3rd Three-Day Crossing of Evrytanian Agrafa

Friday

   We reach the col of Agios Nikolaos Vraggiana at 1,800m. you may also hear them with the adjective “Megala” in front, reflecting the important history of the place, as the Greek Museum of Agrafa was founded there in 1661, a kind of university of the time. But with the “Megala” in front, they also stand out from the other Vraggiana of Argithea, the “Mikra”, which were created by livestock breeders from Megalovraggia who went there and wintered their herds. With a view of the pastures of Niala, surrounded by Plaka, Katarachia, Tsekoura, Pyrgos, and Delidimi, we will begin the hike to Niala 2,017m. From here we can see almost the entire mountainous area of the area, while further south we can see Velouchi, Kaliakouda and Helidona. Continuing south we will come across the Civil War monument of Nyala. Here during the civil war there was a shocking night between the DSE guerrillas and the government army. From there we continue following the ridge and soon we fall on the path that leads us to the slopes of Koukourountzos. The route traverses the alpine until we reach a small saddle with a sheepfold. We enter the fir forest and at the end of the route we reach the paved path that leads us to the upper part of the village of Agrafa. We will take our things from the coach and settle in the guesthouses. Then we will take a tour of the historic village of Agrafa.

   The well-known and much-sung village of Agrafa is located at an altitude of 880m, at the foot of Mount Koukourountzos. The natural beauty of the landscape immediately wins over even the most demanding visitor. Agrafa is characterized by the centuries-old plane trees that cover the village square with their shade, the stone houses with tiled roofs and the hospitable residents. Agrafa is surrounded by great mountains that are connected to history, the battles against the Turks and Albanians, the legends, fairy tales, proverbs, traditions, folk songs and the lairs of the kleftarmatoles and especially the famous legendary Hero and national martyr, Antonis Katsantonis. Calorie replenishment will follow with boiled goat and other delicious local dishes.

Saturday

   After a hearty breakfast we depart for the peak of Fteri 2,040m. which is one of the most difficult peaks of Agrafa. We start from Epiniana to the location of Mercia. From there we can see the ridge of Fteri which is located on the wild and isolated side of Western Agrafa. We pass by the back side of the peak of Kourouna and traverse to the location of Paloukia, where there are sheepfolds. At this point we find the last spring of the mountain before the ridge. We will move towards the fir trees and pass through the ferns until we reach the alpine part.

  We are now on the slopes of Fteri. The slope becomes increasingly steep. There are several exposed passages and we need to use our hands on some of them. At some points we will avoid the ridge, passing from the left. After passing the rocks, we find two steep climbs of rocks and dirt with grass in front of us. After passing this point, we now reach the top. It is not by chance that they say that the difficult roads have the best views…impressive views in all directions!!! Kalliakouda, Chelidona, the entire complex of Panitoliko on one side, Karava, Voutsikaki, Borlero, Flytzani, Five Towers, Niala on the other. Now the entire panorama of West Agrafa is visible. Delidimi, Salagianni, but also the Pyramid with Baldenisi.

   We descend towards the southern ridge (Pratina col) which also has some difficult points. Fteri is a demanding peak. In addition to the long duration of the route, it requires experienced people who have good footing in the mountain. We arrive at Lithochori where we are transferred to Granitsa and settle into the guesthouses.

Sunday

   After breakfast we will depart for the Bouzounikou Gorge which adorns the Municipality of Agrafa and is a special destination for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. It is 650 meters long and has been shaped to be a natural climbing park. It is easy for someone to cross it and combine hiking with climbing. Popular imagination and tradition want terrible things to happen here at night, it is associated with many stories with nymphs and fairies.

   Last but not least, we leave the unparalleled beauty of Lake Kremasto with its turquoise waters, the fjords that are created and the numerous small islands that are scattered around it will truly enchant the visitor, making him think that he is in some exotic destination. It is the largest artificial lake in Greece, the cleanest in Europe and the fifth cleanest in the world.

   Its banks are hospitable "hosts" of endangered and rare species such as the otter, the wolf, the golden eagle, the dwarf bat, etc. The area is naturally included in the Natura 2000 program. We start from the Sivista pier to tour this aquatic paradise. During the route we will visit the island of Agios Nikolaos with the castle of Karolos Tokkos at its top. We will take a break for a picnic, continue a course towards the mouth of the Acheloos and return to the pier.

   We return to the village of Valaora and we will eat at "Platanos" in the square before saying goodbye to Agrafa, which has always been the refuge of the rebellious hunted and which will become a special story engraved in your own heart.

The trip to Agrafa is a journey into the past with very powerful images.