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1. Elati 

Elati is an amphitheatrically built village that spreads out on the southwestern slopes of Koziakas at an altitude of 900 meters, in the shadow of the Red Rock, gazing at the peaks of South Pindos. It is the most mountainous village in the area with a population of 950 inhabitants and is only 33 km from the town of Trikala, 49 km from Kalambaka and 14 km from Pyli. The dense fir forests are its trademark, which justifies its name.

The visitor will see many old stone buildings, cobbled streets, small squares with small fountains and flower beds that give nobility and picturesqueness to the place. It is one of the most popular mountain resorts in Greece, providing an abundance of traditional guesthouses, luxury hotels, restaurants with local cuisine, cozy cafes and bars, but also many small tourist shops with local products and souvenirs. There is also a branch of the Bank of Thessaly available, as well as a gas station located 4 kilometers before the village, on the road to Pyli. At a distance of only 9 km is the Ski Center of Pertouli. Pertouli village is 15 km from Elati and 19 km. Neraidochori.

At the entrance of the village is the Grove of the Prophet Ilias with the stone church of the same name, where we find a modern playground and sports facilities. It is an ideal environment for relaxing in the company of chirping birds. Next to a picturesque little square with a stone fountain and traditional lampposts, the traditional market with the wooden houses of the producers operates. High up, opposite the central square, dominates the limestone Red Rock, among the fir trees, which can be reached by a passable path, at a distance of 15 minutes, giving the visitor a panoramic view of the village. There is an organized climbing area with routes up to 60 meters in height. Finally, above the village, between the steep slopes of the eastern side of Koziakas, Arkudotrypa gazes at Elati from an altitude of 1400 meters. According to tradition, a large bear lived in the cave for many years.


2. Pertuli

At a distance of 15 kilometers from Elati and an altitude of 1,150m. we meet Pertouli. It is one of the oldest villages in Thessaly, which is an ideal starting point for excursions and tours in the surrounding areas. It is built amphitheatrically on the mountainside with picturesque stone houses with red or stone roofs. The village stands out for its wonderful nature and the fir forest that surrounds it, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in Greece, which is interrupted by idyllic clearings, the famous Pertouliotika Meadows.

Climbing to an altitude of 1,140m, the next station from Pertouli is the densely populated Neraidochori, known by its old name as Veternik. The red roofs of the houses there make it reminiscent of an Alpine resort. It is surrounded by the peaks with the amazing view of Lupata and Neraida and from the top of Marosa one can enjoy the view of the villages of Mesochora, the lake of Medova in Karditsa and the Thessalian plain.

At the entrance of the lowlands of Thessaly to the mountains of Pindos, 18 km. from the city of Trikala towards Arta, there is the beautiful town of Pyli (formerly Porta and even earlier Porta-Pazar). Its name is due to the two opposite mountains, Koziakas and Itamos, which are separated by the Portaikos river, forming a natural majestic gate. It is of particular interest, as it is in the center of important Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments, but also because it is a passage for the picturesque mountain villages of Trikala.

Between Elati and Pertouli there is the wonderful tourist Ski Center of Pertouli, which, due to its short distance from the villages of the area, but also from Trikala, attracts the attention of ski lovers.


3. Lake Plastira

A small miracle of man and nature you will see in Thessaly and it is the idea of the well-known Greek general Nikolaos Plastiras since 1928. The impressive dam at Kakavakia is the one that "gave birth" to Plastira lake, which is surrounded in an impressive way by the fir-covered peaks of Agrafa. The dam and lake were named after him, although he did not live to see them.

Its gift to the next generations is the blue waters, the wonderful beaches, the fir trees and the colorful figures of people enjoying in every way the captivating scenery of the mountain lake. There is the possibility of cycling on the lake or around it, kayaking, mountain sports with particular importance skiing in the Karamanoli ski resort, horse riding and 4X4. Authentic local flavors and local wines, wonderful stone guesthouses overlooking the lake, old monasteries, villages with history, make Lake Plastira a winter destination, but also for all seasons.

The road around the lake offers enchanting images. On a route of only 70 kilometers are Kalivia Pezoulas, almost in the center of the lake, as well as two of the most beautiful villages, Neraida and Phylakti. Carved into the vertical rock is Panagia Pelekiti, which consists of two churches, the Assumption and the Virgin, built in 1640. The Petra monastery is even older, from 1553, and its catholicon follows the design technique of the monasteries of Mount Athos. The Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos Koronas resembles a castle and from above is admirable in all its grandeur. It has frescoes from 1587 and the catholicon with the ornate wooden iconostasis dates from the 16th century.

