Ideal Winter Destinations

Papigo, Embraced by Mountains

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) Papigo is one of the 46 villages of the residential, cultural, and historical unit of Zagori.

Situated in the north-east of Ioannina, Papigo is built at the foot of the Mountain range of Timfis and it is separated in two districts, the Big and the Small Papigo.

Above the village, there are very high imposing rocks, known as the towers of Papigo and Drakolimni, one of the several alpine lakes of Epirus.
The ravine of Aoos, the impressive gorge of Vikos and the river Voidomatis are some of the natural beauties of the area.
The traditional architecture, the rich cultural heritage and the hospitality of the residents will definitely enchant every visitor.  

Pavliani, Ready to Be Explored

Pavliani is a beautiful village crowned by a fir forest on Mount Oiti in the prefecture of Fthiotidas. At an altitude of 1,050 meters and just two hours away from Athens, Pavliani marks the entrance to Oiti National Park.

In the village, there are logs piled on the side of streets and houses built of wood and stone with steep roofs to withstand the weight of snow in winter, while the smooth mountain slopes are ideal for cross-country skiing.

The area has been known since antiquity and on the top of the mountain there are the remains of a 3rd century BC Doric temple, dedicated to the mythical hero Hercules.
Pavliani is divided into “lower” (Kato) and upper (Ano) districts and a first-time visitor may start discovering the area from the path connecting the two districts.
The wonderful landscape of Pavliani will not let down even the most demanding visitor. 
Athens Plus (4.12.09): Pavliani, Are you ready, boots?

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Schiniathlon: Multisport in Greece

Multisport is a family of athletic competitions in which athletes race in a continuous series of stages or “legs,” and rapidly switch from one discipline to another in order to achieve the best overall time. Most multisport events are endurance races, consisting of aerobic activities such as cycling, running, kayaking and cross-country skiing. Greece happens to be the ultimate ideal environment for the practice of such a sport. Schiniathlon (www.schiniathlon.gr), Greece’s main multisport events, are settled in a cycle of three events per year: Spring – Autumn – Winter. The next Winter Schiniathlon will take place on  January 25th, 2009 with more fun and challenges for all of you! The event takes place at Schinias bay, Marathonas area, near Athens.