Evrytania, a Greek regional unit and the capital of Karpenisi, in central Greece, is among the country’s most popular mountainous regions. The combination of greenery, rushing waters and remarkable local cuisine satisfies even the most demanding visitor.
A point of reference for the area and one of the most popular destinations in central Greece is Megalo Horio, situated at an altitude of 720 meters on Mount Kaliakouda, and very close to the Karpenisiotis River.
The name of the village indicates that it is indeed a significant spot in the region, but don’t imagine Megalo Horio as a huge settlement. There is a main road with tourist shops, a sprawling square with a tall Clock Tower and a large plane tree, a Folklore Museum with important exhibits, several traditional taverns, and cafes.
However, in just 20 minutes you can cross the village, and admire the many restored and renovated houses with stone as their dominant element along the way. Behind the houses, there is a cobblestone alley that turns into a stone fence and finally a wall.
Should you find yourself in Megalo Horio on the eve of the Epiphany, you will witness an impressive local custom, the “Kalimera”. In the afternoon of the eve, men gather to sing the local carols and at the last house of the village. The money collected will be used for the village’s big traditional feast. From the parking area of Megalo Horio starts a trail towards Kefalovryso, leading to the ravine with the bridges. A wonderful forest is located just two steps from the touristy main road.
Therefore, it is certain that in Evrytania, you will enjoy unique hiking excursions in nature, with dirt paths through the fir trees, but also rare helical dirt roads for those who love off-road driving. Additionally, the area is suitable for adventure sports such as rafting, canoe kayaking, and paragliding.
Located about 20 kilometers from the village is the Proussos Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Greece, which also houses a small museum where you can see the armor of Karaiskakis. It is built in an idyllic location in an area inhabited by animals such as brown bears, wild boars, partridges, hares, and jackdaws. In this text, we will delve a bit deeper into a natural sight with seasonal accessibility.
In the Marvelous “Panta Vrehei”
Megalo Horio can serve as an excellent base for exploring the wider area, and one of the most beautiful spots is “Panta Vrehei”, one of the most impressive water attractions in the country. However, be aware that this can only happen during the summer months and September, as for the rest of the year, the Krikelopotamos has much more water and it is not possible to cross it on foot.
The “Panta Vrehei” waterfalls, not an entirely accurate term, are part of a gorge about 80 meters in length, amidst the wild nature of southern Evrytania. The gorge is crossed by the Krikelopotamos river that flows between the mountains of Kaliakouda and Platanaki.
This is a landscape where the mountain and water beautifully combine, allowing the emergence of an entire ecosystem. In the waters of “Panta Vrehei” live trout and otters, which, of course, are rarely spotted by humans.
Arriving at the waterfalls, you will be amazed by the aquatic wonder created by nature. The crystal-clear waters come from the southern slopes of Kaliakouda and fall from the rocks on their way to the Krikelopotamos, as with other naturally formed waterfalls. In this case, however, the height is significant, resulting in the solid flow being dispersed and creating this illusion of rain.
It goes without saying that on the day you visit “Panta Vrehei” you must have been informed that the weather conditions are suitable, while you will need closed shoes and a waterproof backpack for whatever items you want to have with you.
Some tips and information for a trip to the area
Megalo Horio is 295 kilometers from Athens, 325 kilometers from Thessaloniki, 82 kilometers from Lamia, and 13 kilometers from Karpenisi.
From Athens, it will cost around 55 euros for gas and tolls to get there in approximately three and a half hours, while from Thessaloniki, it will cost about 70 euros for gas and tolls to reach Megalo Horio in about four hours and 20 minutes.
For those who love history, it is worth visiting the village of Koryschades (12 kilometers away from Megalo Horio), where the National Resistance Museum is located. It is housed in the old school, which from May 14 to 27, 1944, was used as the meeting place of the National Council of the organization that emerged from the secret elections organized in occupied Greece by the Political Committee of National Liberation.
A trip to Evrytania is recommended for those who love food in its most passionate form. You can read more about the excellent products of the area here.
Naturally, such a place also boasts restaurants.
The weather in Evrytania is nothing like that in the plain. Even if you visit there in the summer, it is a good idea to bring a jacket and waterproof shoes.
Apart from “Panta Vrehei”, another (much larger) water feature worth exploring is the Kremaston Lake.
