Location-Nature

The region of Aspropotamos possesses an important place in the prefecture of Trikala and this because it combines beauty and traditions of many centuries. It was included in the National List of European Network FYSI 2000 (NATURA 2000) Community directive 92/43.

Location: The villages of the region Ano Aspropotamos belong to  the prefecture of Trikala and are included in the Municipality of Kalabaka. Anthoussa, Xaliki, Krania, Katafyto, Milia, Agia Paraskevi, Kalliroi, Polythea, Stefani, Gardiki and Athamania, constitute the main area of Aspropotamos.

Nature: The villages are full of firs and planes, perhaps one of the few places that maintain the natural beauty of the landscape untouched. Its unique beauty is due to the high peaks like Lakmou (2295 m.) and Kakarditsas, to the forests that have a rich variety of trees and especially the Fir, as well as to the impetuous waters of Aspropotamos (sources of Acheloos). Aspropotamos is shaped by two tributaries that converge in a central draught: the one from the top of Rona and the other from the term of Lakmos (Peristeri). The most dominant kind of trees are the oaks, the firs, the planes and the beeches. The natural habitats of the region are in a good condition, as a result the presence of many plant and animal species is dominant, such as Salepi and tea, the brown bear, the wolf and roe deer.

Useful Information 

Transportation: By buses from Trikala, with selective itineraries to all the villages of Aspropotamos, during the summer months. The access with car or with TAXI, is also easy. The road network is asphalted. 

Useful telephone numbers             Automatic call number

• KTEL of Trikala                               24310-73130
• KTEL of Kalabaka                            24320-22432
• Police Station of Katafyto                 24320-87392
• Health Centre of Kalabaka                24320-22222
• Forestall Cluster of Aspropotamos      24320-87275 (Koukofli)
• TAXI of Kastania                             24320-61202 (Kastania)
• TAXI of Kalabaka                            24310-22310

Events- Customs

• Anthoussa   feast of Saint Paraskevi 26 July
• Chaliki       feast of Saint Paraskevi 26 July
• Tzoyrtzia    feast of Saint Paraskevi 26 July
• Krania        feast of Saint Paraskevi 26 July
• Polythea     feast of the Mother of God 8 September
• Katafyto     feast of the Mother of God 15 August

Old names of the Villages: Saint Paraskevi: Tzourtzia, Anthoussa: Lipinitsa, Kalliroi: Belitsaina, Polythea: Dragobitsi, Stefani: Skliniasa, Katafyto: Kotori. The villages of Chaliki & Krania maintained their initial names.

Activities 

The activities in which engage in the region of Aspropotamos are various and interesting. The mountains with the big diversity are ideal  for a walk and anyone can admire the unique beauty of the natural landscape, encounter rare animals and plants, improve the health of the body and relax mentally escaping from the pressure, the stress and the noise of urban centers.

• Descent of river- Rafting and Canoe-Kayak

It is available for most of the people on condition that they know swimming and have a 30 minute lesson. In the region of Tria Potamia there is a center that undertakes the organization and safe descent of Aspropotamos with Rafting and Canoe-Kayak. From the region Tria Potamia up to the bridge of Alexios in Agia Paraskevi, the Acheloos river gives opportunity for the sports to take place. The Aspropotamos is an impressive river, in the heart of Pindos, with contiguous rapid 2nd-3rd degree of difficulty. 

• Mountain bike

Do not miss the chance to combine your stay with a ride with a mountain bike in Tria Potamia through streets, meadows and forests full with firs.

• Hiking 

Hiking in the nature has become a fashion in the past few years. For the lovers of hiking there are several stony peaks challenging them to be conquered. Through the region of Koziakas the European Path E4 intersects. An important network of paths (without labeling) that leads to all the peaks of the surrounding mountains.  

•Hiking paths

Climbing in Peristeri or Lakmos (2.295 m.)

Path from Xaliki to Mount  Lakmos (Peristeri).
Altitudes: starts from 1.150m.-Peak tsoukarela 2295m.
Time of ascent: 4:30 to 5 hours.

Description: Peristeri is the northern mountain of Southern Pindos and is located next to Xaliki. In order for someone to climb Peristeri, he can sleep in Xaliki and the next day go by car until the location Berligka. It is the beginning of a path that leads to the base of the tallest peak that is named Tsoukarela. The ascent of the cone lasts one hour. An exceptional beautiful phenomenon is also the creation of the Dragon Lake during the spring months in Karvelou, in the foothills of Peristeri. 

Climbing in Neraida or Kap Grass (1930m.)

Path from Polythea to the top of Neraida (Kap Grass).
Altitudes: starts from Polythea (1150m.)- Neraida (Kap grass) 1930m.
Time of ascent: 3 to 3:30 hours.

Description: The top of Neraida is near the village Polythea. The path moves towards eastern bank of the stream and in 15 minutes it reaches Stita Ali Mali. From there, after a 20 minute walk, the climber reaches the stream. The path passes on to the right bank and it leads to Diaselo, eastern of the peak Mytikas (1511m.). There is an amphitheatrical pit with a sheepfold. From there the peak is 1:30 hours away.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

• Local cheese FETA of high quality with the purest materials.
• Also yoghurt, buttermilk, butter and mizithra.
• HONEY of high quality from wild flowers from the mountain.
• The famous TEA of the mountain and other herbs.
• Traditional jams such as walnut and plum tomato.
• Traditional Couscous and traditional pies.
• MEAT of high quality from the butcher shops of the villages.