where it is produced is one of the
sights in the area! If you are a cheese-lover, make sure you taste feta cheese as
well as Tsalafouti, a local cheese. Tsipouro drink or mouro, a type of local drink
whose taste is similar to tsipouro, will make a fine accompaniment to your
meal. Trachanas, some herbal mountain tea and fragrant honey from fir forests
in the area are products you should definitely add to your buys before leaving.
Visit the local monuments and sights

Visit the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Church built in the 16th century, in the town
centre, the impressive Panagia I Prousiotissa Monastery perched on the crags of
Prouso, the Transfiguration of Christ Monastery in Vracha, and the late Byzantine
Domianon Monastery with beautiful murals, in Ktimenioi.
Go for a stroll to nearby Kefalovryso, the place where Markos Botsaris was killed,
a great Greek 19th century revolutionary leader. Visit his monument and take a
short rest on the stone bench under the age-old plane trees. Within a short
distance lies traditionally built Koryschades village where there is a very
interesting Museum of National Resistance. If you have an interest for local
traditions, then the Folk Art Museums in Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio are
definitely recommended for you.
Where to stay
Relax in one of the luxury hotels in Karpenisi with a lovely mountain view, live
romantic moments in wooden chalets covered in snow on the outskirts of the
forest or enjoy the local hospitality in one of the traditional guest houses.
Karpenisi is able to cater for all tastes!
How to get there

Feel the magic of the route! The usual way to reach Karpenisi is via Lamia. It is
a 75 km journey from one town to the other, through a lush forest you will most
certainly find enchanting! The road will lead you to Tymfristos tunnel which is
the most popular gate of entrance to the town.
Tip: in the winter it is best that you have snow chains with you!

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In the central part of Greece there is a remote area called the "little Switzerland of

As a result of this region being as remote as it is, it has remained pretty

The traditional way of life

For water lovers

For land sports fans

For car or bike fans

For snow sports fans

Discover local culinary treasures

Visit the local monuments and sights

How to get there

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