The picturesque Elatohori with its wild mountain beauty, located in the eastern Pieria Mountains, is an ideal destination for those seeking moments of relaxation and tranquillity, exploring its picturesque -and sometimes snow-covered- paths, on the wooded hillsides that resemble, without exaggeration, a painting.
Note that the Pieria Mountains are one of the most densely forested mountain ranges in Greece, dominated by beech and black pine, extending north-west of Mount Olympus, between the prefectures of Pieria, Imathia and Kozani, and are perfectly accessible and gentle. Large forests of fir and chestnut trees stand out on the mountain, while plane, maple and willow trees are found next to streams with gurgling waters. The highest peak is Flambouro (2,193 m), while the mountain slopes are dotted with hiking trails.
The rich flora includes all the common species of neighbouring Olympus, such as pink anemones, salep (Anacamptis morio), wild carnations, wild strawberries and of course the famous mountain tea (Sideritis scardica). The mountain is included in the Natura 2000 network and many small heritage villages on its slopes.
It is no coincidence that the nine muses of Greek mythology, who entertained the gods of Olympus with divine melodies and hymns, lived in this beautiful natural environment of great harmony, just opposite the imposing Mount Olympus.
Covered with dense forests, facing the Mountain of the Gods, the Pieria Mountains attract hiking and recreation lovers, as well as sports enthusiasts who enjoy the adrenaline rush all year round. The Elatohori Ski Centre offers a range of winter sports, while at the same time the mountains are ideal for climbing or exploring trails and forest roads on mountain bikes and 4×4 jeeps.
Picturesque Elatohori
Via Katerini, we found ourselves on the eastern side of the Pieria Mountains, at about 1000m altitude, in Elatohori (28km / 36 min.). The wild beauty of the landscape, as well as the view to Mount Olympus, is striking. Consisting of an earlier and a later settlement, the village constitutes a top winter destination, mainly due to the ski resort about 8km to the west.
The original settlement was completely destroyed in 1944, when the Germans executed 32 inhabitants of the village in retaliation for the activity of resistance groups in the area. Only the church of Agios Nikolaos (17th century) survived their wrath. After 1950, the inhabitants built the present settlement a little further away, which in current years has been working hard to become an alternative destination for mountain activities such as hiking and cycling, mountaineering and winter sports at the ski resort. Today the population of the village amounts to 500 inhabitants.
Hiking trails around Elatohori
In the main square of the old settlement local Mountain Leader Sotiria Oustampasidou is waiting for us. She is one of the very few people who know the Pieria Mountains from end to end, along with their beautiful secrets. One can understand her love and passion for the Mountain of the Muses upon meeting her. “Look at all this beauty. The nine muses – Clio, Thalia, Efterpe, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Urania and Calliope- could not have chosen another mountain as their home”, she points out, providing further information about the nine muses of Greek mythology, “Originally these deities were Nymphs of the mountain and waters. Daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, the Muses were believed to support and encourage creation, enhancing imagination and relieving humans from their burdens”.
With the map of the Pieria Mountains spread out on the table, Sotiria informs us about the paths and routes around Elatohori, so that we can choose which one to follow on our excursion.
“From the old settlement of Elatohori we can follow a small scenic route next to a stream towards Keramida, hike to the Elatohori Ski Centre (1,500 m.) which is now open all year round and continue to Arvanitis (2,023 m.). From there we can continue higher if we want. We can also start from the village in the direction of the Ski Centre, but from Nikola Pigadi (1,100 m) and go uphill to the botanical path of Erato or the mushroom path where we can admire the beautiful waterfall Sotiri Rema. We can also hike for 3 hours from the point Nikola Pigadi and end up at the old Elatohori, passing by Keramida – a three-hour route with an easy terrain and no altitude variations.
Also, a fairly easy and short route is the one that starts from the old settlement and reaches Loura, where there is a wonderful balcony overlooking the imposing waterfall of the same name. The latter is suitable for more extreme outdoor activities and unforgettable photos; finally, starting again from the village, a path next to the stream leads to the famous Ai Neri”.
Eventually, we decided to follow the most popular path of the area, the botanical path of Erato, which ends at the Instagrammable waterfall Sotiris Rema that especially at this time of the year is dressed in white.
The botanical path of Erato
Almost 4 km before the Ski Centre, the forest road on the right leads to a real natural jewel known locally as Sotiri Rema; a beautiful path on the mountain slopes which marks the Botanical path of Erato and leads to a beautiful forked waterfall. The trail is 1,700 metres long and is ideal for both hiking and cycling with the whole family.
he fountain at Nikola Pigadi and a forest recreation area with tables and benches. Snow is not a problem, but you should definitely wear waterproof anti-skid boots. The names of the different spots along the trails are of course related to local stories and legends.
The spectacle is truly rewarding. The low temperatures have formed impressive little ice stalactites around the waterfall and there is a small bridge leading so close to it that the dew gently touches your face.
“What I really like about this path is that it goes through the forest, a place full of herbs and gurgling water that changes colours with the season. Moreover, there are no altitude variations, thus it is not tiring and it is also accessible even for people with mobility problems, either by car or wheelchair”, adds Sotiria.
Following the water at Ai Neri
We decided to follow a beautiful route by the water that starts from the south side of the new settlement. Following a stone path, we ended up in a gorge of exceptional beauty and Ai Neri. There is a small chapel where, according to tradition, Agios Antonios practised asceticism. Locals believe that the water falling from the roof of the small cave has healing and overall beneficial properties. The route really ends in the best way. As Sotiria tells us, if it were summer we would dive into the water to cool off, as many people do.
Back in Elatohori
We returned to the picturesque village and spent the night at the Boutique Hotel Atrion in the old settlement of Elatohori. A unique complex of high aesthetics and style, with wonderful antiques, family heirlooms and paintings from their personal collection that decorate the rooms, offering a warm, welcoming and intimate environment. The spa offers moments of relaxation, well-being and tranquillity (+30 23510 82300, www.atrionhotel.gr)
We enjoyed flavourful local grilled meats and grilled spit roasts at the famous local tavern “To Palio Sxoleio”, which apart from amazing food also features a pleasant interior and a large welcoming fireplace. The tavern operates in the premises of the old school of the village, preserving its atmosphere, with dozens of children’s paintings on the walls (+30 23510 82750)
As far as local products are concerned, the region is famous for Olympus Tea (Sideritis scardica) which is considered one of the best herbs in Greece and gives a first-class infusion all year round. We visited the “Althea Estate” in the new settlement, got to see the production process and of course we bought tea for a year (+30 6997 263064, www.teaofolympus.com)
Elatohori on the map
Elatohori is 463 km from Athens (about 5 hours) and 97 km from Thessaloniki (about one and a half hour). The nearest airport is Macedonia in Thessaloniki (128 km / less than two hours).
Info:
Sotiria Oustampasidou / www.facebook.com/oustampasot / +30 6974 809060
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