2nd long weekend – Thessalian to Evrytanian Agrafa crossing

Friday

   We arrive at the guesthouse in Livadia Petrilou, Argithea, get settled and have lunch. After the midday siesta we depart for Lake Stefaniada, the youngest natural lake in Greece. With kayaks we will make an amazing circular water route in the turquoise waters of the lake. We move parallel to the shore in the calm waters and enjoy the wonderful natural environment. In the middle of our route we stop at the sources of the lake where we walk along the bank of the Stefaniotis River. At the private beach we will have a picnic, swim in the lake and enjoy a free fish-spa. Of particular interest are the trees that are submerged in the lake and anyone who wishes can approach them and photograph them while rowing.

   Then we return to the shore and we will engage in the most ancient sport in the world, what the ancients considered an art… It is an activity that works the mind a lot and has a special charm. Archery is essentially a philosophy. It is based on absolute concentration, that is, it is more cerebral, without requiring any physical qualifications from the participants. During the activity, attention, focus on the target, determination and decision-making are practiced. We return to the guesthouse and after dinner we will get lost in the magical world of the stars.

   The ultimate goal of stargazing and astrophotography is to bring you closer to the stars. Those who come will take with them frames and stories of what is worth telling our loved ones. We will make mountain tea to drink as we sit under the stars and share stories from our life in the village and our climbs in the mountains with the aim of making you love them. Later we can take pictures with the galaxy.

Saturday

    After a hearty breakfast (with fresh baked bread and handmade jams/country eggs, etc.) we set off for the peak of Delidimi. Delidimi is the second highest peak of Agrafa with one of the most impressive reliefs. We are in the heart of Pindos, at the point where the Thessalian and Evrytanian Agrafa join. A panoramic view of the sea from the mountains 360 degrees. Then we will descend towards the old settlement of Asprorema. Until Epiniana we will follow the old riverside path where in many places we will see traces of cobblestones and ornately carved rock and perhaps herds of free horses. The historical path of Asprorema is undoubtedly the most beautiful and picturesque that anyone can walk. From 2,163m. at the top of Delidimis, a dive in the Agrafa sanctuaries in the Asprorema Gorge 750m. We arrive in Epiniana and settle in at the guesthouse. Lunch and a siesta follow. In the afternoon we will tour the village of Epiniana.

   Epiniana or Piggiana, built at an altitude of 1100 m., was a traditional livestock village and is considered the balcony of Agrafa, due to its panoramic location and its exceptional view of the gorge of the Agrafiotis River and the mountain ranges of Niala and Delidimio. Among the monuments of the village, the churches of Agios Georgios and Prophet Elias stand out. At the entrance to the village, one can admire the ancient Byzantine preserved fountain with its large arch and water taps. On the road to the village school, the centuries-old chestnut tree with its large hollow trunk dominates.

Sunday

      After breakfast on the most beautiful balcony of Agrafa, we will visit the unknown beauties of the Agrafiotis River and the hole of Oskliani (the Agrafiotiko Always Rains), Fterorema and Apati, gorges carved into the rock that, despite their wild beauty, allow the hiker to cross them. The approach will be from the Belei Karvasaras bridge to the Fteriotis bridge and from there along the riverbed to the Apati gorge. We will enter the narrowest and most eerie gorge in the heart of Agrafa. Narrow gorges created by seismic faults and the likes of which you have never seen before. The hike will have several passages through water, so you will need appropriate clothing and spare shoes that will get wet. 

   The excursion to Agrafa is an experience far from the usual destinations, in an area that is inaccessible and almost untouched.