Travel Secrets
5 destinations in Thessaly that will take your breath away
Photo credits Visit Meteora Travel
Lake Plastiras: a picturesque landscape
Photo credits: Evaggelos Vissariou
The 300 kilometers separating Athens from Karditsa is nothing compared to what awaits you when you reach Lake Plastira. The nature here is unlike anything you've seen before, while the fog, the snowy and winter landscape and the scenic villages of Neohori, Kerasia, Kalyvia, Krioneri that can be your base, will make your stay so special that you will forget that you are in Greece. View the famous Dam of Tavropos, then stroll around the lake enjoying the scenery that surrounds it, visit the waterfall of Anthohori and the Monastery of Panagia Pelekiti and if you are active and the weather permits, enjoy various activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding and climbing.
Olympus: an appointment with gods ...
At the borders of Thessaly and Macedonia, the highest mountain in Greece rises at 2,918 meters, and is known worldwide for its mythological dimension, but also for its unique beauty. Although Litohoro, at the eastern foot of the mountain, is a classic starting point, on the other side of Olympus, there are also other villages promising to offer you divine holidays. Visit Rapsani in Larissa for wine and raki, Krania village with the stone fountains, cobbled streets and magnificent views to the sea, Kallipefki at the altitude of 1,054 meters with beautiful pine forests that surround it, the new settlement of Sykaminia and Karya with the walnut trees. Also visit the remarkable unexplored cave Moria with stalactites and stalagmites and the pine forest in Anilio.
Meteora: the natural wonder of Greece
Four huge dark colored sandstone rocks, with monasteries on their peaks, in a geological landscape that is unfamiliar to the eye and the town of Kalambaka extending at a short distance in the northwestern part of the plain of Thessaly, Meteora really is one of the most impressive sites, not only of Thessaly, but in the entire country. Each year, more than 2 million tourists visit Kalambaka, to admire the rare geological phenomenon of Meteora, where currently operate 7 monasteries included in the list of UNESCO. If you enjoy action and climbing, the rocks of Meteora will compensate you, while in Kalambaka you can spend a relaxing holiday, overlooking these towering rocks.
Zagora: All Pelion in one village
Zagora is perhaps one of the villages of Pelion that should not be missing from your trip to the area. With its traditional flavor, mansions, trees and running water, Zagora may be “hiding” behind the mountain, but "generously" offers its beauty to whoever manages to discover it after dozens car turns in Pelion . Go through the main square full of cafes and small bars, try local cuisine tastes such as zucchini and braised calf and walk as much as you can in a village where every corner is the perfect background for a photo.
Trikala: nature with urban ... notes
Trikala in western Thessaly is a clear proof that not all cities are the same and that nature can be a leader, even where the urban environment "sneaks". With the trees and the river Litheos coloring the city, Trikala seems to combine natural and urban in the right proportions, earning impressions. Varousi and Palia Manavika districts in the Old town offer a perfect chance for strolling admiring the architecture and the unique atmosphere. There you will also find some of the best restaurants and cafe-bars in Trikala. Admire the view of the city from the “Frourio” on the Prophet Elias hill and also visit Aesculapius Street for endless walks.
Julia Tasoni
