Metsovo
In the heart of Pindos Range, at an altitude of 1,100 meters, the pristine village of Metsovo is lying. A place that comes to refute those who believe that tourism and development alter the natural beauty of a landscape. Metsovo is situated 48 km (40 minutes) from Ioannina and 218 km (2.5 hours) from Thessaloniki, via Egnatia highway and 413 km (4 hours and 50 minutes) from Athens.
Metsovo is a beautiful and pictures village built on a hillside, surrounded by oaks, pines and firs in the altitude of 1100m. The stone-built houses, the fountains, the huge platanus trees in the central square, create a particularly friendly atmosphere and invite visitors to wander around the cobbled streets and neighborhoods.
Although it is built to a high altitude, Metsovo is easily accessible by a well organised road network and therefore is an ideal place for day escapes to some of the most stunning villages of Epirus, such as of Zagoria, Tzoumerka, Aspropotamos etc. Close to Metsovo, there are several interesting sites that worth a visit, including the monastery of Voutsa at Greveniti river; the outdoor “Water Power” museum in Anthochori; the traditional villages of Anilio, Chaliki, lying in the boundaries of the National Park of Tzoumerka; the traditional settlement of Milia in the boundaries of the National Park of Northern Pindos; and few other sites of striking beauty like Meteora and Amvrakikow Gulf.
Metsovo and the wider area, is considered as one of the most important distribution areas of the brown bear throughout Greece. Take the opportunity to meet and learn about this rare species, walking through some of its main habitats consisted from conifer forest (pine and fir) and deciduous (beech, oak), at 900 to 1,700 meters.
The rich vegetation of pines and bushes alongside with alpine meadows and beech tree forests, create images of unique beauty. Grab the chance to admire some of the most impressive and striking wildflowers that grow in the area such as the yellow and red lily, wild tulips , fritillaria , irises , orchids and dianthus are only a few of them. The variety of herbs and medicinal plants is also great.
The distintive flora that covers spectacular geological formations, the rivers and the artificial lake of Aoos complete the picture of a truly distinctive landscape. It is no coincidence that Metsovo is surrounded by important Protected Areas and National Parks.
Metsovo is a very popular destination where the visitor can visit the Museum of Folk Art; the Evangelos Averof Gallery; the cathedral of Agia Paraskevi build in the 15th century, with ornate wooden temple and priceless sacred utensils; the Central Square with trees of more than 500 years old; the monasteries Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas near the banks of the river Metsovitikos; the watermill of Gina; the outdoor “Water Power” Museum of Anthohori; the Averof Garden with a representative collection of lmost all the trees that grow on the slopes of Pindos; the 18th century church of St. George; the Lake of “Aoos springs” at an altitude of 1.340 meters; the Averof Dairy where the famous Metsovo cheeses are produced, the local Winery etc.
If you like walking and nature trails, wander around the village centre that look like an outdoor folk museum or take a walk in the nearby trails going through paths of infinite natural beauty. Walk along the banks of the river Metsovitikos, visit ancient monasteries and the traditional watermill of “Gina”. You can horse ride on the beautiful flat countryside of Politsies or along the shores of the artificial lake of “Aoos Springs”, build in 1987, at an altitude of 1,340m.
Offer yourself an unforgettable day, skiing down the snowy hill sides of well-known slopes located not more than one and half hour from the center of Metsovo Karakoli (1520 m), Prophetis Elias (1620m), and Anilio (1870 m).
The wider area provides the visitor excellent opportunities for nature hiking, wildlife observation, cycling and mountain running along with fine restaurants serving traditional local delicacies and money value accommodation.
- Look around to see the local traditional women costume!
- Excellent opportunities for inexpensive accommodation and taste of good wine, well-cooked local traditional food and shopping of the famous local products of Metsovo.
- Great opportunities for day excursions at many popular destinations like cultural monuments (Meteora, monasteries), national parks, ski slopes, rivers, lakes etc.
- Many offers for adventure day escapes such as horse riding, trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting, climbing etc.
Exploring Cultural & Natural Treasure
Take part in an exciting journey exploring Greece's rich wildlife and impressive culture. You will be based in a single good quality hotel, and will take daily field trips to National Parks and cultural sites. This expedition takes places within the five National Parks of Epirus Region, renowned for landscapes of exceptonal beauty and marvellous variety of fauna and flora. The region’s fascinating ancient, historical and religious heritage will not be forgotten...Read more...
Summer Adventures
An excellent opportunity for those wishing to spend a week observing marine wildlife, while meeting the daily challenges of living on a sailing vessel. You have the opportunity to become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation and more. You will participate in wildlife surveys around the waters of the Ionian Islands, focusing on Short-beaked Common Dolphin...Read more...
Wildlife Expeditions
Explore the wildlife of some of the most pristine National Parks of Northern Greece, outstanding areas that are excellent destinations for bird, wildflower, butterfly and photography enthusiasts or for those who simply wish to unwind in the tranquillity of nature. This trip is for those who want to discover few of the region's best wildlife hotspots observing rare and endangered species, feel the insights of Thessaloniki long history and cosmopolitan life, and visit distinctive archaeological... Read more...
Protected Areas
Experience a truly rewarding Protected Area Management programme in the pristine National Parks of the Epirus Region. Working closely with Park’s staff and inspiring environmentalists, volunteers undertake various field work and office duties to assist in the implementation of the Parks’ day-to-day Management and conservation efforts. .. Read more...
Wildlife Surveys
Participate in the monitoring and research of National Parks' abudant wildlife.In this project volunteers will be involved with the monitoring and research of the Parks’ rich wildlife. You will be working together with the Parks’ personell and other highly experienced scientists and you will learn a range of skills from those focused on research... Read more...
Autumn Eco-Navigation
An excellent opportunity for those wishing to engage in marine conservation projects and marine wildlife surveys while living and working on a sailing vessel. As a volunteer you will become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation, galley cooking duties, and vessel upkeep. You will participate in wildlife surveys ... Read more...
Nature Guides/Ecotourism
This is a great opportunity for those wishing to gain intense experience, knowledge and skills as Nature Guides and amateur nature & wildlife photographers. This intern programme offers the best in theoretical teaching and hands-on information and experience for participants who are keen to establish themselves as a professional Nature Guide or for the adventurous type wanting to gain ... Read more...