Trikala Korinthias

The village

Trikala Korinthias is the most popular destination of mountainous Korinthia. This mountainous destination is ideal for those who love hiking, skiing and road trips with four-wheel drives. The area is known since the Antiquity for its healing powers and even the recent years many people visited the area just to enjoy the ideal climate and breath the refreshing air of this area. Trikala Korinthias are in fact three mountainous villages the Ano (Upper) Trikala Korinthias, the Mesaia (Middle) Trikala Korinthias and the Kato (Lower) Trikala Korinthias. These villages are a beautiful destination throughout the year however the high season starts in autumn and ends in spring. During the last years more and more people visit the area especially after the construction of the ski center of Ziria. Therefore there is a large variety of hotels and traditional guest houses in these villages in order to enjoy your stay. Despite the tourist development, the three villages have preserved their traditional style and charm the visitors.

Kato Trikala Korinthias

Starting from Xilokastro towards the Mountainous Korinthia, also known as Ziria, after crossing olive groves and vines you will see the first settlement of Trikala Korinthias known as Kato Trikala Korinthias. The altitude of this village is 900m and the area is full of mountains, firs, plane trees, gurgling streams, beautiful fountains and stone houses with fireplaces. Take a breath here and enjoy the magnificent view of the Corinthian Gulf. Historically the village is a continuation of the Ancient Misaio where the Greek goddess Demetra and the god Asclepius were worshipped. During the 19th century after the liberation of Greece from the Ottoman occupancy the residents cultivated the area which is famed for the large raisin crops. The Korinthian raisin was the main exportable product of the area in the 19th century after the liberation of Greece from the Ottoman occupancy. There are also olive trees, cherry trees and vines at this area. The cultivation of the earth is still an important part of the economy in this village. While you are in the village don’t forget to visit temple of Agios Dimitrios which was built in 1697 and is known for the beautiful wall paintings of the 18th century.

Mesaia Trikala Korinthias

Heading even higher at an altitude of about 1100 meters you will find the village Mesaia Trikala Korinthias. From this village you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains. Here you will find plenty of traditional cafes and restaurants as well as beautiful guest houses to overnight.

Ano Trikala Korinthias

About 1km away from Mesaia Trikala Korinthias you will find the village Ano Trikala Korinthias where the pure air invigorates the visitors. The tower of Notaras family is the most notable sightseeing of this village. At this place the saint of the Orthodox Church, Agios Gerasimos Notaras, was born in 1506. The family of Notaras played an important part during the Ottoman occupancy and especially during “Orlofika” in 1770 and during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.In the village you will also find plenty of churches to visit. One of the most known is the church of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicolas). Agios Nikolaos is the patron saint of the village and the church was renovated in 1805 by Notaras family. Just a little further from the village, about 2km away, there is the monastery of Agios Vlasios with 1.400m altitude. South of the monastery rises up an imposing rock, where the image of the saint was found inside a cave. This image urged the people here to build the monastery around the 14th century. During the Ottoman occupancy in Greece the monastery was the religious and cultural centre in the area. Today the visitor can still see the image of the saint and the beautiful wood carved iconostasis inside the monastery and get treated with traditional sweets by the nuns.

Some tips about mountainous Korinthia

You shouldn’t omit to taste the traditional sweets and drinks in the picturesque cafes of the mountainous villages. Also the food in the traditional restaurants is exceptional. Try some of the local specialties like roasted goat with olive oil and oregano, the roasted suckling pig, the “kleftiko” (with veal), “trahanopita” (pie with frumenty) and almond pie with local fruit conserves. The local products of the area are the Corithian raisin, honey, wine and the olive oil. Every location has its own delicacies which you will discover while visiting the various villages. There are many types of accommodation in Trikala Korinthias and in the villages of mountainous Korinthia in general. Keep in mind to book your reservations some time ago especially if you visit the area during the high season.

