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Grevena

Grevena, in the southern part of Macedonia, is mountainous, with the Pindus range rising to the west and the Hassia range to the north. Grevena, built 543 meters above sea level on the banks of the Grevenitis river, and on the tributary of the Aliakmon. The town possesses restaurants, taverns, rotisseries, a cinema and an open-air theatre. Every summer the theatre hosts concerts, plays performed by the State Theatre of Northern Greece, and appearances by Greek and foreign folklore ensembles.

There are two caves worth visiting, one at Mt. Orliakas and the other near the village named Spileo (cave), which stands on a cliff. At Paliouria (47 km.), stands the Byzantine monastery of the Virgin Evangelistria and the monastery of Ossios Nikanor founded in 1534 not far from the Aliakmon river. The frescoes decorating its main church resemble those in the Varlaam monastery at Meteora and are most probably the works of the same painter, the famous Frangos Kastellanos.

One place of exceptional loveliness and a good place to spend a summer holiday, is the village of Perivoli (45 km. from Grevena).

Samarina, another charming village, is built on the slopes of Mt. Smolikas, 1.450 meters above sea level. Here the lush greenery and spectacular scenery cannot fail to please. This village holds a unique place in Greece because it lies at the highest altitude, 1420 meters, and offers beautiful views of the area. It is also a stepping stone for those who hike the Smolikas mountain, which is 2600 meters in height and also is the site of a beautiful lake, Drakolνmni.

Other villages that deserve a stop - all of them overlooking forests of firs, pines and willows, are Kipourio, Krania, Deskati, Avdela, Polineri, Smixi and Alatopetra.

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