The Endless Allure of Karpenisi

Well-kept villages, great food and a host of outdoor activities – what more could you ask for from a mountain excursion?  There are mountains, mountains and more mountains. And peaks, slopes, gorges and cliffs, not to mention the rapids, rivers, streams, waterfalls, lakes and forests. In Evrytania the absolute master was, is, and will always be the physical landscape. That’s why people visit this area in the Central Greece region – for its breathtaking trails, unique hiking routes and the unforgettably magnificent landscape. Karpenisi, the principal town in Evrytania, is not famed for its beauty. Beneath the endless tiled roofs visible from above among the trees lies a concrete jungle. However, the town is famous for its nightlife and, above all, the nature that surrounds it: at the feet of the imposing Mount Velouchi, with its walking and hiking trails, ski center and a lesser-known alpine lake which is accessible only in the summer. In the vicinity of Karpenisi lies the famous village of Kefalovryso, which is adorned with numerous natural water springs and a beautiful, imposing plane tree. But a classic route is the one that leads to Prousos, which traverses the former municipality of Potamia: this 30k road runs along the Karpenisiotis river that flows between the Helidona and Kaliakouda mountains. Exploring the Beauty of Potamia A handful of villages hang from the slopes of the two mountains sandwiching the Karpenisiotis. The nicest villages are Koryschades, Megalo Horio and Palio Mikro Horio. The first was included in the Greek Tourism Agency’s 1975 development plan and was restored based on the ideas of architect Aris Konstantinidis. The stone facades were carefully maintained and the first hostel in Potamia was created, paving the way for the development of the area as a tourism destination. Among the buildings are the old village school, which today houses the Museum of National Resistance, with photographs by the great photographer Spyros Meletzis and newspaper clippings which remind visitors that this is where the Political Committee of National Liberation, known as the “Mountain Government”, held its first meeting in 1944. Megalo Horio, on the other hand, has been beautifully maintained thanks to the help of its expatriate natives. Today it is one of the most touristic villages, with two beautiful paths (in Kefalovriso and towards Gavros) and a folklore museum. see full article here