The Municipality of Argithea, located in the Regional Unit of Karditsa and bordering three counties, sets out to highlight a unique destination filled with countless landmarks and singular beauty in mainland Greece. The goal is to establish the municipality—known among those in the know as the “Greek Alps”—as a stronghold for alternative tourism in Greece and as a model domestic destination for Greek travelers.
From May 2 to 4, 2025, the Municipality of Argithea organized a series of visits for media representatives across its three districts: Eastern Argithea, the Acheloos area, and Western Argithea. These visits covered the region’s most important spots, perfectly showcasing the municipality’s tourism identity and much more.
The journey began in Petrilo, with the group staying at the traditional Livadia Guesthouse.
Petrilo, the historic seat of the Municipality of Argithea, is a village nestled in the mountainous Karditsa region. Renowned as one of the area’s best resorts, Petrilo features lush vegetation, picturesque homes, and remarkable churches. Built on the slopes at an altitude of 1,160 meters, it is the largest village in Eastern Argithea and holds a long and storied history.
While officially named Petrilo, locals often refer to it as “Petrilia” due to its many hamlets. Its geographic position is pivotal, with its mountain slopes forming a boundary between regions. The highest peaks surrounding the village are Karava (2,184 m)—offering breathtaking vistas stretching to the prefectures of Trikala and Arta—and Voutsikaki (2,154 m), from where the view extends from Lake Plastiras all the way to Mount Olympus, as well as Karditsa and Trikala counties.
To the east of the village, below Voutsikaki peak in the “Nine Springs” area, the Petriliotis River rises; it crosses the village before flowing west into the Acheloos River. Petrilo comprises the hamlets of Livadia, Kampoureika (Polydroso), Argyreika, Magiro, Vlachogiannika, Tekeika–Kouklarika–Pagoureika, Lathireika, Krania (Hari), Chalkiopoulo, Vasilades, and Rossi—all scattered across the mountains in a natural “horseshoe” formation.
These neighborhoods, known locally as “mahalades,” are separated by the Petriliotis River. To the west and north rises Karava (2,184 m), while around the village lower mountains can be seen: Gennitaki (1,770 m), Zgourolivado (1,977 m), Kokkinolakka (1,911 m), Paliomandri (1,832 m), Tria Synora (1,400 m), Tsioutes (1,659 m), Flambouras (1,600 m), Charisi (1,773 m), Tsikriki, and others.
The area boasts notable examples of local architecture as well as remarkable churches and monasteries.
At the welcoming, the Mayor of Argithea, Mr. Andreas Stergiou the Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection, Sanitation, and Electromechanical Equipment, Mr. Charalampos Poulios the Deputy Mayor of Technical Works and Electronic Governance, Mr. Thanasis Karageorgos the Deputy Mayor of Daily Services, Self-Management, and Environment, Mr. Kostas Merentitis the Deputy Mayor of Finance, Mr. Nikos Sakkas and Mr. Kostas Grammenos, Appointed Councilor of the Municipality of Argithea responsible for Culture and Education and educator at the Mouzaki Environmental Education Center, were present.
The delegation was welcomed at the Livadia Guesthouse—featuring a grill, café, and ouzo bar—where journalists enjoyed a first taste of the region’s gastronomy.
The first day’s itinerary in Eastern Argithea included a visit to Lake Stefaniada, the newest natural lake in Greece.
Holy Monastery of Panagia Spilia
In the beautiful Agrafa mountain range of the Pindos, near the village of Koubouriana, stands the men’s Holy Monastery of Panagia Spilia. Nestled among fir-covered slopes, the monastery resembles a blue gemstone set in the lush greenery. Hanging on the rock at 900 meters elevation, it offers breathtaking views. Inside, two churches stand out: the smaller devoted to the Dormition of the Virgin and the larger to Zoodochos Pigi (1736). The monastery played a significant role during the struggles of 1821.
