Plastira Lake
Duration of transit (by road): 20’
The formation of the lake was completed in 1959 with the completion of the dam at the southern end of it at the beginning of the river Taurotos or Megdova, and the idea for its construction was attributed to the military and politician Nikolaos Plastiras. The lake has is ideal for tourism purposes, with several activities on and around the lake.
Meteora
Duration of transit (by road): 35’
Meteora is a complex of dark colored sandstone rocks rising outside Kalambaka. The monasteries of Meteora, which are built on the tops of some of the rocks, are today the second most important monastic complex in Greece, after Mount Athos. Of the thirty that existed historically, today only 6 are in operation, which since 1988 have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Trikala
Duration of transit (by road): 15’
You can enjoy your picnic while enjoying the view of a green landscape next to the Litheos river. The Litheos river crosses Trikala – a typical city – whose banks are connected by ten bridges, half of which are intended for pedestrians. The central bridge, which is arched and metal, was built in France in 1886 by French engineers (reconstructed in 1996 and 2015) and connects Asklipiou Street (commercial street) with the central square of Heroes of the Polytechnic.
On the bank of the river, on one of the bridges, there is the statue of Asclepius crafted by the sculptor Theodoros Vassilopoulos. In Trikala one should not miss to visit the wonderful Byzantine castle of Trikala which was built during the reign of Justinian in the 6th AD. century, where you will have the opportunity to wander through the “narrows of Sakaflia”, known as Varousi. “Narrows” are essentially the old town of Trikala. The old town of Trikala is a neighborhood whose beautiful traditional mansions with outdoor balconies and cobbled streets make it ideal for strolling.
The Kursum Mosque or Osman Shah Mosque of Trikala is an Islamic mosque, a 16th century building designed by Mimar Sinan, which today functions as a venue for soft events. If you happen to visit the area during the Christmas period, the place of honor is Mylos Matsopoulou, which houses the famous Mill of the Elves.
Gkitzi Lake
Duration of transit (by road): 15’
The Gkitzi wetland or Gkitzi lake is a beautiful natural landscape, which is located 7 km northwest of the city of Trikala, in Kefalovrysos. This lake is natural and not artificial, as its water springs from its underground space, the so-called “eyes”, as the locals call its sources.
The path to the cave of Georgios Karaiskakis
Duration of transit (by road): 5’
Hiking enthusiasts can walk along the paths of the village of Mavrommati, where the commander-in-chief of the 21′ G. Karaiskakis walked, but also visit the “watchtowers of Karaiskakis” and the cave where the great hero was born.
Fanari
Duration of transit (by road): 12’
At a distance of 18 km from the town of Karditsa, Fanari is a village built in a prominent position, on the slopes of a wooded hill, with the Byzantine fortress at the top. The stone-built houses that you will notice when you visit are the works of craftsmen of Epirus origin. Until 1960 there were 80 pottery workshops in the village. The Lantern has been found in references in the Iliad, since according to Homer, residents of the village took part in the campaign of the Greeks against Troy. The castle, which is the only well-preserved fortress in all of western Thessaly, will definitely attract your attention.
Pyli
Duration of transit (by road): 12’
The Bridge of Pyli or Agios Vissarion or Porta is a stone arched bridge located 1.5 kilometers east of the Trikala Gate, bridging the Portaikos. According to the surviving inscription, it was built in 1514 with the sponsorship of Bessarion II, who was then a monk and was ordained Bishop of Elassona and metropolitan of tagos.
Pertouli
Duration of transit: 25’
The mountain paradise called Pertouli awaits you for an unforgettable travel experience. A ski resort, hiking trails and excellent forests are some of the things you will remember from the area.
Elati
Duration of transit: 25’
Elati is located near the ski center of Pertouli and has reached great tourist development in recent years. It has tourist traffic all year round and is one of the most beautiful villages in the mountainous area of Pyli. Today it is administratively subordinate to the Gate from where it is served.
Holy church of Porta Panagia
Duration of transit: 12’
On the bank of the Portaikos river, opposite the town of Pyli, in the old settlement of Porta – Panagia, which was known in the Byzantine era as “Great Pylai”, is the temple of Porta – Panagia. The Holy Monastery of the Great Gates which was dedicated to the name of the Invincible Theotokos was founded in 1283 by the Reverend Ioannis Angelos Komnenos Doukas.
Palaiokarya Waterfalls
Duration of transit: 15’
In the beautiful ravine of Paleokarya (Gropas), with its dense riparian forest and remarkable fauna, flow the crystal clear waters of the small river Palaiokaritis (Palaiokaryotis). The single-arched bridge juts out into a rocky strait, 500 m from Kato Palaiokarya. Two dams built in the 1970s, the lower one in front and the higher one behind the bridge, give birth to two artificial waterfalls that give a distinct color to this particular site.
