Welcome to Evritania in Central Greece (Sterea Hellas)

Bewitching scenery and an invigorating climate are the main features of Evritania prefecture. It is the most thickly wooded, best-watered region in Greece. There are so many fir trees in Evritania that you think you 're in the midst of a magnificent endless forest, and in fact the region has been nicknamed "The Switzerland of Greece" for this reason.

According to Homer, the first known inhabitants of northern Evritania were the Dolopes, who took part in the campaign against Troy. During the Byzantine era, the people of Evritania had the rare privileges of selfgovernment and tax exemption. For this reason the northern part of the district was also called “Agrafa”, (unwritten), because the residents were not listed in the Imperial tax registers. Its mountainous countryside also discouraged would-be counquerors.

Karpenissi, capital of the prefecture, is located at the foothills of Mt. Timfristos, at an altitude of 960 meters. It most probably owes its name to the maple trees that abounded in the area in the 12th century (Carpen = maple tree, Carpenis = land of maple trees). The clear atmosphere, the dry healthy climate, the plane trees, fir and chestnut forests make Karpenissi an ideal place for winter and summer holidays. Among the town’s most characteristic features are the workshops that produce handmade brass bells for animals. The tinkling of the bells being tested is a picturesque, melodious welcome.

Just 5 km. southwest of the capital, concluding one of the most beautiful drives, you come to Korishades, a village of well-preserved stone mansions. Here the Greek National Tourist Organization has recently renovated and opened several traditional homes as guesthouses. Not far away there are traces of ancient ruins, which have not yet been studied. Many scholars say that this was the ancient capital of Evritania Oichalia.

Next comes Mikro Horio, a marvelous place for a summer holiday, nestled in a small fir forest interspersed with apple, cherry and pear orchards. The view from here is magnificent. Megalo Horio lies nearby, situated in an equally lovely setting on the slopes of Kaliakouda, opposite Mt. Helidona. A little trip around the area will never be forgotten. At Klidi, a lush, majestic gorge, stands the Byzantine church of Agios Athanassios.

The village of Proussos, 800 metres above sea level, is not only picturesque; it has an interesting cave, the Black Cave or "Apokleistra" as it is also called. Believed to have been the site of an oracle, the cave has two entrances, one in the village, the other some distance away.

East of Karpenissi, the road from the verdant village of Agios Nikolaos to Krikelo (1,120 m. alt.), which has a charming square with little cafes, passes through some especially beautiful, spruce filled scenery. Near Krikelo is historic Kokalia. Even though the road is no longer paved after Krikelo, it is well worth making the effort to get to Domnitsa, a village crowded with little churches containing superb wooden icon screens and icons. The region is full of wildlife - hare, partridge, woodcock, and if you are in luck, you may even spot a wild boar.