Trikala will astound all nature-lovers. Mountains, rivers, streams, forests, canyons and waterfalls weave a beautiful natural landscape that beckons to be admired and explored. Part of the Natura 2000 protected areas, a few days exploring and hiking through the area will prove to you why Trikala is a premiere destination spot for eco-tourists and locals alike. Lesser-known but incredibly beautiful, make it a point to visit the region throughout the year and admire how each season brings out beauty.
The unique geological phenomenon of Meteora
Meteora will astound you. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of a network of Greek Orthodox Christian monasteries perched atop a complex of 1000 sandstone boulders, each soaring to 400-meters. This unique geological formation is 50 million years old and was created when a great earthquake drained the lake that once stood in Meteora’s place. As the terrain reshaped itself, the silt, rocks and sand that lined the depths of the lake took the form of the huge boulders we see today.
The forests and wildlife around Meteora and Kalambaka
Close to the stunning marvel that is Meteora, you’ll find an area unparalleled in natural beauty. Next to Kalambaka, there’s a wonderful forest that begs to be explored – Amoutzelos Forest. It’s located near Klinos village and is a pristine area lush with pine and fir trees, as well as underbrush that’s thick with wildflowers and shrubs in the spring. There are a number of natural springs – including Kazani, Lakos and Goura springs – that mark the starting point of the Klinovitikos River.
Close to Klinos village, you’ll find another beautiful village called Mantania village.From here you’ll be able to explore pristine Kalogriani Forest. Thick with oak, dogwood, fir, elm and sycamore trees, Kalogriani Forest supports an important ecosystem consisting of wolves, bears, rabbits, thrush and partridges. For another beautiful forest that’s a must-see for all nature lovers, head to Chrisomilia Forest near Chrisomilia village. It’s the perfect place for a hike or a leisurely walk, so take the time to wander through the forest’s sycamore, maple, dogwood, fir and oak trees – and keep an eye out for foxes, wolves, rabbits and bears. Continue your tour of Meteora’s forests by visiting Lalena Forest near Amarantos village. It’s lush and an important ecosystem for bears.
The beauty of Koziakas Mountain
Another stunning area that boasts beautiful pristine natural surroundings is Koziakas mountain. Part of the Natura 2000 network, this mountain soars to 1901 meters, is a source of immense pride, and you won’t need much time to understand why. Its significance can be traced back to Ancient Greece, as it was known as Asklipios’ pharmacy because of the endless variety of natural medicinal plants that thrive along the slopes of the mountain. Asklipios himself gathered medicinal herbs to administer to his patients from Koziakas Mountain, so if you’re an amateur botanist, keep looking for an array of plants. As you hike or mountain-climb you’ll be able to revel in the pristine peace offered by lush fir, elm, oak and beech forests, while the gushing sound of the area’s two rivers, Portaikos and Kefalopotamos, will lure you to their riverbanks. When you need to rest, stop by one of the many springs that dot the mountain’s eastern slope. Admire the pristine beauty of the largest forest of fir trees in the area.
Photo: www.periigites.gr
One of the mountain’s most important ecosystems is located near Tripio Lithari peak. There’s an important spring here called Gourno Spring that flows into a lake frequented by wild boar and deer. If you’d like to improve your chances of photographing wildlife, head to the forests around Gorgogiri village. It’s surrounded by natural springs – Karies, Koukounari, Laka and Gavros – as well as Kefalopotamos and Pinios Rivers’ tributaries. These sources of water coupled with the lush forest of Paliokopri Laka make an ideal ecosystem ideal for all wildlife.
At the bottom of Koziakas Mountain you’ll find a vital ecosystem close to Prodromos village. This vital habitat features Baltista forest, which is a lush thick forest of sycamore and plane trees. If you hike through it you’ll find that Kazakous stream flows amongst the beautiful trees and into the nearby village. The water source combined with the forest cover make for an excellent place of refuge for all wildlife. It’s good for birdwatching as well, as partridges and pheasants often roam through the forest. Baltista forest is well worth exploring – and admire this pristine ecosystem as you hike through the trees.
As part of your eco-tour, make it a point to hike through the area surround Prinos village. You’ll be wowed by the wonderful forest lush with sycamore trees that’s crossed by Sofratsa River. It’s an idyllic forest that serves a vital role in Trikala’s ecosystem. Look for Leni Spring and you’ll see an important water source. As you explore the area, head to Palio River which was once part of a lake. This river is extremely important for the birds of the area, and is one of the most pristine habitats for water hens and wild ducks as well as other birds that make the forest area their home.
The lush forests of Pili
As you explore this area, you’ll discover Pili’s many beautiful forests. Trek your way through Ombrava, Lefkes and Paleomantri forests. They’re absolutely beautiful and you’ll be captivated by the thick fir forests which retain their pristine ecosystems. In fact, keep an eye out for wolves and deer, as well as partridges. Make it a point to admire Lakka Tis Stefanis forest. It’s small when compared to the flowing fir forests Trikala is famous for, but it is very worth an exploratory hike through it. As you hike through, explore the lush chestnut and fir forests around Ropoto village. It’s a haven for wildlife because of its pristine ecosystems and habitats. Wolves, partridges, foxes, woodcocks, wild boars and jackals all seek refuge here.
Photo: GNTO/Y.Skoulas
The beautiful ecosystems in Pertouli, Drosohori, Anthousa, Paramero and Desi
Once you’ve enjoyed your hike up Pertouli’s ski slope in the summer, take some time to explore the meadows in the area. Pertouliotika Meadows are alpine meadows that offer visitors a unique experience in a rare habitat for a number of wild animals. Drosohori is equally important to wildlife- Spitaki Forest provides excellent refuge for bears and wolves. Ask the locals for directions to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. For a stunning experience that will wow you with Trikala’s natural beauty, head to Anthousa village. This lush fir and dogwood forest flows over a rugged mountain landscape and supports a thriving community of bears, wolves and wild goats.
As you explore the area, make sure you go to Paramero village – it’s worth a visit by any eco-tourist because of the forest nearby. A mountain village, Paramero’s Dalamitros Forest is one of the premiere brown bear habitats in Greece. As you hike through the forest and admire the pristine landscape, you’ll understand why this forest is a place of refuge for bears. Another vital ecosystem is found close to Desi village. Agios Nikolaos Forest near the village will captivate you with its beauty. Beech and fir trees combine to create a lush verdant habitat for wolves as well as bears.