Menu
Menu
Prepare your stuff, your backpack, and your equipment. Get into the van, and the adventure begins. Arrive at the refuge and set up your tent amidst nature. It’s time to relax. Wake up in the morning and feel the mountain air engulfing you. Prepare your breakfast, put on your boots, and grab your backpack. The hike begins. Look around as the grandeur of nature and boundless beauty unfolds. Feel the icy waters of the river and venture deep into the forest. It’s time for a refreshing dip. Return to the refuge and enjoy a meal with traditional flavors. Walk through the beautiful village of Vovousa and admire the stone arched bridge while relaxing at the charming traditional café in the square. Wake up in the morning and seize the last day of the trip. Explore up close the famous lake with the water lilies and admire its beauty. Get into the van and continue to the next lake. Relax on its lush green shore and enjoy a picnic amidst nature while thinking all the magical moments you’ve experienced during these three days.
Learn this too:
The National Park of Pindos “Valia Calda” is one of the most important and pristine forests in Greece. It covers an area of approximately 69,000 hectares, divided into the core and peripheral zones of the park. It is located in the Pindos mountain range, on the borders of the Grevena and Ioannina prefectures. The name “Valia Calda” means “warm valley” in Vlach, a local dialect. Obviously, the park got its name ironically, due to the fact that it is one of the coldest and wettest areas in Greece. The climate is mountainous-Mediterranean, with abundant rainfall (1,500mm/year) and snowfall, making it one of the richest areas in Greece in terms of precipitation. Summers are cool with frequent local showers. Fog is common, and snow covers the park for 7 to 8 months of the year. Valia Calda National Park is one of the last habitats of the brown bear and serves as a winter refuge for various species of Greek fauna, such as wild goats, deer, wild boars, vultures, woodpeckers, golden eagles, black storks, nocturnal birds of prey, and other birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A total of 72 bird species, 6 amphibian species, and 7 reptile species have been recorded, many of which are rare and protected worldwide. The landscape in Valia Calda is impressive overall. Dense forests alternate with bare alpine meadows, rocky areas, and massive cliffs. The abundant presence of water combined with the exceptionally rich flora and the remarkable variety of mushrooms makes Pindos National Park a unique destination that attracts hundreds of nature lovers and hikers every year.
We depart from Thessaloniki at 18:00 heading to the Vovousa Refuge.
After about 4 hours, we will reach the refuge of Vovousa, where we will set up our tents outdoors in a lush green environment.
Afterwards, we will have free time to take a shower, and enjoy local delicacies at the refuge, as well as to relax and rest.
Early in the morning, we will wake up and enjoy the tranquility and energy of the morning air in the mountains. We will prepare our breakfast together and gradually get ready for our hike.
We will start from the camping area and head towards the foothills of Arkoudorema. The entire route is magical. We will move through virgin forests of fir and black pine, while walking parallel to the river, which we will cross several times. Once we reach the foothills, we will have the opportunity to take a plunge into the icy waters of the river. The return journey will be along the same trail.
After we return to the campsite, we will prepare our post-hike meal amidst nature. We will have trachana with sausages, accompanied, of course, by the necessary tsipouro.
In the afternoon, we can visit the beautiful village of Vovousa and admire the stone arched bridge that connects the two neighborhoods of the village. The bridge has been recognized as a newer archaeological monument, as it has been preserved since 1748. Afterward, we will relax at the picturesque tradional café in the square.
After we wake up in the morning and pack our tents and belongings, we will have breakfast at the refuge before setting off for the beautiful lake Zorika with the water lilies. There, we will take a break to admire its mesmerizing beauty. Then, we will continue towards the lake of the river Aoa’s springs, where we will prepare a picnic in a stunning landscape.
After immersing ourselves in these wonderful sights, we will slowly make our way back to Thessaloniki, feeling relaxed and calm after this beautiful Mountain Retreat.
Participation registration is completed by making a deposit of 60 euros either into the following Eurobank account:
ΙΒΑΝ: GR52 02600 14000 02702 01187 955
Beneficiary: VARVATIS DIMITRIOS MILTIADIS or through
Iris Payments: 6978788183
(**The banking charges that can arise from depositing funds from another bank burden the customer.)
The deposit can be refunded until 1 September, 2024. After this specific date, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable, except in the case of trip cancellation by the travel agency.
The remaining participation fee must be paid no later than September 5, 2024. From September 5, 2024 onwards, no refunds or transfers to other trips are possible due to the scheduled expenses of the excursion.