Only a three-hour drive from Athens, Tsintzina (also referred to as Polydroso) sits at 1,100 meters above sea degree, embraced by fir and pine forests. With a wealthy historical past courting again to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, the village is outlined by its stone bridges, historic monasteries, and the gurgling of 9 pure springs. It’s a haven for nature lovers, mountain adventurers, and anybody searching for a peaceable escape. That’s what I search for – and what I all the time discover – on my weekend getaways right here.
© Eva Loudi
© Eva Loudi
The Trails and Nature
The village sq. is the place to begin for 9 climbing routes, most of which result in church buildings, caves, or springs. All are mapped and signposted, every with various ranges of issue. The “Tsintzina – Aghios Giannis” path results in the cave-like church of Saint John the Baptist, a 14th-century chapel constructed into the rock. The route begins within the village with a delicate incline that turns into steeper because it reaches the chapel. It’s price taking brief breaks to take pleasure in the fantastic thing about the forest.
The chapel of Aghios Giannis sits at 1,360 meters and rewards with its gorgeous views and sense of tranquility. Step inside and climb the picket stairs to the balcony on the higher degree of the sanctuary. Right here, you may loosen up to the sounds of nature and the wind whispering by the plush inexperienced valley under.
The route is marked with round yellow indicators and takes about 45–60 minutes every approach, relying in your tempo.
Extra details about the paths of Mount Parnon may be discovered at monopatia-parnona.gr.
The Pritanio Guesthouse
For a heat, unpretentious keep in concord with nature, examine into Pritanio. Each room seems out over Tsintzina, and on clear nights, the balconies turn into good stargazing spots. The comfortable frequent room – with its stone hearth and well-stocked bar – is right for board video games, studying, or sampling conventional sweets.
Tip: Don’t miss the country trahana (conventional Greek pasta soup) served on the breakfast buffet.
Data and bookings: pritanio.gr
© Eva Loudi
© Eva Loudi
Yianna, Kostas, and the Meals at “Oinous” Taverna
A brief distance from Tsintzina, within the neighboring village of Veroia, you’ll discover the tavern “Oinous” or “Ta Oraia Veroia,” the place Yianna and Kostas prepare dinner meals the identical approach they might for their very own household. Handmade pies, recent greens, omelets with crispy fried potatoes, and rooster with pasta are simply among the rustic delights on the menu. For those who take pleasure in tales from the previous and occur to catch them on a quiet day, ask Yianna and Kostas to share tales about their homeland – they’re the right storytellers, so take notes of their native ideas. And don’t be shocked in case you occur on one among their karaoke nights!
Reservations and opening hours: Tel. (+30) 27310.734.00 and (+30) 697.892.0035.
A Cause to Return
On my subsequent journey, I plan to go to the Monastery of Aghioi Anargyroi, perched on a plateau at Stamatira, round 1,000 meters up. Locals converse of Father Grigorios with reverence, saying a go to there may be transformative. That might be my motive to return.
Tip: Although a mountain village, Tsintzina is taken into account a summer season vacation spot, however each season affords a special expertise.
Extra data: tsintzina.gr
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