To cross the Pindus from one end to the other is, by any standard, exciting, demanding, and immensely enjoyable. It also comes with a fair amount of suspense. Endless bends, steep changes in elevation, and landscapes of striking beauty define both sides of the northern Pindus.
This is a difficult but deeply rewarding route, ideal for travelers who love nature and are willing to explore some of Greece’s most mountainous regions. The suggested journey begins in Metsovo, set among lush green slopes, and ends at the imposing rock formations of Meteora, on the eastern side of the Pindus.
Starting Point: Metsovo
In Metsovo, the quintessential winter destination that turns into a green haven in spring, you have the chance to experience life in mountainous Epirus at close range. This is an exceptional mountain town, sustained not only by tourism but also by cheesemaking, livestock farming, and woodcarving. At the same time, it preserves an important intellectual and cultural legacy.
In the wider Metsovo area, you will find the beautiful Aoos Springs Lake, the well-known Pindus National Park (Valia Calda), and the village of Milia, known for its woodcarving tradition. The region is also home to numerous historic monasteries, excellent trails through wild natural landscapes, and two main ski centers that operate throughout the winter season.
Two Routes
Then, following the Egnatia Motorway, you can turn toward Trikala and Kalambaka and begin a descending route toward the Thessalian plain, along mountain roads and slopes that seem to lean gradually down toward the lowlands.
If, however, you enjoy driving in Greece’s mountain regions and have solid experience behind the wheel, you may choose an alternative route of remarkable beauty, though it is highly demanding.
Starting from Metsovo, you head farther south toward the village of Chaliki, a traditional Vlach settlement on the eastern side of the Pindus. Along a route with countless turns and dramatic elevation changes across mountain plateaus, you reach the Monastery of Panagia Galaktotrofousa, built beside the bed of the Achelos River, in a densely green landscape of slopes, peaks, and thick conifer forests. From there, you continue east toward Aspropotamos, crossing one of the most mountainous parts of the Trikala region, an area that until 1912 marked the border of the Greek state.
From this point, you can return to the main road to Meteora via Kastania. Along the way, you will also come across the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Aspropotamos. Keep in mind that this route is fairly long, around 100 kilometers, or roughly two and a half to three hours of driving, and is directly affected by weather conditions. Depending on your stamina, you may need to stay overnight somewhere along the way.
On to Meteora
Once you arrive at Meteora, it becomes clear that the spring landscape suits the area perfectly. Color, form, and scent fill the westernmost edge of the Thessalian plain, creating a setting of rare beauty that easily stands alongside comparable landscapes abroad.
At Meteora, you can visit the extraordinary monasteries built on top of the rock pillars, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1988. They are distinguished by their exceptional frescoes and are considered major landmarks in the development of post-Byzantine painting across the wider regions of Epirus and Thessaly.
For climbing enthusiasts, the area offers around 800 climbing routes across 15 climbing fields, suitable for every level of experience. Particularly popular is the Doupiani rock in Kastraki, which is suitable even for beginners. Other activities in the area include paragliding, horseback riding, biking tours, and the seasonal mushroom foraging excursions, for which you will find specialized offices in Kalambaka.
