In 1989 the UNESCO included Meteora in its World Heritage List, as a place of special cultural and physical significance.

The word ‘Meteora’ came from Saint Athanasios Meteoritis, founder of the monastery called ‘Metamorfosis tou Sotiros’ (The Transfiguration of Jesus), or else Great Meteoron. St Athanasios Meteoritis gave this name to the ‘large stone’ on which he climbed, for the first time, in 1344.

The first monks arrived there in the 12th century and lived isolated in rock caves. The first monastic communities were founded in the mid 14th century.
In many monasteries you will admire masterpiece hagiographies and you will see treasures, manuscripts, jewels, Gospels and ornaments.
Information:

One can reach Meteora from Kalampaka, which is 20 km far from Trikala.

In the past the inhabited monasteries on Meteora were 30, to many of which the access was through rope ladders. Today there are only six monasteries that are inhabited and some smaller ones.

The six monasteries that remain today are:

• The Holy Monastery of St Nicolaos Asmenos or Anapausas. (inhabited by men, built in 1150)
• The Holy Monastery of Rousanos (or Arsanis) (built in 1288)
• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron (or Metamorfosis tou Sotiros) which was built on the biggest rock called: “Large Stone”. In Great Meteoron the visitor can see St Athanasios’ retreat.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam or Agion Panton Monastery (meaning the Monastery of All Saints) that is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. (built in 1350).
• The Holy Monastery of Agia Trias (The Holy Trinity) that was founded by the monk Dometios in 1438.
• The Holy Monastery of St Stephanos (St Stephen) that is inhabited by women.

One can also visit the following monasteries:

• The Holy Monastery of Ipapanti.
• The Holy Monastery of St Nicholaos Badovas, on the site ‘Kofinia’.
• Doupiani, today’s church of Zoodohos Pigi (The Life-giving Source), which was founded by the monk Nilos.
• The Holy Monastery of St Georgios Mandilas.
• The Holy Monastery of the Holy Spirit (or else the Archangels Michael and Gabriel monastery) that is the oldest monastery of Meteora.

Source: www.inthessaly.gr/en/-87.html

Westwards, Kastoria borders with Florina prefecture, eastwards and southeastwards with the prefectures of Kozani and Grevena, southwestwards with the prefecture of Ioannina, while northwestwards it borders with Albania.

Kastoria and the surrounding villages have numerous natural monuments and high constructive creations, which in combination to the warm hospitality attract thousands of people.

This city is the ideal destination for the lovers of sports and nature. The options are many and satisfy all demands. You can ski at the ski center of Vitsi or you can hike on one of the indicated paths close to wild nature. The region is really beautiful during winter time. The renowned lake of Kastoria and Aliakmonas River are the perfect choice for canoeing and long walks along the lakeside leading visitors to the peace and tranquility nature has to offer.

The Town of Kastoria has more than 75 Byzantine churches with invaluable religious monuments. The prehistoric lake settlement of Dispilo reveals a lot about the region’s route through time.

Kastoria and the neighboring villages are quite enchanting. Tradition, history and modern civilization jog along creating this unique culture of Macedonia. Klisoura, Argos, Orestiko, Korisos, Omorfoklia, are some of the villages you ought to visit. Every town and village has its own history, which makes it unique and special. Visit them and meet this earthly paradise.

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During the Byzantine period the district enjoyed privileges of autonomy and tax exemption. For this reason the northern part of the district was also called “Agrafa” (literally “unwritten”), because the residents were not included in the imperial tax registers.

The wild landscape, which helped keep central authority and aspiring occupiers at a distance, nowadays also offers many options for alternative tourism activities. Skiing at Velouchi and rafting on the rapids of the Acheloos, Trikeriotis and Tavropos rivers have been the sports that have catapulted the district’s largely untapped tourism potential to popularity in the last two decades.

The part of Evrytania which is best known and most popular with tourists lies on the road axis between Karpenisi, the main town, and the historic Monastery of Proussos -- perched like an eagle’s nest atop a precipitous cliff above a gorge. Cameras should be at the ready to capture the highlights of the route, especially Kleidi, the narrowest point of the gorge from where the monastery is first visible.

Karpenisi, a town of less than 10,000 people at 1,000 meters on the slopes of Mt Tymfristos, is the base for most activities in the area. Lying on the route to Proussos are the well-known picturesque villages of Mikro and Megalo Horio and the listed settlement of Koryschades. It was this latter village that hosted the elected National Assembly during the German occupation, on May 7, 1944 and has a Museum of National Resistance.

Fidakia, 17 kilometers from Karpenisi, is one of the most beautiful villages in Evrytania, with a fine view of the Kremasta reservoir. Just outside the scenic village of Klafsi, in the Potamia valley, is the unique 5th- to 6th-century Basilica of Aghios Leonidios, with an exquisite, well-preserved mosaic floor.

The main village of Proussos, at the edge of the tourist zone, is best known for the reportedly miraculous icon of Our Lady of Proussos in the monastery, which attracts thousands of visitors annually and can be congested at weekends, especially Sundays.

