We decided to visit a favourite place, just 150 km from Athens, Trikala of Corinthia, a leading domestic travel choice for a number of years.
Preparing to take off for our short escape from Athens to Trikala of Corinthia, we opted for an Avis car rental, choosing an SUV that was ideal for our trip’s needs, as it combined spaciousness with reliability. The vehicle selection and booking procedure, very simple, was conducted online, and we had our vehicle at the precise time we had requested. Besides offering very fair car rental rates, Avis also offers energy-efficient electric cars, a crucial option to have given the elevated fuel costs at present.
We were soon driving along the Athens-Patras highway. Once passed Xylokastro, and having taken a left turn headed for Corinthian Trikala, the landscape altered. During our approach towards Kato Trikala, where we had booked accommodation, we passed by beautiful villages and vineyards, where the region’s trademark product, the renowned Corinthian raisin, has been cultivated for centuries. It is harvested this time of year and left to dry.
Kato Trikala, set at an altitude of 900 metres, is probably the most modest of the three neighboring Trikala districts – Kato (lower)Trikala, Mesaia (middle) Trikala and Ano (upper) Trikala. Kato Trikala features many well-kept houses and guest houses, all built in accordance with traditional architectural design; a lovely square with two towering plane trees; and Agios Dimitrios, a significant church from 1697 that is made special by its unique murals.
We decided to visit Corinthian Trikala’s two other districts the next day. The weather was fine and it was not yet late, so we got back into our car for a drive. About a quarter of an hour later we were on the slopes hosting the Ziria ski resort. It was mid-September and, as expected, too early for snow. Even so, the ski lift, still not operating, and the fir trees surrounding the pistes created a lovely setting.
We hopped back into our car and headed for Lake Doxa, an artificial lake. In between, we stopped at Goura, a village 1,200 metres above sea level. Its charming main square has traditional cafes and tavernas. The stone church at the square is a standout feature, while three mansions, the Economou-Goura, Sarlis and Mourtis mansions, all from the 19th century, are also key village features.
After our coffee break at Goura, we carried on for the Feneos Valley, renowned for its legumes, until we reached Lake Doxa.
Lovely alpine setting
Lake Doxa, a delightful artificial lake, was developed relatively recently. A related dam project that led to the lake’s creation was completed in the late 1990s.
While exploring the lake’s surrounds we met local producers who spoke to us about their products, including honey, cheese and sourdough bread.
By sunset, we were heading back for Corinthian Trikala. Dinner and sleep followed. Next morning, we explored Corinthian Trikala’s two other districts. Mesaia Trikala is fully developed, in terms of tourism, with lots of cafes, restaurants, tavernas and shops selling local products. We then walked further up to Ano Trikala, seeing, along the way, old houses, some of these restored and others in bad shape; springs and taps offering drinking water; and lots of greenery. At Ano Trikala, we were 1,100 metres above sea level, an elevated position with countless spots offering impressive views. As for local attractions, the Notaras Tower, a residence of the aristocratic and wealthy Notaras family where Gerasimos of Kefalonia, patron saint of the island Kefaloni, was born in 1506, is the district’s most famous landmark. We were left feeling perplexed and fascinated by the solid-standing yet deserted Theofilia hotel, nowadays defunct following a glamorous past during which many celebrities stayed at the hotel.
On the third and final day of our stay in mountainous Corinthia, we explored the wider region. Courtesy of our Avis car rental solution we had the privilege of seeing many wonderful settings while driving along both paved and dirt roads.
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