Elati, a village situated in the country’s mid-north, 32 km from provincial city Trikala, at an altitude of 921 metres, alongside a dense forest of fir trees covering the sky, has generated considerable tourism interest in recent years. The spot is occasionally described as the “Switzerland of Greece”, possibly as a result of its charming stone and wood houses, though a more realistic description would be “Greece’s Other Arahova”, inspired by the popular winter resort in the mainland’s south, which is a deserved title given the beauty Elati has to offer. The spot combines a scenic Thessaly mountain setting with the development of a fully organised destination.
Elati is a very old village with ancient traces. Discoveries indicate that, beyond its ancient presence, the spot was founded in the years following 1453’s Fall of Constantinople, the capture of the Byzantine Empire’s capital by the Ottoman Empire, possibly as Tyrna, the village’s name until 1955. Many Elati locals still call the village by this name. According to tradition, Cosmas of Aetolia, a key figure of the Greek Orthodox Church who was canonised in 1961, is estimated to have been in the area in 1778. The village was burned down by the Nazi German army in 1943 in retaliation to guerilla action in the wider region.
Elati remained widely unknown until the 1980s but was a popular hunting spot. Tourism began developing in the 1990s, mildly, which has helped highlight the location’s attributes in an unadulterated fashion and maintain its fine integration with the striking natural beauty of the Pindos mountain chain.
Best time of the year to visit
These days, Elati attracts visitors throughout the year. Though definitely a charming place to visit during the spring and summer months, its winter-season setting is earning the village an increasingly popular reputation. Of course, this time of year carries the risk of rainfall and snow in the area, which can affect mobility for regional tours, but, even so, Elati, itself, possesses abundant charm to more than compensate.
Where to stay
Remaining unsatisfied by the guesthouses offered in Elati is highly unlikely as the destination’s accommodation standards are very high. Arktos Suites combines strategic location, at the centre of the village, just 30 metres from the square, with a lovely view of Mount Koziakas. Fretzato, another good choice, more or less at the same price, adds a quality local touch to its offering with a well-prepared breakfast buffet that includes local marmalades and pies.
Where to eat
Food is one of the region’s big pleasures. Many residents of nearby Trikala often drive to Elati for local meat dishes, including game, at one of the village’s charming tavernas. Papanastasiou, one of Elati’s oldest tavernas, dating back more than 60 years, is recommended for local sausages, roast lamb with pasta, or wild boar, typically available during winter. Lagos, a grill, has a reputation stretching all the way to Trikala for its kontosouvli (pork spit-roast). Locals like to boast about Anogi, a small taverna five minutes from Elati, on the slopes of Mount Koziakas, whose menu includes handmade pie with greens, roe deer casserole in a tomato-based sauce with chestnut puree, as well as goat soup.
Coffee and drinks
Kehri is one of the most elegant places on the village’s main road, with comfortable seating, a wooden floor and distinctive décor. Krypti, another standard choice, serves lovely sweets, while its cellar has been knowledgably compiled. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a Diplomatico rum next to the fireplace. For nightlife, Grizzly Bear is recommended, especially if you prefer classic rock and jazz sounds. Try the bar’s signature cocktail, Drunken Bear.
5 things worth doing in Elati
One of the main reasons Elati has become a destination has to do with the many different things visitors can enjoy without having to go too far. Visitors with a few days at their disposal, and a vehicle, can discover the beauty in surrounding areas while maintaining Elati as a base. Before beginning to plan trekking expeditions and excursions in surrounding areas, do not skip taking a good look around the village. Its cobbled paths lead to various old village taps, as well as grand old houses. The Gidaris family house, the oldest surviving house in the village, built in 1845 and resembling a monastery, is worth locating. Also check out the small shops stocked with local goods. One of these, Likno, sells homemade marmalades and top-quality handmade pasta. If at the village on a Saturday, visit the local fruit and vegetable market (laiki), where grannies from the region sell local aromatic herbs. Definitely buy some linden (flamouri).
Become acquainted with the local history
If you enjoy combining exploration with visits to sites of historical as well as archaeological interest, Elati offers castle ruins and remnants of an ancient settlement, on the southeast side, towards the neighbouring village Kalogiroi. Archaeologists have associated these remnants with the ancient city Potnaio, the capital of ancient area Aithikia. The Aithikians were an ancient Greek people about whom little is known. It is believed they were based, from Homeric times, at the location, controlling corridors leading to the rest of Thessaly as well as Epirus. Also, Koimisis Tis Theotokou church, at the centre of Elati, may have been built relatively recently, in 1958, but it hosts the original village church’s altarpiece, crafted in 1822 by wood sculptors from Epirus.
Trekking at Mount Koziakas
Even if covered in snow, Elati offers unique trekking opportunities through the location’s surrounding nature. Trekking along well-kept and safe trails leads, with ease, to various refuges on the slopes of Mount Koziakas. These trails offer superb mountain views. The forest around Elati is dense. It features many deciduous trees at lower altitudes and an increasing number of fir trees higher up. The area is also habitat for bears. Seeing traces of their existence is possible.
Try climbing at Kokkinos Vrahos
An organised rock climbing platform is available at the Kokkinos Vrahos (Red Rock) location, just 15 minutes from the village. The rock, 60 metres high and offering a panoramic view that reaches Mount Avgo’s Marosa peak, offers seven climbing routes of varying degree of difficulty. All seven routes are fully equipped with necessary safety features.
Organise excursions to neighbouring villages
Many picturesque villages that can be easily reached on wheels, especially when the weather is favourable, surround Elati. Pertouli is a destination itself, but lesser-known villages also deserve the visitor’s attention. These include Neraidohori, Desi, featuring small waterfalls and an impressive gorge, as well as Pyrra, where the homemade meatballs and pies served at the local village café are truly amazing.
