Aspropotamos

The Aspropotamos area is located W - NW of Trikala and Kalambaka. It is an area of incredible natural beauty and it is remained untouched by mass tourism. Aspropotamos area is part of the National List of the European NATURA 2000 (NATURA 2000) Community Directive 92/43.
The name Aspropotamos (meaning “white river”) is the alternative name of the river Acheloos, which the locals also call "Aspros" (“white”)
Aspropotamos and Malakasio are the heart of the Vlach culture. In the 19th century  over 40 Vlach villages and hamlets existed, the majority of which still exist today and are subject to the Trikala prefecture.

The villages in the region are:  Anthousa, Haliki, Krania, Katafyto, Milia, Kalliroi, Agia Paraskevi, Polythea and Stefani.

Natural Beauty

The area is literally full of firs and oaks, beeches and plane trees.  Everywhere you go you will see small rivers and tributaries of Aspropotamos flowing. Aspropotamos is formed by two tributaries that converge on a central stream: one of the mountain top “Rona” and the other from Mount Lakmos . The region hosts a significant wildlife such as brown bears and deers.

During the spring when the snow melts, it is worth visiting the lake Verligka near the village Haliki. These kind of lakes (in greek “Drakolimes” meaning dragon lakes) in high mountains,  are a geological phenomenon caused by the ice age and along with the black pine are the remainings of that era in the Greek mountains.

When to go and where to stay

The area is mostly inhabited during the summer months. This season is the best time to visit. During the July and August, there are a lot of festivities. The most  important is the one tribute to Agia Paraskevi on July 26th in Haliki and Tzourtzia.
There are a lot of hotels where you can stay. Do not imagine large tourist infrastructure. After all the lack of mass tourism makes the area a great place to stay and relax. However there is a considerable number of hostels and hotels in Tria Potamia, Haliki, Polythea, Krania and elsewhere.

What to see

The Monastery of the Holy Cross at Doliana, which is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece. It was built in the late 18th century as a basilica with three aisles. It has 13 domes. On the outside walls you can see various images, something common in churches in the area. The temple was declared a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture.
The stone arch bridges in almost all villages. The most significant are the bridge of “Michou” at Anthousa, the bridges of “Michalakis”, “Filou” and “Kapraria” in Haliki and the bridge of  “Gika” at Krania.
The old mansions and stone fountains. Some significant are the stone fountain of Anthousa where water is coming out of the mouth of a stone human head, “Filou” and “Foniska” at Haliki.

Activities

The activities available in Aspropotamos are many and interesting. The mountains are ideal for walking. The visitor can admire the unique beauty of the landscape and meet rare animals and plants..

 Rafting

At Tria Potamia there is a rafting center where you can organize your experience crossing Aspropotamos with Rafting and Canoe-Kayak.

Mountain Bike

You can ride the bike in Tria Potamia on the main roads or on forest roads and enjoy  the natural beauty.

Hiking – Trecking

From Koziakas passes the european path E4. A significant network of paths leads in almost all peaks of the mountains. You can also follow forest roads to the villages in the region.

Visit the lake “Drakolimni Verligka” near Haliki.

How to get there

By car, following the road to Kalambaka, Mourgani and Kastania
By car following the road to Pili, Elati, Pertouli
By bus from Trikala.

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