Greek islands celebrate the Spring

"divine PASSION holy week islands SPRING resurrection litany majestic liturgies ethereal LIGHT epitaph wild flowers FAITH customs traditions Byzantine psalms candlelight Virgin Mary silent grief monasteries LOVE fireworks march philharmonic bands religion MUSIC fasting NATURE sweet aromas processions LIFE Jesus Christ tears RED gold purple awe wine SEA April Mary Magdalene repentance Easter celebrations emotional uplift REBIRTH"
we think as we find ourselves in Greece during Eastertime
we cherish after experiencing the customs of Holy Week in Greece
we discover when we look deep in our souls
We experience in Greece. Together.

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Zayorohoria (ΖΑΓΟΡΟΧΩΡΙΑ)

Zayorohoria (ΖΑΓΟΡΟΧΩΡΙΑ)

Explore a destination of unlimited possibilities!

At the heart of Epirus, nestled among the steep and snowy slopes of Týmfi mountain range, you will find Zayorohória National Park, one of the most beautiful and rich ecosystems in Europe.

A complex of 46 picturesque traditional villages built in a magical setting amidst pine and fir trees is waiting to be discovered! Its unique traditional architecture, the impressive stone mansions and the undulating, natural forested surroundings are the ingredients of an unparalleled destination that should not be missed!

Visit one of Zayóri’s most picturesque villages: Monodéndri is a restored stone village. Stroll down its narrow streets past the village’s stone courtyards; take the rocky trail starting from the central square that leads you to Vickos gorge, whose depth is really awe-inspiring! From there, admire the Monastery of St. Paraskevi nestled on a rock overlooking the Vickos gorge.

Trekking lovers will have the chance to hit a variety of mountain trails in Zayorohória. Cross the Vickos gorge following the route from Monodéndri north to Vikos; Vikos to Pápigo, and Monodéndri south to Kipi, a traditional small village with old arched stone bridges. The route is quite long (it lasts at least 5 hours), but the experience is totally rewarding!

Starting from Pápigo you can take a much easier, three-hour trail; follow the path leading to Astráka refuge and then head for Astráka and Lápatos summits. Explore the magical “Drakolimni”, one of the three alpine lakes in Pindus mountain range, which according to local legends used to be inhabited by dragons!

Don’t miss the opportunity to walk the famous Vradeto Stairs at the edge of Vickos gorge. These stone 1,200 meter stairs connect the villages Vradéto and Kapésovo, and they were the only access to Vradéto village until 1973!

And when your day comes to an end, experience the true magic of Zayorohória: have a delicious meal in a mezedopoleío (local tavern), or enjoy a glass of fine wine by the fireplace in one of the traditional guesthouses of the area!

Source: GNTO

Horseback riding on Mount Pelion, near the seashore!

With a history almost as old as humankind itself, horseback riding combines uniquely the thrilling adventure with the fundamental value of ecotourism: total respect for the natural environment. Unlike other adventurous sports, horseback riding remains unchanged since antiquity, having as its endearing feature the intimate relationship between man and horse.

According to Greek mythology, Mount Pelion was the home of the mythical Centaurs, creatures who were half-men and half-horses. Ancient Greek heroes such as Achilles, Jason and Theseus came to Mount Pelion to master the arts taught by the Centaurs.

Nowadays, as you enter this kingdom of nature, all your senses are heightened, eager to experience this unspoiled world. The horseback trip starts in Argalasti, an attractive village on the south of the peninsula of Magnesia, far from the usual tourist routes.

From here you can reach beaches on both sides of the peninsula – open sea or calm gulf –, where you can enjoy the sea and the sun and get a bite in picturesque seaside taverns; or you can picnic in nature before you return to Argalasti for the evening. The area around Argalasti is hilly but relatively even, without steep gradients, covered with groves of perennial olive trees, interspersed with forest and brush, or streambeds in the shade of luxuriant plane trees.

The cobblestone trails between villages travel you through time and they are ideal for horseback riding. The main trails out of Argalasti lead to many interesting locations, such as Kalamos (6 km to the W) and Lefokastro (6 km to the NW). In many places along the trails the woods are very thick, offering enough shade for comfortable horseback riding even in summertime. There are some impressive beaches near Argalasti you can visit on horseback. On the outer or Aegean side of the peninsula, there is Paltsi (13 km to the E), Potistika (10 km on the E) and Melani (10 km on the E). Paltsi is a remote and quiet beach. Potistika is a broad sandy beach with towering rocks. Melani is a sandy beach also accessible by dirt road. On the inner or gulf side of the peninsula, the finest beach is called Marmaro (next to Kalamos).

Source: GNTO