History of Trikala Korinthias

Trikala Korinthias is one of the oldest settlements of Killini also known as Ziria. Killini was the biggest of the Arcadian mountains during the Antiquity. According to Greek mythology Killini was the place where Hermes was born (Cave of Hermes) and Hera and Hercules were also raised here. Pausanias, the famous Greek geographer, visited the area during the 2nd century AD and described the ancient small town of Misaion which was close to the known ancient city of Pellini. The ancient town Misaion was located in the position of the village Kato Trikala Korinthias. Pausanias described in his works that in Misaion there was a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Demetra. A feast honoring Demetra took place here and lasted for seven days. Pausanias also mentioned that near Misaion there was an important Asclepeion which was named “Kiros” and was one of the oldest and biggest sanctuaries of Asclepius. During Antiquity the sanctuaries which were dedicated to Asclepius were called “Asclepeion” and some of there were important building complexes whihc included a temple, an altar, adyton, guest houses, baths etc. People came to Asclepeion and the god Asclepius, who was the god of medicine, helped them to overcome their diseases. Pausanias described the statue of the god which was close to the biggest fountain of the area. Pausanias in the same work described the ancient city Pellini which was close to Ancient Misaion and was a more important city during that period. Ancient Pellini was excavated in 1931-1932 and is located between Xilokastro and Trikala Korithias. Graves, remains of ancient settlements and a vestige of a theater, all remains of the classical era have been found in this area. People of this ancient city were using a coin which portrayed a statue of Asclepius. This statue is probably related with the statue that there was in the ancient town Misaion. During the Ottoman occupancy Trikala Korinthias was a powerful community where Greeks and not the Turks were mainly in charge of the area. One of the most famous families in the area was the Notaras family which played an important role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Today you can see the mansion of the family at Ano Trikala Korinthias.

Sightseeing

Lakes

The hottest sightseeing here is Lake Doxa. It is an artificial lake located 2km north of the village Ancient Feneos. This route is perhaps the most beautiful in mountainous Korinthia. At the centre of the lake stands out the chapel of Agios Fanourios. The chapel was built above the remains of the old monastery of Agios Georgios which was built around 1500AD. The old monastery was destroyed because of the floods of the area. The artificial lake was created in 1995 along with the dam of 710meters. This location is ideal to enjoy a picnic if the weather is nice. A couple kilometers further from the lake there is the “new” monastery of Agios Georgios which was built in 1693 and offers an astonishing view of the lake. At the west side of the monastery there is a trap door which led to a secret room which was operated as “secret school” by monks during the Ottoman occupancy in Greece. Beside the secret school, don’t miss to admire the relics inside the temple and taste the famed sweet conserve of roses which is produced by the monks. About 1 hour drive from Trikala Korinthias you could visit the Lake Stymphalia. According to Greek mythology in this lake took place the 6th labor of Hercules. Hercules was ordered to kill the Stymphalian birds which sheltered at this lake and were causing troubles to the residents and the livestock. Hercules rattled some bronze cymbals in order to make the birds leave the dense vegetation of the lake and killed them using his arrows. Stymphalia is a big marshy lake and an important hydro biotope of Peloponnese. Here survives the fish species Phixinellusstymfalicius which lives only in Stymphalia Lake and many protected species of endemic and migratory birds have also found shelter here. Around the lake there are some remains of the Ancient Stymphalos. Close to the lake there is the Environmental Museum of Lake Stymphalia which was established in 2010. The museum is divided into two large sections. The first section emphasizes at the natural environment of the area, the geological features, the flora and the fauna and the human inhabitation of the area. At the second section you will learn everything about the professions that were developed in the area and were directly related to the environment. Lake Dasiou is a small lake close to Trikala Korinthias about 10 minutes by car from the ski center. The lake is surrounded by fir trees and is one of the most mountainous lakes in Greece (1.480m altitude). Discover the hiking routes or enjoy a picnic at the area.

The Cave of Hermes “Σπήλαιο Ερμή”

According to mythology, at the depths of this cave the Greek god Hermes was born. Here was the place where the mythical herb “Moli” was grown. According to Homeric Poems, Hermes gave this herb to Odysseus in order to protect him from the witchcraft of Kirki. It is located at the west side of Flabouritsa plateau with 1750 meters altitude. Stalactites and stalagmites are all over the place. In order to visit this cave you will need special equipment, like ropes, flashlight and proper clothing.

Activities

Hiking Routes

Mountainous Korinthia is perfect for those who love hiking. There are many marked and unmarked hiking routes of different levels of difficulty. The Flabouritsa valley is the continuation of Ano Trikala Korinthias. The valley along with the mountain Killini is included in the network “Natura 2000”. The area includes many hiking trails with enchanting routes through perennial trees. One of the most beautiful routes is the trail Barnebo – Flabouritsa. The trail starts from the 6th km of Trikalon – Zirias street and crosses the gorge of Flabouritsa. The route ends at the meadows near the Sithas River. Another popular trail is Barnebo- Cave of Hermes. This route also starts from Barnebo position and again crosses the gorge of Flabouritsa. After crossing the gorge (about 3 hours) you will meet the path that leads to the Cave of Hermes. It is a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites however those who want to climb down inside the cave will need special equipment. Some other popular hiking trails you might want to discover around this area is Barnebo –Pouliou Ochtos, Monastery of Agios Vlassis – Kleisoura, Kefalari – Lake Dasiou, Ano Trikala – Perdikoula and many more!

