Greece: mountain "village-tour"

At the majority of tourists Greece associates with beach rest. And, of course, there are a lot of beautiful beaches in the country. But, few travelers know that in Greece there are even ski resorts. And also mystical places and semi-tourist villages in the mountains. There, its own, special atmosphere.

The fact that there are very "deaf" villages with their color, I'll tell you later.

Now about a place called Trikala (in literal translation - three is good). It is located on the mainland, in the Peloponnese, in the Corinthia region, in the mountains.

Why three? Because, it is divided conditionally into three parts: "lower" (when you just go up into the mountains), middle, and upper: a ski resort.

What makes a strong impression: the contrast of nature, especially in the spring. In the "middle" and "lower" riot of flowers, mysterious forests, around greens and paints. A glance at the sight of the top of the mountains. Snow-covered.
 
There are in Trikala such corners in the forests, including with mountain springs and small waterfalls, which, it seems: it was here that the nymphs were born and lived.

Architecture is also different from "urban": both residential buildings, and hotels, and taverns are made in the style of the Greek Middle Ages. Walking along narrow winding streets, you sometimes imagine yourself as in a fairy tale.

By the way, about the taverns. The quality of food and the price here are very comparable, if compared with, for example, tourist cities. It is best to order lamb or ribs of lamb on the grill. If not about meat, then the traditional Greek salad or zucchini cutlets - "kolokiketteddes". In contrast to the "streaming" tourist places, in the taverns of Trikala they are very serious about cooking.

Another "three contrasts". Or even about four. The village is in the mountains, at the bottom - the resort town of Xylokastro with the cleanest beaches. If you spend at least a day in this area, you can "be transported" as if in different dimensions. In Xylokastro - the sea. You rise to the lower "Trikala" - small churches, and "blooming" houses. There are a lot of flowers in the spring, so the air is filled with aromas. Then - in the middle "Trikala", the most popular place. Here you can see the snow-covered peaks, and at the same time, the sea surface. Also, you can stroll through the woods, the atmosphere of which is shrouded in mystery. There is a monastery here, around which there are many legends. It is dedicated to St. Nicholas, and it is believed that here once blew the icon of the saint.

Then you should go to the "upper" Trikala. A ski resort where, despite the blinding sun, the snow does not melt until June.

But, most importantly, this is, of course, the mentality of local residents. In contrast to urban, the so-called "village" is always ready to chat, help, if necessary, or just treat yourself with a glass of wine. Without a reason. And, when they rest in the garden of their house, it seems that there is no more peace.

It is worth knowing about the shortcomings. They, however, a little, but they are. In the village there are no supermarkets, only tourist shops, and then, about three. You have to go to the city for food. It's not far if you're on your own car, or rented. But, on holidays , and also on Sunday, supermarkets and almost all refuellings are closed. It is worth to stock up in advance if the trip falls on weekends or holidays.