Sophisticated mountain residence in Mount Pindos, close to Meteora, Greece

'Pindos-1522' is a sophisticated three-bedroom mountain residence with fireplace located at the altitude of 1522 meters above sea level at the center of the picturesque small village “Stefani” or “Skliniasa” at the local dialect, one of the 8 small villages surrounding the springs of mythical Aspropotamos or Acheloos River in Trikala Prefecture, Greece.

The 130 square meters residence is a two floor maisonette with a basement, large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee or your dinner and a spacious yard. Lying almost at the center of the village provides you with straight access to its main square and the local all day coffee shop. Set high on a slope of the mountains of Pindus, a Natura 2000 area, the residence offers spectacular views to the forest which surrounds the village and is only a 5 minute walk away.

At 'Pindos-1522 Residence' we offer a relaxing, ecological and unique stay in a mountainous village of the famous and legendary through time Thessaly, with breathtaking natural surrounding and close to famous sightseeings such as Meteora, an Unesco heritage monument.

Accomodation

'Pindos-1522 Residence' has an individual entrance accessed through the enclosed yard and through a staircase* it leads to a large hall, where you can find a spacious living/dining room with a fireplace, a traditionally styled and fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with bathtub and hot water capacity.

Through a staircase you enter the upper floor where you find the residence’s bedrooms and a second bathroom, also equipped with bathtub and hot water capacity.
Each of the three bedrooms is furnished in style and is named after its main color: the Purple room, the Red room and the "Xinomavro red wine" room, the first two have a double bed while the last one contains two single beds.

* The Residence is not equipped with an elevator. Thus, it is not suitable for persons of restricted mobility who cannot use the staircase.

Services

Welcome basket with seasonal fruits and local delicacies and a bottle of local wine or Tsipouro, the local traditional drink
Change of linen every two weeks
Utilities (water, electricity) included in the price
A fireplace and sufficient amount of firewood (depending on season)
Fully equipped kitchen
Heating in all rooms
Washing machine, electric iron and ironing board available (eco-friendly detergents)
Table phone for national calls- no cell phone signal in an area of 7km
Radio only – no TV or satellite
Free parking available in the nearby municipality parking area, a 2 minute walk from the residence.
Airport pickup and delivery upon request –closest airport “Volos” (extra charge)
Sightseeing, shopping and eating out recommendations.
Rafting and outdoor activities arrangements upon request, depending on season (extra charge)
Maps available upon request.

The Village

'Stefani' or “Skliniasa” according to the local dialect -which is nowadays only spoken by elderly inhabitants- is a small village of about 50 houses and 300 inhabitants, none of them permanent, situated at altitude of 1480 meters. On account of its altitude during winter it is a “deserted” village as there are no inhabitants and access to it is impossible due to heavy snow. The village is in the middle of an area recognized by the state as an official “shelter of wild life” where animals of all kind such as brown bears, wolfs, jackals etc live protected and hunting is strictly forbidden.

From April till the end of November –depending on weather- the village is fully accessible by car, however the whole area is ideal for 4x4 vehicles for on and off-road journeys. From July till the end of August the village has many inhabitants and visitors and it is quite crowded around the 26th of July and the 15th of August due to the religious celebrations that take place during that period with local dances and traditional music, when it definitely worths a visit.

There is a traditional all day coffee shop at the main square usually operating daily from the beginning of July till late August and on weekends during the rest of the summer, where you can have coffees and drinks and enjoy a traditional lunch with roast meet, while listening to greek traditional music.

The unique atmosphere of the village, the local traditions and the hospitality of the inhabitants –due to its small size guests and residents sit all around a large table getting to know each other and becoming one large company- all form a unique, life time experience, which is scarce around the country even for Greeks.

The Area
A well- kept secret

The whole area is named after Aspropotamos, which means “white river” and is one of the names of Acheloos river, the longest in Greece. During antiquity its spirit was venerated as a river god.

Aspropotamos area is located at the Southern Pindus mountains, in the westernmost part of Trikala regional unit, about 60 km west of Trikala and 40 km southeast of Metsovo and is a Natura 2000 protected area. It’s only 45km away from Kalabaka –a small town with all kind of shops, super markets, banks and public services- which lies below the world-wide famous Meteora, the unique complex of monasteries built on the rocks with astonishing architecture and sacramental atmosphere, in operation since 970 A.C, an Unesco heritage monument.

The whole area is of exceptional natural beauty, with forests of pine and beech trees, and owes its beauty to the high mountains, with the highest being Mt Lakmos or Peristeri (2295 m.) and Kakarditsa (2429m.), the rich variety of plants and trees, the mighty waters of Acheloos (aspropotamos) river and its scattered stone bridges and the unforgettable fresh spring water. It retains many aspects of traditional living and offers opportunities for relaxation, mountain and river sports -such as climbing, mountain cycling, hiking and rafting - as well as contact with unique local traditions.

Furthermore, if interested, you may discover the impressive Greek Orthodox religious monuments of the area, such as the Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holly Cross) in Doliana, the Monastery of Panagia Galaktotrofousa near Anthousa village, as well as the church of Agia Parakevi in Anthousa and Haliki villages.

Short excursions

The area is also ideal for short excursions. About 40 km west you may visit Tzoumerka, the western part of Mount Pindus with the two famous traditional villages made of stone Syrrako and Kalarrytes, where you can have a local hand-made refreshment or liquer and lunch.

About 60 km north is Metsovo, one of the most well-preserved traditional villages of Greece, well-known for its local wines and the “metsovone” cheese produced. It is a tourism destination, so you can find many guest houses, wineries, “tavernas” and traditional shops to buy souvenirs, as well as two fully-equipped Ski Centers operating during winter.

A smaller Ski Center is also available for visit about 60km south of Aspropotamos near Pertouli village, another tourism destination with guest houses, a few bars and plenty of seasonal fruits, local delicacies and wines to buy.