A peaceful landscape with impressive mountain ranges and wonderful villages unfolds in Mountainous Corinthia, surrounded by the enchanting lakes of Dasiou, Stymfalia and Doxa. An explosive natural beauty manifests itself through a myriad of colors, smells and sounds that remain indelible in visitors’ memories.
Just like the impregnable castles and fortified towers, the mountains of Corinthia rise adorned with verdant forests, traditional villages, ancient ruins, old monasteries and emerald lakes that highlight the authentic charm of the Peloponnesian land. Everything looks as if it sprang from a Renaissance painting! The region of the mythical lake Stymphalia, the colorful valley of Feneos and the alpine verdant lake Dasiou compose a natural canvas that challenges travelers to discover the unexplored and unimaginable beauty of mountainous Corinthia.
The impressive landscapes create an authentic mountainous destination that deserves your attention. Juniper, fir and black pine forests, flowing rivers and plateaus shadowed by the impressive mountains of Ziria will surely take your breath away. A unique ecosystem swirls around forest roads and unexplored paths, surrounded by millions of autumn colors and smells, waiting for the snow to cover the ridges and highlands of Ziria.
Doxa Lake
Lake Doxa is one of the most beautiful lakes in Greece located in the valley of Feneos, on the western side of the prefecture of Corinthia. Heading towards Kastania, with stunning views of the Feneos valley and its picturesque villages, travelers will be amazed by this tiny valley surrounded by high mountains. The valley of Feneos has been ‘conquered’ by gods, heroes and travelers since ancient times. The tranquil Doxa with its crystal-clear, emerald waters that reflect its exquisite natural landscapes, is characterized as one of the most beautiful spots of mountainous Corinthia. A must-visit for travelers there is the tiny chapel of Agios Fanourios, otherwise known as the Old Monastery of Agios Georgios, with a stunning view of the lake.
The Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos
However, if you want to see another perspective of the landscape of Doxa, head to the Monastery of Agios Georgios, which is notable for its beautiful frescoes influenced by the Cretan School, its large wooden chandelier and its magnificent carved iconostasis. From the balcony of the monastery, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the alpine landscape of Lake Doxa and taste the traditional rose sweet made with great care in the monastery. It is worth mentioning that the monastery played a decisive role in the revolution of 1821.
Stymphalia Lake
Lake Stymphalia is one of the most mythical lakes in Greece, located in the northeastern part of the prefecture of Corinthia. Designated as a protected area of the European NATURA 2000 Network, Lake Stymphalia is one of the most important ecosystems of the Peloponnese. A must stop is the Environmental Museum in the village of Kionia. The view of the lake from the wooden balcony of the museum is in itself a reason to visit.
Villages
The villages of Trikala are three of the most famous mountainous villages of the Peloponnese, located in the prefecture of Corinthia. Nestled on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Ziria, at an altitude of 1000 meters, the neighborhoods of Ano, Mesa and Kato Trikala are Athenians’ favorite weekend escape. Plane trees, oaks, walnuts and chestnuts make up the colorful puzzle of this quarter of Greece. The three villages of Trikala have been distinguished for their abundant water, clean air and wine since 1716.
As far as the religious monuments are concerned, the church of Agios Dimitrios in Kato Trikala is popular for its amazing frescoes with expressionistic features and vivid colors; the Church of the Transfiguration is known for the excellent image of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the Monastery of Panagia is famous for its frescoes that they date back from the 18th century.
Also, travelers should visit the Monastery of Agios Vlasios in Ano Trikala. The monastery is one of the cultural and historical landmarks of the region, founded in the first two centuries of the second millennium. Other traditional villages are Eurostini, Goura, Karya, Kastania etc.
Ziria
The mountain of Ziria is the second highest mountain of the Peloponnese, located in the southeastern part of Corinthia. Mount Ziria is one of the few Greek mountains with eight peaks with altitude over two thousand meters high. Characterized with myths and legends, since mythology has it that Hermes was born in a sacred cave on the mountain and Pleiades Muses resided in Ziria, this mountain is divided into two parts, ‘Mikri Ziria’ and ‘Megali Ziria’ by Flambouritsa valley. It is worth mentioning that Mount Ziria has been designated as an area of special interest by the European Natura 2000 Network.
Adventurers can walk to the observatory of Ziria to enjoy a unique view of the northeastern Peloponnese, including the eastern part of Achaia, the Corinthian Gulf, the southern part of Corinthia, as well as northeastern Arcadia. Endless virgin forests stretch around the massive slopes of Ziria, creating a lush landscape of pines and firs, with many flowing springs.
The plateau is one of the most beautiful locations in Ziria, offering a stunning view. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can visit Ziria Sports Center on the north-eastern side of the mountain, ten kilometers away from the villages of Trikala, where there is a ski slope for beginners and an advanced ski slope with a small lift. Also, hikers will be fascinated by the multiple marked hiking trails.
Grab the opportunity to experience mountainous Corinthia even for a short getaway!
