In the central part of Greece there is a remote area called the "little Switzerland of Greece".  The area in Greek is known as Evritania and the central town is named Karpenisi.  (Most people when they refer to Karpenisi are also referring to the whole region of Evritania, the words will be used interchangeably.)

As a result of this region being as remote as it is, it has remained pretty underdeveloped.  In fact it remains one of the poorest areas of all of Greece.  Much famine and war has inflicted this part of Greece -- right after World War II Greece was torn by a civil war and  the province of Evritania was the site of many ugly battles.  It is important throughout your travels to this part of Greece to be sensitive to the past suffering of the people of this region and to its continued poverty.

Behind this tough yet proud history, there exist pristine forests, beautiful rivers and lakes.  Most of Greece is arid and dry but in Karpenisi there is much greenery and forestation.  Whi

The traditional way of lifeAre you a nature lover? Do you seek the kind of thrill that will pump up your adrenalin? Karpenisi is the ideal destination as there is a multitude of activities for you throughout the year. So, don’t waste time, take a trip to the heart of Greek nature and see ravines with impressive waterfalls, dense forested areas and rapid river waters!

For water loversFollow Krikellopotamos’ crystal clear waters amidst a verdant landscape. This route of remarkable beauty will take you all the way to the ravine of Panta-Vrechei [Always raining]. This well-known ravine owes its name to the impressive waterfalls which form ponds ideal for swimming; for those interested, the surrounding rocks are amazing natural climbing tracks. Another destination for climbers is the Black Cave where you will be able to combine hiking with climbing on a via ferrata [Italian for iron road] which means climbing on a rock where iron fixtures provide safety. Cascading waters will keep you company along the way.Let Tavropos and Trikeriotis rivers fascinate you with their rapid waterways. Sailing down Trikeriotis river will give an adrenalin rush to rafting fans whereas Tavropos river is a pleasant waterway for those less advanced or even for beginners. If you look for calmer waters, then Kremaston Lake is the best option for you as serenity and out of sight natural beauty will definitely win you

over. It is a fine swimming destination in the summer and great for canoeing or kayaking all year round.

For land sports fansGrab your bicycle and ride on! The Karpenisi environs are just perfect for mountain bikingthrough forests of fir and chestnut, as well as for horseback riding by the river. Lead your horse along the picturesque pathways which follow the course of Karpenisiotis river and feel you are an integral part of nature. The route ends at the impressive bridge in Koryschades village. For car or bike fansTurn the engine on and head for Mt. Kaliakouda! It is the perfect destination if you love four wheel drives or on-off motorcycle riding. Feel your adrenalin rising as you follow the forest road in the fir tree woods all the way to the mountain hut on a 1,450m. elevation. The view of the Karpenisi basin is simply breathtaking! For snow sports fansIf you’re interested in snow sports, make sure you visit Velouchi Ski Centre. There are 9 skipistes, 3 off-piste runs and 2 snowboard pistes for you to try your skills on! Apart from ski-related sports though, there are also other equally exciting activities on this mountain, such as paragliding flights with all of Karpenisi town under your feet! It’s worth a try!

Discover local culinary treasuresAll these sports activities on the mountain are definitely going to whet your appetite! Taste Evrytania country sausages with or without leek, local pies and river trout at nearby tavernas. Try the top quality organic prosciutto made of a black indigenous breed of swine, a delicacy which was known as ‘akrokolion’ in antiquity; nowadays it is produced at Prouso village. The product was awarded the second prize in the international gastronomic competition in Sicily, and the plant where it is produced is one of the sights in the area! If you are a cheese-lover, make sure you taste feta cheese as well as Tsalafouti, a local cheese. Tsipouro drink or mouro, a type of local drink whose taste is similar to tsipouro, will make a fine accompaniment to your meal. Trachanas, some herbal mountain tea and fragrant honey from fir forests in the area are products you should definitely add to your buys before leaving. Visit the local monuments and sightsVisit the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Church built in the 16th century, in the town centre, the impressive Panagia I Prousiotissa Monastery perched on the crags of Prouso, the Transfiguration of Christ Monastery in Vracha, and the late Byzantine Domianon Monastery with beautiful murals, in Ktimenioi.Go for a stroll to nearby Kefalovryso, the place where Markos Botsaris was killed, a great Greek 19th century revolutionary leader. Visit his monument and take a short rest on the stone bench under the age-old plane trees. Within a short distance lies traditionally built Koryschades village where there is a very interesting Museum of National Resistance. If you have an interest for local traditions, then the Folk Art Museums in Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio are definitely recommended for you.

Where to stayRelax in one of the luxury hotels in Karpenisi with a lovely mountain view, live romantic moments in wooden chalets covered in snow on the outskirts of the forest or enjoy the local hospitality in one of the traditional guest houses. Karpenisi is able to cater for all tastes! How to get thereFeel the magic of the route! The usual way to reach Karpenisi is via Lamia. It is a 75 km journey from one town to the other, through a lush forest you will most certainly find enchanting! The road will lead you to Tymfristos tunnel which is the most popular ‘gate of entrance’ to the town. Tip: in the winter it is best that you have snow chains with you!