An easy hiking route, lasting about two hours, takes walkers from the monastery to Mavri Spilia (“Black Cave”) -- next to a waterfall -- which was used as a hideout by guerrillas in years gone by. The more adventurous can rappel down the cliff face. A second route in the area, beginning from the village of Aniada and lasting about an hour and a half, takes in the slopes of Mt Kaliakouda. Part of it runs alongside the Trikeriotis River before it ends at the Pantavrechi waterfalls.

Aghios Nikolaos, 6 kilometers from Karpenisi, is a charming village known for the most prolonged snow cover in the district and its chestnuts.

A fine route through dense fir forest on the slopes of Mt Oxya is from Karpenisi to the beautiful mountain villages of Krikello and Domnista, if you take a right turn from the road to Lamia going east. As you enter Krikello, at 1,120 meters, you will see five stone fountains gushing the icy waters of Mt Oxya. Domnista has some huge plane trees and an impressive folk museum which also hosts local ancient finds. The village also features a monument to the national resistance, as it was here that resistance leader Aris Velouchiotis proclaimed the armed struggle against the Axis occupiers on June 7, 1942.

Lastly, it is worth seeing the Bridge and Monastery of Tatarna, in a beautiful area near the Kremasta dam. The view of the lake from the bridge, which has won three architectural awards, is superb and the monastery houses a number of precious icons.

Things to See & Activities

Evrytania is replete with sights and historical monuments. Opportunities for mountain sports abound throughout the year: contact Ef Zein (25673 and 695.396808, www.fzein-evryt.gr/), Mountain Action (22940 and 6972.706.177), and Trekking Hellas (25940 and 6972.421.349). Saloon Park (24606), 4 kilometers from Karpenisi, offers horse-riding activities. Eleven kilometers from town at an elevation of 1,800 meters, is the Velouchi skiing center (23506, 21112). Megalo Horio has an interesting folk history museum.

Author: Haris Argyropoulos

The first settlements of vlach-speaking Greek population in the region of Kalarrytes can be traced back to the 10th century AD. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the community achieves its greatest financial, social and cultural development with the Kalarrytan merchants trading wool textiles through a well-organized commercial network to all European markets, while most of them also maintain shops in Ioannina. A large part of the population are distinguished as silversmiths, establishing Kalarrytes as one of the major silversmith centres of the Balkans. During the 19th century, the art of silver spreads from Kalarrytes all over Greece and Italy. Families of silversmiths such as Tsimouris at Ioannina and Kalarrytes, Bafas in Zakynthos, Papageorgiou and Papamoschou in Corfou, and Nessi and Bulgari in Italy are still famous today.

The economic, cultural and residential development of the community is accompanied by intellectual development as the Greek Enlightenment reaches Kalarrytes. Anastasios Bekiaris and rector Georgios Sgouros taught at the school of Kalarrytes, which was founded in 1758. The scholars Vlahoyiannis and Giourtis also originate from there. W. Leak and F. Pouqueville, who visited the community of Kalarrytes at the beginning of the 19th century, describe in their travel journals the lawful society, the culture, the exquisite architecture, the booming trade, and the high educational level of the people.

To read more, please visit epirushotels.gr

Castle of Hora
The castle of Hora is important because of its strategic location observing the Ionian, the Aegean and the Cretan Sea at the same time. It was constructed on the 13th century A.D. during the Venetian Domination but its main part was finished in 1503 A.D.

Right in the front of the Church of Pantokratoras the headquarters of the castle is found which nowadays hosts the Historical Record of Kythira. On the headquarters’ square the former Catholic Church “Panagia of the Latinos” which was changed in 1806 A.D. to an Orthodox church under the name “Myrtidiotissa”.
You could definitely visit the castle which also provides a wonderful view from the top and combine it with a walk around Hora in the evening.

Moudari Lighthouse

The biggest lighthouse that was ever built by the English on Greek grounds is encountered on the northern spot of the island, cape “Spathi”. It was built in 1857 and is 25 metres high. The visitor is provided with a panoramic view of the surrounding place.

Kataraktis (Waterfall)

To get there you must first reach the village of Mylopotamos and take it from there on foot. There is a sign that leads you to this overgrown and wonderful place with paths, brooks and large plane trees.

The waterfall of “Neraida” or “Fonissa” is 20 metres high and forms a small lake underneath it. The place is surrounded by abandoned watermills that used to work by the force of the river water for the grinding of the grains.

Finish this amazing tour into this unspoiled and blessed place with reaching the wonderful Kalami beach.

Hytra Islet

At the south east of Kythira island, right opposite the port of Kapsali, Hytra islet is found or else referred to as Avgo (meaning “Egg”). On its north part there is a water cave that is a refuge for seals. The islet is also a place where a special and protected kind of falcon called Mavropetritis (Falco eleonorae) has built its nest.
On its steep and rough ground grows the plant called Sempreviva (helichrysum orientale) which is collected every summer by the locals and is used for handicrafts.