Skiing - The ski center of Ziria

The ski center of Ziria is located about 10km away from Ano Trikala Korinthias. It is ideal for all the family because it is equipped with a baby lift of 100 meters altitude for amateur ski lovers. For the more experienced skiers there is a great ski slope of 700 meters altitude with a platter lift. At the ski center you can rent snow mobiles or ATV to explore the area. The area is offered also for cross country skiing and in the ski center you will find all the necessary safety equipment. Upon request there is the possibility of Heliskiing. A helicopter will transfer you from this ski center to the top of the mountain Ziria (2374meters altitude). For those who like snow and mountains but aren’t in the mood for skiing you could chill at the chalet and drink a coffee while enjoying the beautiful view.

Horse Riding

About 6,5km away from Trikala Korinthias, in settlement Rethi (Ρέθι) there is an equestrian facility. The center was established in 2006 and is equipped with all the necessary facilities, educated staff and trained horses to enjoy your rides around the beautiful locations of mountainous Korinthia. There are also ponies ideal for children who want to learn horse riding. In this equestrian center there is also an archery facility.

Jeeping

Driving a four-wheel drive is an ideal way to explore the mountainous Korinthia. There are places where you can rent a 4x4 vehicle; some of them offer experienced drivers-guides who will guide you through the more challenging routes of the area.

Villages – Excursions around Trikala Korinthias

Feneos is one of the most known villages close to Trikala Korinthias (about 24,7km away) with lots of beautiful places to visit. The old mansion of Konstantis Petroulias houses the Folklore Museum of the village where you can admire relics of Petroulia Family which date back in 1800. You will see here the traditional clothing, tools, the loom and a distillery for “tsipouro”, which is a famed Greek aperitif. At the northeast of Feneos village, about 1,5km away, there is the unique watermill of the area, the Watermill of Dimakos, which is preserved and operates until today. Close to Feneos you should visit Ancient Feneos which is also a beautiful village. At the central square of the village you will find the Archaeological museum. The most important finding here is a marble female head which was probably dedicated to the goddess of health and dates back to 150 BC. Near the village there is the archaeological site with the acropolis of the ancient city. While visiting this place don’t forget to visit the beautiful Lake Doxa which is mentioned above. After Feneos you could continue to Goura which is a village with traditional stone houses. Among these houses stands out the mansion of the chieftain Nikolaos Gouras who is known for his contribution during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. At the centre of the village you will find the large central square with the perennial yew. Next to the square there is the church of Taxiarchon. Around this area there are plenty of traditional cafes where you can drink a coffee before continuing your excursions. There are also guest houses in the area in case you would like to overnight here. After Goura you could continue towards the South and end up to Kastania village, about 39km away from Trikala Korinthias. Kastania is one of the most known villages around the area ideal for enjoying a hot drink! Close to Kastania village you could also visit the Lake Stymphalia. Starting from Trikala Korinthias, about 7km away, you could visit Karia village. Karia is located in an altitude of 1300 meters! The village has about 40 permanent residents who raise livestock and cultivate the lands. Here you could visit the historical byzantine church which is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and was built in 13th century. Continue your way towards North and you will end up to Evrostina village also known as Zacholi village. Find the church of Agios Georgios which is surrounded by cypress trees. The church was built in 1811 and has 17 domes. At the yards of the houses you might see lotuses, which are picked by the locals, who make compotes. Manna village (860m altitude) is also a nice excursion opportunity from Trikala Korinthias. From this village start many hiking routes that cross the mountain. The village was established around 1800 and contributed in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Today it has about 700 residents and the main economical activities are livestock raising and agriculture. Some of the products you could taste here is the raisin, apples, olive oil and apricots. In the village you could come across many beautiful churches and chapels. Ano Tarsos and Kato Tarsos are two almost deserted villages of the mountainous Korinthia. From the Kato Tarsos follow the dirt track (of about 500meters) that leads to the monastery which is built inside the rocks. The name of the monastery “Παναγιά του Βράχου” means the Virgin of the Rocks due to its amazing location that reminds the famous monasteries of Meteora.