Paleokarya's Bridge, Pyli, Trikala, Thessaly
Located in the northwestern Thessaly region in central Greece, the prefecture of Trikala is a beautiful area, harmoniously combining the joys of mountains and evergreen plains. It has a fabulous climate dominated by blue skies and a bright sun.
Built in the fertile plain of Thessaly, the prefecture's homonymous capital Trikala is the Homeric Trika (Trikki), one of the places touted as the birthplace of physician-god Asklepios, whose old sanctuary, or Asklepeion, is located in the city's central square. Modern Trikala is a city with many beauties, splendid mansions, good street layout, open squares, parks and pedestrian zone.
Meteora, Trikala, Thessaly
In the western part of Thessaly, a rare geological phenomenon has created an uncanny stone state, a group of looming rocks thrusting skywards and known as Meteora, because they indeed seem to hang or hover over (meteoro in Greek) above the plain. First inhabited by hermits in the 11th century, the rocks summits were the site where monasteries were built in the 14th century, a few of which still survive today, tended by monks and nuns. The area is included in UNESCO's World Heritage sites list.
Kalambaka, Trikala, Thessaly
Built in the shadow of Meteora, Kalambaka is a town with rich history and important monuments, including the centuries-old Church of the Assumption of the Virgin at the feet of the rock of Agia.
Combining with the hospitality of the locals, the unique infrastructure in Trikala attracts thousands of tourists throughout the mountainous areas of Pindos (Elati, Pertouli, Neraeidohori) and Koziaka (Pyli, arched bridge of Pyli ), which serve as a springboard for multiple trekking trips through wooded areas, mountain climbing or rafting.
Kayaking, Trikala, Thessaly
Aspropotamos is undoubtedly one of Greece's jewels, featuring an imposing and spellbinding landscape, rare wild flowers growing in abundance and a rich fir forest with River Acheloos flowing amidst them. Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, trekking, air gliding, riding, rafting and skiing are only some of the activities that visitors can enjoy in the Pindos Mountains area.
Tranquil hamlets are strewn throughout the region, giving the impression that time has stood still there. Thousands of visitors enjoy year-round vacations at comfortable accommodating, tasting local delicacies, home-grown wine and tsipouro, while tradition has been kept alive through a multitude of open-air festivities taking place usually near chapels in honour of the saints.
Trikala, Thessaly, by Y.Skoulas, courtesy of GNTO, www.visitgreece.gr