Pindos: The awe-inspiring mountain that defeated every opponent

Pindos, the largest mountain range in Greece, has such an imposing environment that will surely leave you enchanted as soon as you see it. Apart from the beautiful villages you will meet in its area, Pindos is also famous forits momentous history, since it was the most decisive theatre of battles of World War II. So we left to discover the imperious topium of Pindos, the place where the epic of 1940 was “written”.

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National Parks of Greece: The natural beauty that will change your travels

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Pindos: The legendary mountain range

It was October 28, 1940 when Emmanuele Grazi, Italy’s ambassador to Greece, visited the Greek Ambassador to Greecefalls In his villa then Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, to himTbrings the ultimatum of the Italian government to the Greek state. Listening to the requests of thes Metaxas reacts negatively, even announcing the Upcoming Greek– tTalian conflict. It doesn’t take long for the first soldier to fall dead at the border, thus officially declaring the start of a war that lasts no less than five whole months.

TThe wild scenery of Pindus was considered the most ideal by the Italian Divisions who believed that it was only a matter of days before decimating the Greek military forces of the area, eventually occupying Epirus. The Greek front of Pindos, however, managed to show strong resistance in defense of the country, forcing the Italian troops into a disorderly retreat by writing in golden letters the glorious epic of 1940.

Pindosmountain range: A unique mountain gem

The Pindos mountain range runs almost entirely along the western side of our country, reaching over 200 km in length. In the north you will find it starting from the plateau of Korçë, with its south almost touching the Corinthian Gulf. In its unique scenery you will see extremely important mountain peaks such as Tzoumerka or Agrafa, gorges and valleys. The fauna makes its active appearance hosting rare species in its territory, while two in number national parks, that of Valia Calda and Vikos-Aoos complete the composition of a real environmental jewel. Dividing it into two imaginary parts in North and South Pindos, each of them has to show us special beauties that will surely not leave anyone unmoved by their enchanting landscape.

Northern Pindos: Villages built with stone that exude tranquility

In the northern part of Pindos, in the mountains of the national park of the area, you will see villages that will magnetize you with their ethereal beauty. MikroPapigo, the popular settlement of Zagori, will enchant you with the picturesqueness of its landscape and the diffuse tradition in its architecture that wants its paths and the walls of its houses to be dressed with stone in a dark shade of gray. On the slope of Mount Tymfi, at an altitude of nine hundred meters, you will have the opportunity to admire the wonderful Dilofo, with its central square adorned by a plane tree with centuries of life. Take advantage of its unique landscape to hike through green streets that will lead you to equally amazing nearby villages.

The village of Kipoi will fully charm you with the colors and aromas of the densely planted flowers that gave it its name. Narrow picturesque streets along with stone houses and fountains that give the image of another era, are the components of a completely fairytale setting that offers an unobstructed view of the peaks of Tymfi, with the church of Agios Nikolaos flooding the settlement with devoutness. Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful village you will find the impressive gorge of Vikos that invites you not to miss the opportunity to discover it on foot.

South Pindos: Landscapes flooded with greenery

On the south side of Pindos You will be confronted with nature at its peak, with green dominating your gaze accompanied by the sounds of running waters. The mountain Pertouli, with an altitude of over a thousand meters built on the slopes of Mount Koziakas, it will enchant you with its unaltered traditional image that you will enjoy every step you take in its picturesque cobbled streets. If your physical condition allows it, do not miss the opportunity to take a walk in the gorge of Mana and the so-called Bridge of Gria which is made of stone, to see with your own eyes a unique natural landscape. Her village Fir about a hundred meters lower than the neighboring Pertouli will make you feel one with its full of fir nature. Stone-built mansions and lush forests await you to follow one of the hiking trails of the place to explore them.

The imperious Pindos, the one that managed to repel its enemies back then, spreads its hospitable villages to the present day and invites every visitor to enjoy its stunning scenery.