Category: [:el] Δήμος Αργιθέας [:en] Municipality of Argithea [:de] Gemeinde Argithea [:]

 

In this excursion we will discover the hidden paradise in the mountains of Agrafa and we will taste the traditional cuisine of the area. Lake Stefaniada, is the newest natural lake in Greece created in 1963 by a landslide on the slope of Mount Sminikos where it fell into the river Stefaniotis. The creation of the lake marked the end of the prosperity of the village of Stefaniada as the landslides swept away many houses, while still at the bottom of the lake are the old buildings of the area. The lake is surrounded by rich mixed deciduous forests. Plane trees grow on the shores of the lake and immediately afterwards slopes with dense oak groves begin. It hosts a variety of fish such as trout, carp, brian and perch. It maintains a unique natural beauty all year round. First stop at the famous Bonsai of Argithea, an oak tree that has grown on a large rock in the waters of the Petriliotis river, subsequently we stop at the single arched bridge of the river. Then we visit Lake Stefaniada. An amazing water kayak route, in its turquoise calm waters, starts from the northeast side of the lake. The route is circular and ends again at the same point. We move along the coast 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 river Stefaniotis. Of particular interest are the trees that have been submerged in the lake, they can be approached and photographed by anyone who wishes. We return to the starting point, where we enjoy a meal with traditional local products, we also do not miss the opportunity to take a cool dip in its emerald turquoise waters.

Fountoto is one of the smallest but most beautiful villages of Argithea, nestled in the greenery at the foot of the Mariva, Leonidas, Afonisia and Delidimi mountain ranges. Rivers, mountain peaks, gorges and centuries-old fir trees make up the wild nature of the village. At first we cross the settlement of Paleochori Fountotou, we visit the village’s school which has become a folklore museum and next to it the church of Agios Charalambos. Then we take the path through the old village rute. The path was named Avlaki of Fountotou because until 1960 when the migration started, it was used to get water from the springs of Nine Fountains up to the Paleo village of Fountotou. We walk on a beautiful green path with fir, beech and holly trees leading to the spring waters where pedestals are formed. Here we will have a picnic and then continue to the Fountotou meadows where the shepherd Makrygianni's paddock is located with a gazebo with a wonderful view of the plateau hugging the mountains. We turn and descend from the forest road through a fir forest.