We had just left Mount Smolikas and were driving through the heart of the Pindus Mountains. Nothing but rock and forest was visible at the sides of the narrow, vacant road. After having hiked for five hours since dawn, we now had a long drive back home to Evia. We’d like some coffee soon, but there was no civilization in view.Sophie checked the map and saw that the first—and … [Read more...]
Things to Do in Kastoria City, Greece
In July 2024, we left Vergina and its archaeological wonders and headed west. In about two hours, we arrived in the city of Kastoria. My 13-year-old nephew was spending the summer there at his grandma’s, and we stopped by for a visit before continuing to the mountainous wilderness of Epirus. It was my first time in the region. With my nephew’s guidance, who’s been vacationing … [Read more...]
Dimitsana to Zygovisti: Menalon Mountain Trail Section 2
Following a pleasant hike from Stemnitsa the previous day, we woke up refreshed in the mountainous coolness of Dimitsana village. The plan now was to continue along the second section of the acclaimed Menalon Mountain Trail toward the village of Zygovisti. We had an easy morning in our hotel’s cute garden, packed slowly, and started.The route begins from the village center, … [Read more...]
Stemnitsa to Dimitsana, Lousios Gorge: Menalon Mountain Trail Section 1
Summer of 2024, I had a client/friend who tasked me with taking him on a two-day hiking trip in Greece. It would be his first-ever of the kind. We needed a beginner-grade route with sufficient shade for the summer heat and villages with amenities along the way. The Menalon Mountain Trail, in the Arcadia region of central Peloponnese, was an obvious choice.After a couple of … [Read more...]
Visiting Alexander the Great’s Palace in Aigai, Macedonia, Greece
Following 16 years of restoration work, the Palace of Aigai has finally opened to visitors. Situated in the modern-day town of Vergina, Aigai was the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. Its magnificent palace—one of the largest and most elegant edifices of classical Greece—was built by King Philip II in the 4th century BC. That’s where his son, Alexander the … [Read more...]
Climbing Mount Grammos from the Greek Side
Part of the greater Pindus Mountain Range—the rugged spine of the Greek mainland—Mount Grammos (spelled Grammoz in Albanian) is an imposing mountain whose ridge defines part of the Greek-Albanian border. Its highest peak, called Maja e Çukapeçit in Albania and Tsouka Petsik in Greece, rises to 2,523 meters, making it the 10th-highest mountain in Albania and the 4th-highest in … [Read more...]
Hiking Mount Askio, Western Macedonia, Greece
Mount Askio is situated in the heart of the Western Macedonia region of northern Greece. Adjoined by Mount Verno to the north and Mount Vourino to the south, it is the central part of the mountain chain that separates the Kastoria prefecture from the plain of Ptolemaida. Its highest peak, called Siniatsiko, reaches an elevation of 2,111 meters, making Askio the 34th highest … [Read more...]
Climbing Mount Smolikas & Camping at its Dragon Lake
Located in the core of the Pindus Mountains, Smolikas is Greece’s second-highest mountain and—I’d argue—one of its most stunning. It is renowned for its extensive forests and its so-called Dragon Lake: an idyllic alpine lake situated below its 2,637-meter-high peak. While touring the region in July 2024, it became our top priority for a hiking trip.Smolikas’s summit and the … [Read more...]
Prespa Lakes, Greece: a Day Trip from Kastoria
The Prespa Lakes, located in Greece’s northwestern corner near the borders of Albania and North Macedonia, present a captivating blend of natural beauty and biodiversity. This region, comprising Great Prespa and Small Prespa, is notable for its pristine waters and rich wildlife, making it a significant destination for ecological tourism. The area is particularly renowned for … [Read more...]
Lake Marathon: Day Trip from Athens
After having gone on a hiking trip with me on Mount Parnitha, my guest and new friend Mo from the UK asked me to organize yet another day trip out of Athens for her. This time she wanted something more leisurely than hiking. A short road trip away from the city would do. Considering various options, we decided to head for Lake Marathon.Lake Marathon is located – thanks for the … [Read more...]
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