Grevena
Grevena: what to see around Mesolouri
Waterfalls, stone bridges, Valia Calda and Vasilitsa. A short guide to our area, for every season.
Mesolouri, where our fields are, lies on the eastern slopes of the Pindus mountains at 1,020 metres, in the valley of the Venetikos river. If you visit the area, here is what is worth seeing, from our village to the mountains around it.
The waterfalls of Mesolouri
Three waterfalls, one after another, just outside the village. They are at their best in spring, when the snow melts. We wrote more about Mesolouri and its waterfalls.
The stone bridges of the Venetikos
The area is full of stone bridges, built over the Venetikos and the other tributaries of the Aliakmonas.
- The Portitsa bridge, between Spilaio and Trikomo, with two uneven arches. It is perhaps the most beautiful and best-known bridge in the area, set in a narrow gorge.
- The Aziz Aga bridge, near Trikomo, one of the largest stone bridges in Macedonia.
In Spilaio, below Mount Orliakas, the village itself is worth a walk.
Valia Calda
The Pindus National Park, known as Valia Calda (“warm valley” in the Vlach language), on the border of Grevena and Ioannina. One of the most untouched forests in Greece, with black pine, Bosnian pine, streams and trails. Ideal for hiking from spring to autumn.
Vasilitsa
The Vasilitsa ski centre is the reason many people come to the area in winter. The best time for skiing and snowboarding is usually December to March.
The Mushroom Festival
Grevena is known as “the city of mushrooms”. Every year, usually in August, it holds a Mushroom Festival with tastings, exhibitions and forest walks with experienced foragers.
When to come
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| Spring | Waterfalls in full flow, hiking, slopes in bloom |
| Summer | Valia Calda, the Mushroom Festival, cool mountain air, the season when mountain tea flowers |
| Autumn | Forest colours, mushrooms, stone bridges |
| Winter | Skiing at Vasilitsa, snowy villages, a hot cup of mountain tea |
If you are nearby, let us know. We are happy to suggest routes.