For true explorers and Greek Filoxenia seekers, there is a place not far from Athens that we are sure you have never heard of.
This is the area of Orini Trichonida. Translated in English “Mountainous Trichonida”.
Trichonida is the largest natural lake in Greece and it is surrounded by a mountainous region and breaking nature.
A journey of just a couple of hours by car from Athens.
And as its name states it is indeed mountainous and untouched. Most certainly not an ideal destination for seekers of a beach holiday.
Not even close. Neither is a recommendation for travellers seeking luxury and lifestyle. Not good for them either.
Orini Trichonida is a unique alternative for everyone who wants to meet Greeks, and Greek Culture and indulge in unexplored territories.
Nature Lovers
If you are a nature lover there is plenty to do.
You can explore lakes, go rafting in rivers, go hiking and meet shepherds guarding their flock of sheep, or maybe join the locals on a short hunting adventure depending on the season.
If you are all about the food offered in your destination here you will taste food made by the housewives.
Maybe enjoy ouzo or tsipouro with the locals. People that may have never met a tourist before.
Thermo and Petrochori
The main town of the area is historical and is known since ancient times.
This is the town of Thermo where apart from the ancient sights, you can find almost anything a visitor needs for a relaxing holiday.
Not far away from Thermo, is the village of Petrochori. A must place to visit. From here you can admire the beauty of Lake Trichonida.
The ideal time to visit is sunset but sunrise is not bad either.
Other must places to visit in the area are the villages of Kato Chrisovitsa and River Evinos.
Both are untouched by tourism. Original. Unique.
Kato Chrisovitsa
Kato Chrisovitsa is a village with stone-built houses located in a small valley. Houses though are spread further and there are some neighbourhoods that are a few kilometres apart.
Occasionally you may also find some houses standing alone in the middle of nowhere as some people say.
But in Kato Christovitsa is where the locals will initially look at you with surprise, wondering how you ended up there but eventually will salute you and invite you into their homes for a coffee or even a meal.
They always do even if they do not speak a word of English! They consider all strangers as friends and philoxenia to them it is not only a word but part of their heart and soul!
That said, the village has just a few permanent residents. And most of them are of older age.
They all have their own schedule with a very early start in the day, a siesta around noon and eventually going to sleep quite early in the evening.
Evinos River
Moving on from Kato Chrisovitsa, you will arrive at Evinos River.
A place of unique beauty and absolute peace that is only known to locals.
Evinos is a river that flows entirely in western Greece and in the Aetolia-Acarnania prefecture.
The river begins near the four boundaries area of Aetolia-Acarnania, Evrytania, Phthiotis and Phocis, near the village of Artotiva, in the Vardousia mountains. Its length is 92 km.
Evinos River was first mentioned in Homeric times and was known in ancient times.
It now empties into the reservoir of Lake Evinos which is about 10 km².
Not sure if you will ever be inspired to visit this area but if you do and you want to know more about it please do contact us.
We know it by heart and would be happy to help you organise the perfect visit.
Just remember. This is not a road trip for everyone.
A summer visit to Voidomatis River in Ioannina