Karpenissi

Fresh air, stunning scenery, and wholesome food await in Karpenissi, a lively town perched at the head of a valley amid dense forests, gorges, and towering mountains. Often called the “Greek Switzerland,” the region is perfect for exploration, hiking, and trekking, with meadows, waterfalls, traditional villages, and monasteries scattered across the surrounding landscape.

Karpenissi itself is vibrant all year round. In winter, its ski slopes attract snow sports enthusiasts, while summer brings walkers and nature lovers to explore the lush mountains. Taverns serve hearty, locally sourced cuisine, ensuring visitors are spoilt for choice with authentic Greek flavours.

A short drive from town, Koryshades enchants with stone houses and ornate wooden balconies, while further afield, Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio lie below Mount Helidona (1,973m) and Mount Kaliakouda (2,101m). These remote villages were important centres of resistance during World War II, and the Resistance Museum in Koryshades preserves their extraordinary history.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find excellent mountain hiking, with waymarked trails leading across forests and peaks, rewarding walkers with breathtaking vistas and encounters with nature at its most unspoilt.

Karpenissi perfectly blends adventure, culture, and authentic Greek mountain life, making it an ideal stop on a fly-drive itinerary through mainland Greece.