Romantic refuges, but also facilities with full facilities for families are the villages of Kalyvia Pezoulas, Kastania, Kryoneri, Lampero, Belokomiti and especially in Neohori, as there are elegant stone guesthouses with all the comforts, fireplaces, lake view, cafes and restaurants, for to enjoy grilled and cooked meats, grilled trout, stews and Mesenicola wine from the famous winery of the area. Also, the stone taverns in Kalyvia Pezoulas, Belokomitis, Neohori, Tsardaki area, Phylakti are famous for their good food and welcoming atmosphere.


4. Pelion

On one side the Pagasitikos gulf, on the other the Aegean. In the middle, a magical mountain to discover, Pelion. The first image one sees is the beautiful rays of sunlight through the plane trees, apple trees, chestnuts, oaks, beeches, gardenias, hydrangeas, camellias. In this fertile soil of Thessaly, nature works wonders. In autumn, orange and red colors of an unreal palette, spread generously everywhere. Landscape of paths, old churches and beaches with green waters. From above, the villages of Pelion look down on them like balconies. A weekend is not enough to get enough of it, but it is enough to love it forever. Pelion is also known as the "home" of the Centaurs in mythology, where the Centaurs lived and the wise Chiron, under whom Achilles and Asclepius studied, who was taught medicine establishing the snake as its symbol.

Going up from Volos to Pelion, you will come across Portaria and Makrinitsa, the protagonist villages of the region. Around you, mansions, stone fountains and cobblestones, traditional luxury guesthouses and five-star hotels, churches, local flavors with smells. In these villages-jewels of Pelioreite architecture, the purity and quality of life of a bygone era stand out. This particular place is also a very good opportunity for skiing with a view of the Aegean, in the ski center at Agriolefkes, at 1,470 m. with four pistes for serious skiers and one for beginners, with a total length of 7 km, a "warm" shelter, shops, ski school and, of course, the view.

Another very famous village in the shadow of a mysterious plane tree is Tsagarada. Coolness, company, a breath full. One of the four districts of Tsagarada is Agia Paraskevi, and the others are Agios Stefanos, Agia Kyriaki and Taxiarches, which you will discover from paths, among chestnut trees, plane trees, fruit trees, flowers. Another well-known destination is Zagora, the village of apples, the historic, rich and largest village of Pelion. Zagorin apples, chestnuts and cherries are produced there. Everything has come to fruition in Zagora since the beginning of the 20th century, when the people of Zagora turned to agriculture and especially apples, even founding the Agricultural Cooperative from 1916.

Other villages of Pelion worth visiting and enjoying moments of relaxation are Puri, Keramidi, Mouresi, Kissos, Milies, Vizitsa, Pinakates, Agios Georgios Nileias, Agios Lavrentios. Excellent architecture, traditional guesthouses, cafes, taverns and shady squares with old churches in which wonders are hidden. The temple of Taxiarches in Milies, renovated in 1764, is famous for its amazing acoustics, thanks to 48 overturned jars hidden in the roof and 5 underground wells that communicate with each other. In Kissos is the Agia Marina of 1650, with amazing frescoes by the popular painter Constantis Pagonis of Hionaditis, inspired by the Apocalypse, the Old and New Testaments.

Descending from the slopes, small and large beaches, with white pebbles or sand and crystal clear, crystal clear waters unfold. Horefto, Obrios, Ai-Yiannis, Papa Nero, Mylopotamos, Fakistra and Damouchari. The beach of Damouchari, a living postcard, is a place sweet, melancholic and wild at the same time, separated by a tongue of land into two: Old and New Damouchari. The Dancing Queen scene in the musical Mamma Mia was filmed in the harbor. In South Pelion, also, from Milina to Trikeri is a destination for locals and for "sophisticated", alternative tourists, where by boat they can discover the hidden beauties of Pagasitikos. Fresh fish, delicious fish soup and seafood in the taverns of the settlements complete the scene.

A well-known activity in the area of Pelion is the train ride that runs every Saturday or Sunday at noon. The appointment is made in Milies, at the station, for Mountzouris to come. The railwaymen manually turn the engine and the picturesque train of Pelion takes the road again to Ano Lechonia. A magical route that passes between trees, forests and over 12 bridges. One of the best experiences that Pelion will give you. Also, two beautiful narrow gorges await you in the area of Tsagarada, those of Fakistra and Mylopotamos, which end at the two equally beautiful beaches of the same name.

No one can leave Pelion without tasting the local spoon sweets and flowers in colorful vases. All over Pelion, women make spoon sweets in dozens of incredible flavors. In the mountain villages you will also buy pots with hydrangeas, camellias and gardenias. One must know that the Pelioreite soil is what makes the difference.
Tags: News, real estate agency Larissa, INVESTA real estate, real estate, winter destinations, Thessaly
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