There is a boat to take you there from the port of Kapsali.

Oinoússes is famous for its century long naval tradition. In fact, some of the major Greek ship owners were born in this island and established later their maritime headquarters in London or New York. Monuments and sites of the island preserve this time-honoured maritime tradition. At the entrance of the port, visitors are welcomed by the bronze sculpture of the Mermaid, whereas while strolling around the centre of the island they will encounter the famous “Naftosyni Square” (meaning “a square dedicated to sailor’s craftsmanship”), where a statue in honour of the Unknown Sailor stands.

The “Nautical Lyceum”, the major “Naval Academy”, and the first regional Naval Museum also depict the island’s significant maritime culture. The museum, which was founded in 1965, features permanent exhibits, such as paintings of popular ship painters, naval instruments and ship models – most of which were constructed by French prisoners in England at the time of the Napoleonic Wars.

To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

The most prevalent theory about their formation is through a big river that brought geological material, such as rocks, stones and minerals, to the region. Continuous weathering by rain, wind, as well as earthquakes, gave them their present shape. It still remains a mystery, though, why such a unique place is not mentioned anywhere in the Greek mythology and why no Greek or foreign historian has written about it.

Between the 10th century and today 30 monasteries of admirable architecture have been built on these natural sandstone rock pillars, but only six of them remain in a good condition and house religious communities nowadays. For centuries, these monasteries were almost inaccessible, and the monks climbed to the top of Metéora, using rope ladders fixed to the rocks with the aid of wooden poles carefully positioned in rock cracks. The supply of the monasteries was done using nets that hauled up food, water and other necessary goods, as well as people. It was only in the beginning of the 20th century that steps were carved into the rock and facilitated the access to the monasteries. During the World War II, the region of Metéora was bombed and many art treasures were stolen.
 

To read more, please visit hellasholiday.com

By Maria

Walk along the cobblestone narrow streets of Hóra past white houses with multi-coloured doors and windows, timeless creations of the traditional Cycladic architecture. If you need to take a rest, plane trees will offer you their cool, welcome shade. Wait until the sun sets into the eternal blue of the Aegean and join the locals in the village’s squares. Share with them homemade dishes and local delicacies, such as “matsáta” (handmade noodles with rooster or rabbit), sourotó (white goat cheese), and drink “rakómelo” (raki with honey) the famous spirit of the island. Here you will find most of the island's fine hotels.

• Tour natural and religious sites.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Towering above Hóra and with a stone path leading to it, a whitewashed impressive church awaits to be discovered. Allegedly built on the site of an ancient temple, the church hosts significant ancient immured inscriptions and statues’ pedestals in its yard and interior. Tradition has it that the silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary is miraculous. Linked to pirate stories, the icon is carried around the town in a procession held every year on Easter Sunday.

Hiking tip: Follow the rocky path starting from Poúnda square all the way to the church (walking time app. 15 min).

Ano Merá

The picturesque village of Ano Merá is a traditional rural settlement of the 19th century. To learn more about the traditional everyday life of Folégandros, visit the Folk Art Museum (open from 17:00 to 20:00 in the summer).

Chrysospiliá

Chrysospiliá is a natural monument of great interest, and not just to archaeologists and speleologists. Situated below the monastery of the Virgin Mary on a rocky beach at 30m above sea level with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is globally unique for the ancient male Greek names written on its walls and roof, dated back to the 4th century BC. Nicagoras, Themistocles, Cleon, Callimachus, Pythagoras, and Lysicrates are some of the names carved on the cave walls. According to some theories, the cave was used as a worship site where ceremonies for young men coming of age used to take place.

Important info: Accessible only by the sea, the cave is temporarily unavailable for visitors due to archaeological research in progress.

• Head to the island's pristine beaches.

This small island in the Cyclades is full of pebbly beaches covered with tamarisk trees. The scenic harbour of Karavostássis with its beautiful beach is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the glorious beaches of Hohlídia, Vitzétzo, Latináki, Pountáki and Livádi, a village with a sandy beach, turquoise waters and a camping site. Those of you, who don't feel like walking, can take a caique from Karavostássis to Kátergo, the most beautiful beach on the island, with thin pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Sheer cliff drops and azure waters embrace Agali beach to the west of the island. A trail from here will take you to the clothing-optional beach of Ayios Nikólaos, where a small taverna with delicious food and a marvelous view awaits you. In the northeastern part of the island lie the beaches of Voriná, with green stones peculiar-to-Folégandros, Ayios Geórgios and Serfiótiko, accessible only by caique or on foot.

• Taste culinary delights and local wine:

Matsáta: handmade noodles with rooster or rabbit
Sourotó: white goat cheese
Kalassoúna: cheese pie made with sourotó and onions
Cooked caper
Baked chickpeas
Karpouzénia: a local sweet made of fried watermelon (in Greek watermelon means “karpouzi”)
Sesame bars
White and red wine

Source: Visitgreece.gr