Nestled between mountains, lakes and rivers, shrouded by a magnificent forest of fir, beech and chestnut trees, which every autumn fabricate an astonishing mosaic of green, yellow and orange, Orini Nafpaktia is – in a nutshell- a blessed place.
There are many villages in the area, yet we chose four of them, all featuring beautiful hiking trails through dense forests, streaming waters and springs for all levels, some easier than others and some of moderate difficulty, but all of them unique. Download maps, choose a route, put on your climbing gear and head up the mountain. Always be respectful towards nature, consult the weather forecast before every hike and ask locals about the condition of the trails, as the rains often alter them or their signage.
Ano Hora
Located on the northeastern slopes of the mountain peak Syrta, at an altitude of 1060 metres, Ano Hora is the most visited and perhaps most beautiful village of the mountains of Nafpaktia. To get here, you will need to travel a lovely winding route through fir, cedar, chestnut and oak trees. Amphitheatrically built, the village boasts charming stone houses, picturesque uphill cobbled streets and stunning views of the surrounding wooded mountain peaks, covered by a golden yellow mantle of foliage every autumn.
Enjoy the first coffee of the day at the main square of the village, where the heart of every Greek village beats. Even if you came completely unprepared, here you may find any information you might be looking for, for instance, which are the best hiking routes, where to have the most delicious lamb chops and where to try the best tsipouro (Greek spirit). Besides, the area is famous for its tsipouro, as well as for the chestnut festival. There are many beautiful hiking trails starting from the village of Ano Hora leading to the surrounding villages, such as Kato Hora, Ambelakiotissa and Kryoneria.
The woodsy route that starts from the village, passes by the old stone bridge and leads to Syrmatogefyro, the Vouthla waterfall and Kakkavou Gorge, as well as the shorter one leading to the chapel of Agia Paraskevi and the Tsourna waterfall, are both very beautiful.
Kato Hora
Perched on the slopes of Mt Kerasovouni, between two rivulets that join to form the Lobotianitiko stream, the village of Kato Hora is smaller and less frequented than Ano Hora, but equally beautiful. Moreover, the village of Kato Hora features a lot of hiking trails, too. Starting from the village, you may follow a circular route towards the fir and chestnut covered chapel of Agia Paraskevi until you reach the Tsourna waterfall and then follow the route towards Ano and Kato Hora in order to return.
A longer – even more beautiful- route is the one to Agia Triada. The path starts from the primary school and goes north of the village.
After passing the Katohoritis stone bridge, curry on towards the chapel, the route might be a bit more uphill now, but it is very rewarding, as firs, cedars and plane trees create an enchanting lush scenery. Catch your breath at the chapel of Agia Triada, fill up your bottles with cool water from the spring and set on your way back.
Ambelakiotissa
Surrounded by high mountain peaks, Kozitsa, as it is known to the old-timers, is an amphitheatrically built village, choked in greenery – like most villages in the region- and sparsely-populated. Do not expect any luxuries or fashionable guest houses here. Things are kept simple and the pace is much more relaxed. Ambelakiotissa leaves in the shadow of the 1456 monastery of Panagia Ambelakiotissa, which boasts some extraordinary relics such as the icon of the Virgin Mary, a 1735 embroidered epitaph, work of Mariora – a renowned artisan from Constantinople-, and the forearm of St Polycarp of Smyrna. A monastery worth visiting.
Located at the main square of the village, the parish church of Agios Nikolaos is splendid. The temple’s 1748 carved wooden altarpiece and caisson ceiling are quite unique. In addition, there are more or less ten fountains around the village, such as Skobodo, Logga, katihoritis, Bozoula, Stamati etc. Some of them lie next to streams, others in the woods and others on the road to the village where passers-by can quench their thirst. If you want to explore the area, take the path that connects Ambelakiotissa with Ano Hora, passing through the magnificent Kakkavou Gorge featuring a large stone bridge and a small wooden one that both offer stunning views.
Elatou
At an altitude of 1050 metres, surrounded by dense fir forest, Elatou is one of the most beautiful villages in the entire region. The route to the village is reason enough to visit Elatou. Another reason is the village in and of itself; beautiful stone houses, charming cobbled streets and enchanting paths through the forest. Starting from the village, you can follow five different hiking trails such as the one to Skotomeno or to the chapels of Agia Paraskevi and Agios Georgios, walking through pristine pristine forests.
For those who want a short and easy route there is the one to the source of Poly Nero. If you have a 4×4 you can also climb to the top of Omalia from where the view reaches all the way to the Corinthian Gulf. But, first ask the locals about the road’s condition, as the rains often cause damages on the roadway.
