by Leonidas Kapsalis – Headmaster of the Elementary School of Fragkista, Evrytania
Evrytania is a small part of Greece not only in size but also in population.
Located in the trunk of the central mainland, belongs to the geographical region of Central Greece
Yes, it is a poor area on flat ground (almost not at all), but rich in natural beauty.
Its mountains are all dressed in green, dominated by firs, oaks and plane trees, harmoniously tied, where the rich fauna finds refuge.
We call it Little Switzerland, or otherwise the Switzerland of Greece.
The beauty of Evritania, both natural and historical, cannot be described in words.
A visit will convince every sceptic about the grandeur of this place.
To get to Evritania, there are 3 main entry arteries to choose from. It all depends on where (within Greece) you will be travelling from.
Route A – Via the Region of Thessaly and the town of Lamia
From the prefecture of Fthiotida through Lamia, travelling a distance of 80 km we meet Karpenisi, the Capital, which is built at the foot of the beautiful mountain Velouchi.
Karpenisi’s beautiful small town is the only urban centre of Evritania. But it has all the services, and most importantly, a Hospital.
Hotel units serve the travellers, with the top being the Montana Hotel, without of course degrading the rest.
In Karpenissi, operates one of the best ski resorts in Greece. It is worth visiting.
And about 2km outside Karpenisi is Kefalovryso which is a historic site.
Continuing our exploration, we reach Proussos in about 20km. There is the Monastery of Panagia Proussiotissa, built like an eagle’s nest on the rock of the mountain which is also called Proussos.
Almost all the villages of Evrytania have rooms for rent and hostels, so those who leave Karpenisi can be served for their stay.
Mikro and Megalo Chorio, Koryschades and Potamia are easily accessible and beautiful villages, near Karpenissi that if you have the time it is worth visiting.
Route B – Via the Region of Central Greece and the city of Agrinio
The second entrance to Evritania is from the prefecture of Etoloakarnania. The distance you will travel from Agrinio to reach Karpenisi is 110km.
Beautiful route with a culmination of beauty on the border of Etoloakarnania with Evritania, the Episkopi bridge that connects the two prefectures 900m long.
Here you will find the artificial lake of Kremasta, where before its creation, this place was the plain of Evritania.
Of course, the lake is huge and three rivers flow into it. Acheloos, Megdovas, and Agrafiotis.
From this route, continuing the course to Karpenisi, we meet two beautiful villages, the Western and Eastern Frangista (Municipality of Agrafa).
Route C – Via the Region of Epirus and the city of Arta.
The third entrance is from Arta. Kompoti – Chalkiopouloi – Tatarna Bridge, on Lake Kremasta, and connects Evritania with Western Greece.
Great work that has won 3 international awards.
Entering Evritania, the traveller can visit the Holy Monastery of Tatarna. Continuing you can bypass the main artery and visit the beautiful area of Agrafa. Historic area.
Also, the visitor, following this artery can admire the East Frangista the area of Sotira with the homonymous church.
At 10km we meet the village of Viniani with the historical museum.
Continuing we meet the river Megdova leaving behind Western Evritania.
Going uphill, Mpagasaki Mountain at the neck is the highest point of the road network.
A short detour leads us to the village of Fidakia, from where we can have a panoramic view of the artificial lake and almost all of Western Evritania.
Think about it. We know the facts, but only a visit will convince you.
Panta Vrechi – The Grace of Nature in Evrytania, Greece