Visit to Leontito village—Platanos Leontitou
A village of the Thessalian Agrafa in Eastern Argithea, Leontito sits on a verdant slope of Mount Tsournato at about 1,000 meters, 40 km from Mouzaki. Distinguished by its lush fruit trees, its two ends are called Rachi: Rachi at Aloni at the entrance and Rachi at Agios Thanasis at the far end, where most homes are built of stone. Leontito is synonymous with its centuries-old plane tree at the center of the village, a landmark for locals and visitors alike. This natural monument stands nearly 33 meters tall, shading the newly renovated square—about one and a half acres wide—where villagers and visitors gather for coffee, food, and drinks, hosted by the “Papachristos” tavern (run by the village priest)—the village’s second monument after the plane tree itself.
This plane tree is also known as the “Plane Tree of Karaiskakis“—as, according to many sources, Georgios Karaiskakis, the revolutionary hero, often rested in its shade, with his headquarters situated nearby. This is said to be where Karaiskakis spent his childhood and, as a general, later based his command in Leontito.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the itinerary continued with a visit to the Acheloos area and the villages of Argyri, Katafylli, and Vragkiana.
Argyri is the last village of the Acheloos area in the southwest corner of Karditsa, close to the borders with Evrytania.
Built at 650 meters altitude and 120 kilometers from Karditsa city, it is an ancient settlement known by its present name since before the Revolution of 1821.
One of its highlights is the Prophet Elias church, much of which is built inside a cave.
Visit to one of the oldest dairies in the region, “Orosira Agrafon”
Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration in Vragkiana
The Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration is set on the broad plateau of Mount Mirmitzala, opposite Vragkiana, just a few kilometers from the main settlement. The monastery complex is impeccably preserved, following renovations carried out in 1952–1956 through the dedication of locals and the Metropolitan Diocese of Thessaliotida and Fanariofersala.
On the third and final day, Sunday, May 4, 2025, the media delegation visited Western Argithea, in particular Anthiro (the municipal seat), the Anthiro Folklore Museum, the Monastery of Katousi, the Ecclesiastical Museum, and Argithea village itself.
Anthiro
Anthiro, Argithea is a mountain village in Karditsa at the heart of the Thessalian Agrafa, located at 990 meters altitude. It is the largest village and administrative center of the municipality, which itself comprises 20 large and small villages and additional hamlets scattered across the mountains of Western Thessaly in the Thessalian Agrafa.
The Monastery of Katousi, dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos, was built in the early 17th century—probably atop older foundations—on a rocky slope between Katousi and Lagkadi of Anthiro Community. It dominates a truly enchanting landscape, surrounded by holm oaks, maples, chestnuts, and firs. Nearby, spring water gushes from a rock crevice, once supplying the monastery.
This monument is open year-round, declared protected by the Ministry of Culture, and under constant restoration. Its beautiful architecture and frescoes are notable. Opposite, a fir forest stretches toward the summit of Kalatori, while in Kydonia there is an attractive newly landscaped area suitable for alternative events.
Argithea
The village of Argithea—ancient capital of Athamania—gave its name to the whole area. Built west of Karditsa at elevations from 930 meters in the village center to 1,100 meters on the slopes, it is surrounded by plane trees along the river and firs on the mountainsides, making for idyllic scenery. Highly recommended are the old stone school (with its exceptionally landscaped grounds) and the park at the village entrance, both recently restored by the dynamic association “O Argitheos.” Hiking, riverside walks, and fishing in the Acheloos tributaries offer unique experiences.
The group’s passage through Argithea concluded with a meal at the “Argithea” café-grill by the river, where host Dimitris Kofos serves fresh trout and local dishes.
In comments to the press delegation, the Mayor of Argithea, Karditsa, stated:
“This press mission is, in essence, the first organized press trip ever held in Argithea. The effort was a resounding success, giving participants the opportunity to discover a truly ‘unexplored’ place for the general public—one that can become a top alternative destination for those wishing to escape the ordinary.
I am absolutely convinced that this initiative will mark a creative starting point to boost the outward reach of our mountainous region and highlight its unique features.
It is no exaggeration to say that Argithea is a destination for the initiated, for discerning travelers, for all who seek authenticity. Discover it!”
