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| Pindos National Park | ||
| region | Epirus | |
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| Residents | unknown | |
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| height | unknown | |
| no value for height on Wikidata: | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
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Pindos National Park (Greek: Εθνικός Δρυμός Πίνδου, Ethnikós Drymós Píndou; English: Pindos National Park) is a national park in the northwest Greece.
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The one north of Metsovo located 1 Pindos National Park
is considered one of the least visited and least known national parks in Europe and is not signposted from the region's main roads. There are no settlements or facilities within the boundaries of the protected area and is virtually deserted. Here one encounters hikers who like to be out and about in untouched nature and who do not value tourist infrastructure.
history
The park was established in 1966 and is considered one of the most important protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the mountain ecosystems in Greece.
landscape
The mountainous national park has a height of 1,076 to 2,177 meters and is characterized by dense forests, rocky ridges, several peaks over 2,000 meters, fast flowing streams and mountain lakes.
Flora and fauna
The forests of the European black pine (Pinus nigra) and the common beech (Fagus sylvatica) cover the lower and middle heights of the park at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 m, some of these trees being more than 700 years old. At higher altitudes from 1,600 to 1,900 m the forest area of the Bosnian pine (Pinus holdreichii) dominates, while at the highest altitudes from 1,900 to 2,177 m only certain types of bushes can be found on the treeless alpine meadows. The national park is one of three areas in Greece where a population of Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos) lives. The region itself is also called "Bear Park". Other large mammals found are lynx, deer, wild cats, wolves, wild boars.
climate
In the higher altitudes there are very low temperatures in winter, fog, a lot of rain, frost, frequent snowfalls and longer snow cover, which lasts from October to May. the frost is limited to November to April. The best time for hiking is in midsummer from the beginning of July to the beginning of September. As in all mountain regions, the weather can change quickly.
Information centers
There are five information centers, one in Asprangelos, Metsovo, Mavranai, Vovousa and Papigo in the area of the North Pindus National Park. There you can also get maps and information about the hiking trails and their signage. If you don't just want to visit the highlights on the edge of the park, but also hike in the core area, you should visit one of the information centers.
getting there
The park can best be viewed from the north from the village Perivoli can be reached from while there is also a path from the west side near by Milia gives. Either Metsovo as well as Grevena are on the motorway and from these places you can get to the park area.
places
- 1 Perivolio (Περιβόλι Γρεβενών).
The Bergorf (1250-1370 m above sea level) is only inhabited by 10 to 20 people in winter due to the extreme snow. In summer, however, the population rises to 4,000 people. There are many restored houses, inns, restaurants and cafes in the village. - 2 Vovousa (Βοβούσα Ιωαννίνων).There is an information center here.
- 4 Milia. small rural village with no tourist infrastructure.
- 6 Mavranai (Μαυραναίοι Γρεβενών).There is an information center here.
- 7 Grevena (Γρεβενά).
Larger place with good shopping possibilities but otherwise not very interesting.
mobility
As in all mountain regions, one should be able to walk well. The area is not well developed for tourism and so you cannot avoid hiking to the attractions. A 4WD vehicle is a prerequisite if you only want to visit the main attractions, especially if you are traveling with a rental car. Driving on dirt roads with normal rental cars is prohibited.
Tourist Attractions
The nature and some stone bridges are the sights. The otherwise in Pindus Such picturesque monasteries do not exist in this “godforsaken” area.
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Old stone bridges
- 1 Aziz Aga Bridge. Very nice old stone bridge in a fabulous setting. With a length of 75 meters, a width of 3 meters and a height of 15 meters, it is the largest in Western Macedonia. It was built in 1727 during the Turkish occupation. This important bridge was on the mule tracks that linked Epirus and Macedonia. During the Turkish occupation, it facilitated the movement of local traders who transported oil and wheat, as well as caravans of emigrants towards Eastern Europe. Sections of the caravan route have been preserved to this day. There used to be a bell under the central arch to warn hikers of strong winds.
