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 Thessaly,
often called the breadbasket of Greece, is a
region abundant in unspoilt forests, water
areas, archaeological sites, villages with
traditional architecture, ancient towns,
Byzantine castles, monasteries and old churches.
The mountain ranges of Pindos, which run along
the ancient road that once connected western
Thessaly to the Epirus regions in the north,
create splendid mountain landscapes beguiling to
visitors. They host a mixture of flora that
produces a wide variety of
ecosystems, characterized by the tree and bush
species (oak forests, pine forests, riverside
woods). Spreading northeast, the immense green
sea of the Thesasalian plain is traversed by
the tributaries of Pineios River.
 To the south, with the
mountainous maze of Agrafa in the background,
the artificial Lake Plastiras is a pole of
attraction for thousands of visitors each year,
a splendid experience thanks to its natural
beauty and unique sights that surround it. The
harmonious combination of history, tradition,
architecture, religious monuments and natural
history is a pleasant surprise for visitors. The
mountain slopes lend themselves for short or
long trekking tours of various degree of
difficulty. There are air-sport arenas at Templa
and Kryoneri peaks within the lake area, as well
as in Mouzaki, Ellinopyrgo and Agios Georgios.
Mountain-biking is a new challenge for visitors,
as well as hydro-bikes and canoes, which can be
found at the lake shores. River Aspropotamos is
undoubtedly one of Greeces jewels, featuring an
imposing and spellbinding landscape, rare wild
flowers growing in abundance and a rich fir
forest with River Acheloos flowing amidst them.
Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, trekking, air
gliding, riding, rafting and skiing are only
some of the activities that visitors can enjoy
in the Pindos Mountains area.
 In the western part of
Thessaly, a rare geological phenomenon has
created an uncanny stone state, a group of
looming rocks thrusting skywards and known as
Meteora, because they indeed seem to hang or
hover over (meteoro in Greek) above the plain.
First inhabited by hermits in the 11th century,
the rocks summits were the site where
monasteries were built in the 16th century, a
few of which still survive today, tended by
monks and nuns. The area is included in UNESCOs
World Heritage sites list.
Tranquil hamlets are
strewn throughout the region, giving the
impression that time has stood still there.
Thousands of visitors enjoy year-round vacations
at comfortable accommodating, tasting local
delicacies and home-grown wine, while tradition
has been kept alive through a multitude of
open-air festivities taking place usually near
chapels in honour of the saints. Lake Plastiras
becomes the focus of cultural events during the
summer, featuring popular artists performing in
an idyllic environment under the moonlight. |
