General Information

The prefecture of Grevena, with mountains, rivers and forests are an eldorado for outdoor pursuits. The natural splendour of the region covering 2291 sq.km is captivating. This is a region of peace and tranquillity where boisterous nightlife and luxury hotels are at a minimum.

Prefecture Capital

Grevena: is the principal town of the prefecture. Situated 543m above sea level on the banks of the Greventis River, the town is friendly with its restaurants and tavernas. During the summer, the local theatre shows plays performed by the State Theatre of Northern Greece and actors from foreign theatres. Transport is by bus, or if you have your own transport, take care driving due to the quality of the roads.

Towns and villages

Paliouria: the two monasteries here are worth visiting, the Byzantine monastery of Virgin Evangelistria and the monastery of Ossios Nikanor founded in 1534. The frescos inside the church are by the famous artist Frangos Kastellanos, who also painted the frescos in the monastery of Varlaam in Meteora, in the Thessaly region of Greece.

Samarina: built on the slope of Mt. Smolikos is exceptionally beautiful with lush vegetation in the summer and views over the surrounding countryside.

Zakas: is a small village 23km from the Grevena, and worth visiting.

Perivoli: is an ideal place to relax for a couple of days, amid wonderful scenery and hospitality of the residents.

Many more villages for example Kipourio, Deskati, Smixi and Alatopetra, nestle in the mountains and forests of the region, offering a delightful break in ones travel through the region. Here you can buy hand woven fabrics and the tasty local cheeses.

Other

Sports: the region offers good opportunities for mountaineering and skiing.

Vassilitsa: is 7km from the village of Smixi, here there are mountain refuges that can accommodate 10 to 40 people. Ski lifts take skiers up to an altitude of 2250m above the refuge.

Fishing: is excellent in the rivers of Grevenitis, Aliakmon and Venetikos.

Bus: a service runs to Grevena from Athens and Thessaloniki.