- 2 Portitsa bridge (Portitsa Bridge).The bridge is located on the Venetikos River and connects the villages of Spileo and Monahiti in the eastern hills of Pindus at the end of the Canavi Valley, just before the start of the beautiful Portitsa Gorge. The bridge was built in 1743 with funds from the Assumption Monastery. There are two arches, the largest of which is 13.80 m and the small 5 m. The total length is 34 m and the width is 2.70 m, and the total height is 7.80 m. You can reach it either with a 4x4WD or in about 20 minutes on foot (about 2 km, but 900 meters in altitude!) steep dirt road. In the village of Spilaio there are 2 restaurants to relax. Much less steep and only 500m is the footpath from the southern side. however, the journey from the village of Trikomo via dirt roads is longer (6km).
- 3 Liatissa Bridge. A beautiful bridge in an impressive location. There is no sign for the path that leads to the bridge.
- 4 Katsogianni Bridge. A good destination especially because of the beautiful surroundings and for a swim in the river. Can only be approached with 4WD.
- 5 Ziaka Bridge. smaller stone bridge right next to the main road.
- 6 Vovousa bridge (Γέφυρα Βοβούσας).The old stone bridge is located directly on site and can be reached without a hike.
Nature experiences
- 2 Portitsa Gorge. The gorge starts right behind the Portitsa bridge and in summer you can easily walk through it, depending on the water level. Together with the bridge, a highlight of the area that should not be missed.
- 3 Theodoros Gorge (Liatistas). About 4 km from the village of Spilaio, the northern end of the gorge can be easily reached from the road. It is well suited for bathing.
- 4 Barrage and bathing area Aoos river. Very close to the Refuge Valle Calda is a barrage in the river where you can cool off with a swim.
- 5 Boulouvar Cascades. small cascades and basins not far from the road in the forest.
- 6 Tziarounas waterfall. A beautiful waterfall, hidden in the thick oak forest in a wild landscape. Access is with 4 × 4 and a hike of approx. 1 km. The landscape and the bath in the lake are fantastic! In midsummer the waterfall can fall dry.
- 7 Flegga lakes. Fantastic place and landscape.
activities
- Hike: The region has a dense network of dirt roads as well as a number of marked hiking trails, including a section of the European E6 trail. The highlights of the hikes include the peaks of Valia Kalda and Vasilitsa, the Arkoudhorema gorge section of the E6 path and the Vasilitsa comb. Hiking maps are available from the information centers.
shop
You can get the essentials in the small supermarkets in the villages, for everything else it is best to go to Grevena or Metsovo.
kitchen
There are restaurants or kafeneions in each of the larger villages along the approximately 120 km long road that goes around the area.
accommodation
For the fact that the area is so sparsely populated, there are a number of very comfortable accommodations. This is due to the fact that in winter many guests come from Athens to enjoy the snowy landscapes and to spend a few days with friends by the fireplace with food, drink and entertainment. Hiking or skiing is usually not on the program. In summer, the few serious hikers like to meet in the simple guest houses.
- 2 Refuge Valia Calda. Nice place for hikers, clean rooms and the food in the tavern is simple but tasty. Camping facilities are also available on the grounds of the refuge. A good place to share experiences with other hikers. Swimming in the river nearby.
camping
Camping and staying in the core park after sunset is prohibited, which is especially for your own safety. After all, there are bear and wolf populations. There are many camping options outside the park.
security
Crime is not an issue in the area, but the natural dangers are. Anyone hiking in the uninhabited area should prepare accordingly and, if possible, not go alone. Cell phone reception is not available everywhere, e.g. to get help in the event of an injury. Extreme caution is advisable when sighting bears with cubs or wolves. Good high shoes and suitable hiking clothing should be a matter of course, as well as taking food with you. Carrying a travel knife is also not a disadvantage.
trips
- Zagori - the most famous and most visited region in the Pindos Mountains
- Tzoumerka National Park - beautiful mountain region with wild rivers and old stone bridges
- Ioannina - one of the most beautiful cities in Greece
- Meteora - World Heritage. Monasteries on high rocks
- Agrafa: wild mountain landscape in the south of Pindus
