In the national forest of Pindos, next to Valia Kalda, it has nothing to envy from famous winter resorts abroad!
Built amphitheatrically in a wooded embrace under the neck of Katara, that rugged stone mass of Pindos, Metsovo stubbornly maintains its traditional character unchanged. An example of a mountain settlement, which is full of life all year round, it generously offers its visitors so much beauty that is difficult to find in similar destinations.
Especially during the winter season, the famous Vlachohori, birthplace of great national benefactors (Tositsas, Stournaras, Averof etc.), is a constant value on the tourist map of Epirus. Half-hidden in the fog or wrapped in a white blanket of snow, it looks like a painting that invites us to enjoy it with all our senses.
See
The Katogi Averof winery is a building of exceptional aesthetics, with impressive cellars that can also be seen on the guided tour. Externally it is in harmony with the landscape, while internally the shop is a wine lover’s delight. A little further on is the hotel of the same name, offering a complete wine tourism experience.
The cheese factory of the Tositsa Foundation in Metsovo started operating in 1958. Evangelos Averof-Tositsa’s vision was a model cheese factory, something like a cheese-making school, an example to follow for the country’s cheese makers.
It is a simple building, with a wooden inscription: “Tositsa-Tyrokomion Foundation”, however, a tour of the premises and production is a small experience. Here comes the famous “Metsovone” from 90% cow’s and 10% goat’s milk, after 3 months of maturation – the well-known narrow head with its characteristic smoky taste.
Routes
Wander the fir-covered mountainsides of the Pindos National Forest and enjoy the forest trails and forgotten villages.
First Route: It starts just outside Metsovo in the direction of Katara – you will find a left sign for Vovousa. You will cross the entire lakeside route of the lake of Aoos – a landscape of rare beauty, winter and summer where you may even meet horses that live freely – and you will head to Flambourari and from there to the picturesque Vovousa. You are already in the heart of the National Forest, in Valia Kalda. Stop for meat at the small tavern in the square in Vovousa, overlooking the river and continue on the main road to Perivoli where, a little outside the village and after the church of St. Nikolaou, you will turn right on a dirt road, which through Mikrolivados and Milia, will lead you back to Egnatia Grevenon-Metsovo.
If in Vovousa you head west towards Laista, Tsepelovo, you open another sensational route to Western Zagori, with its famous villages, Kipis, Aristi, Papigo.
