THEY SAY KARPENISI ATTRACTS two types of visitors: those who come for the winter sports and those who come to escape the summer heat of Athens. Whatever the case may be, visitors to this mountain haven are instantly captivated by its fairy-tale charm and enthralled with the multitude of outdoor experiences in the rugged wilderness.
Nestled along the slopes of Mount Tymfristos, the city and its surrounding villages offer a mixture of Mediterranean architecture and mountain beauty. The mountains boast incredible skiing, rock climbing and hiking trails, while the two major rivers running through the region prove perfect for swimming, rafting and fishing.
Korischades, mere minutes from the center of Karpenisi and one of the most popular destinations in the area, is famous for its locally produced goods like honey, tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit) and xilopites (a small, square pasta).
Locals and tourists alike flock to the Korischades favorite, Villaggio Café Mezé, a traditional Greek coffee house, or kafeneion. Winner of the 2019 Best Greek Food Awards for the category of coffee and drinks, this neighborhood eatery serves up great coffee, drinks, pizzas and pastries. It provides the ideal place to enjoy a summer breeze with a glass of tsipouro, best served alongside a plate of mezedes, or appetizers. In the wintertime, warm your soul after a day on the slopes with a glass of rakomelo — tsipouro heated with honey and spices.
galaktoboureko
© GEORGE MASTORIDIS – DREAMSTIME .COM
In the nearby village of Megalo Chorio, or Big Village, explore the beautiful nature trail winding along the Karpenisiotis River. Visit local shops and eateries to try traditional delicacies like galaktoboureko (a milk custard baked inside crispy layers of filo dough) while relaxing on a balcony enjoying the view of the mountains.
Despite its remote location in the mountains of central Greece, Karpenisi is not difficult to reach. Get there in less than four hours by car from Athens or in five hours by bus, with stops in many picturesque locales along the way.
Read This Next
Yil Surehan
December 2019
Dec 18, 2019
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 6, 2024Indio, California is “Hot” Right Now, and We’re Not Talking About the Weather
Although most travelers are familiar with the name Palm Springs, the oldest city in the Greater Palm Springs region is Indio, California, Coachella Valley's "City of Festivals,” which has been experiencing an exciting downtown revitalization.
Sponsored Content
Colombia: A Different Kind of Beauty
Colombia’s beauty defies description — it’s that unique, that special, that different — and travelers are taking notice as 2023 marked the country’s best year for tourism, welcoming more than 6 million international travelers. The Country of Beauty looks to continue growing and enhancing its regions and communities in 2024 and beyond.
September 2024
Sep 6, 2024Escape to Tahiti for a Captivating Island-Hopping Cruise
The 118 islands of French Polynesia reveal themselves layer by fascinating layer, with the spirit of mana (vital force) linking them all the way from Tahiti to the remote reaches of the Marquesas. This is part of the world best savored on a journey that dives as deep into culture as natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. A cruise makes it easy to cover a lot of ground while unpacking just once (and sneaking in some work done in comfort, too, during at-sea days). And cruising offers particular appeal within this semi-autonomous French territory sprawling across nearly 2 million square miles of ocean and covering five archipelagos.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Experience the Awe of Fall Foliage at These 5 U.S. Hotels
‘Tis the season for flannels, pumpkin spice and beautiful fall colors. With seasons changing, leaves turn to stunning gold, red, orange and yellow, making it the perfect time for travelers to hit the open road and explore five fall foliage hotels in the United States.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Finnair Celebrates 5 Years of Platinum Wing Lounge
Finnair’s exclusive Platinum Wing lounge in Helsinki opened in summer 2019 and recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Open to Finnair and oneworld’s top-tier customers, the lounge offers travelers a place to drink, dine and unwind pre-flight. Featuring Nordic-inspired design, the lounge offers areas for working, relaxing and dining, accommodating up to 155 customers at a time.
Take a Look at Windstar’s New “Star Seeker”
Daily
Sep 5, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Sep 4, 2024The Shelbourne Review
Facing the vast St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin sits the iconic and historic The Shelbourne. Few hotels master the perfect blend of history and luxury, but The Shelbourne gets it right. The site of the signing of the Irish Constitution in 1922 granting the Republic of Ireland its freedom from England, The Shelbourne has hosted its fair share of notable figures, from Michael Collins to Princess Grace Kelly to John Ford, the latter of which was the name of my suite.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Travels with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
What if you could earn rewards and benefits when traveling, shopping and relaxing at any IHG-branded hotel? Well, you can with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
eFlyer News
Sep 4, 2024Illinois Becomes First Great Lakes State to Ban Certain Single-Use Plastic Bottles in Hotels
All hotels in Illinois with 50 or more guestrooms are now required to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan 1, 2026, all hotels are expected to make this transition.
ShareThis