YEAR ROUND DESTINATION
ELATI FOREST VILLAGE
A birdwatchers paradise
Elati forest village
A forest village on the slopes of Pindus range, with a rich variety of wildlife, from predatory bird to brown bear, wolf and roe deer!
Nestled in northern Greece, close to the city of Trikala the charming village of Elati sits amphitheatrically at an altitude of 950 metres on the slopes of Mount Pindus.
Surrounded by Mount Koziakas, Elati – which means ‘fir’ in Greek – lives up to its name.
Lush pine forests surround the village, creating a stunning, serene landscape perfect for birdwatching, mushroom hunting, and relaxation.
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Elati, northwestern Thessaly
Where the majestic natural beauty meets Elati forest village
The forest village of Elati is home to around five hundred permanent residents and has a rich history dating back to the 4th century BC, which has evolved gracefully over time.
The modernisation of Elati has been essential not only for economic survival, but also for the preservation of its core values, especially after the Second World War when the village was burnt down by German forces.
Walking through the village you can visit the oldest surviving house, built around 1845 and still owned by the Gidaris family.
Distinctive red tile and stone roofs define the local architecture, while the proud old mansions reflect the village’s historical depth and prosperity during the Classical period.
Looking for the perfect stay in Elati? Check out Petrina Elatis Guesthouses, a family-friendly and accessible eco-friendly retreat offering activities for all ages, from mushroom hunting to slow food cooking!
In the multiple local ‘’tavernas’’(restaurants), you may taste traditional recipes cooked in ceramic pans with plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs, collected in the nearby mountains.
Sit on a terrace and try ’Trachana’’, a meat free ‘’mama’s soup’’, accompanied by a brave portion of feta cheese….just amazing! For dessert, we suggest delicious ‘’sapoune halva’’, homemade and special!
Elati is a paradise for nature lovers, offering scenic hiking trails, horseback riding, and a variety of outdoor activities. Surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain landscapes, it’s the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation in nature.
year round destination in greece
18 bridges, 5 rivers & 26 Hiking Trails
WALK through GREECE
walking routes in elati
The E4 European Walking Route passes through Elati and links the village with 26 walking routes, making Elati a great starting point for a variety of footpaths!
Walk among ancient oaks and plane trees, discover a series of small waterfalls and visit the ruins of the ancient city of Potneo.
Along the way you’ll come across 19 bridges spanning the five rivers – Achelous, Portaikos, Pineios, Litheos and Enipeas – that flow through the area.
Each bridge has its own name and 16 of them are made of stone. Cross them, swim under them and become part of Elati’s living history!
Stones Houses of Elati
Discover Petrina Elatis, a year-round eco-friendly guesthouses complex in Elati, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Embrace slow travel with activities like wild food foraging, hiking, and traditional cooking, all set in a serene mountain landscape. Your green getaway awaits!
How to reach Elati?
To get to Elati from Athens or Thessaloniki, you can travel by car or public transport.
To get to Elati from Athens or Thessaloniki, you can travel by car or public transport.
– By car: From Athens, take the E65 motorway towards Trikala (about 4 hours). From Thessaloniki, drive via Larissa and Trikala (about 2.5 hours).
– By public transport: Take a KTEL (local buses) bus from Athens or Thessaloniki to Trikala, then change to a local bus or taxi to Elati (about 40 minutes).
Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains of Greece before arriving at this charming forest village!
Experience the beauty of Elati Forest Village, a family friendly destination and the perfect place to feel the real Greece and explore the mountains on foot. Nestled in rural Greece, it’s a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Come and visit!
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