Vlachostrata - the crossing of North Pindos

ACTIVE PERIOD: 29 August - 3 September 2025
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

DURATION: 6 days

Vlachostrata - the crossing of North Pindos

Price from €790

Overview

A unique journey through the unspoiled nature, mountain trails, and traditional villages of this remarkable region of Greece!

A 6-day hiking adventure across Northern Pindos, passing through historic Vlach villages and alpine pastures in the Grevena region. This trek offers an authentic opportunity to explore the region’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The route starts in Kranea, near Metsovo, and concludes in Samarina, the highest village in Greece at an altitude of 1,450 m. Along the way, the trek traverses picturesque Vlach villages that historically played a vital role in preserving and sharing the culture of the Vlach community. Grevena is home to five notable Vlach villages (Kranea, Perivoli, Avdella, Smixi, Samarina), located on the slopes of Mount Smolikas, offering stunning views of Mount Vasilitsa, all above 1,000 m.

The "Vlachostrata – Crossing Northern Pindos" program is perfect for travelers seeking a deep connection with local culture and an authentic exploration of the hidden gems of Pindos through captivating mountain trails and breathtaking landscapes.

View on map

Day 1: Krania - Stone Bridges & Buluvaros Waterfalls
Day 2: Krania – Valia Calda – Vovousa
Day 3: Vovousa – Mount Avgo Summit (2,177 m) – Perivoli
Day 4: Perivoli – Avdella – Vasilitsa Summit (2,249 m) – Grevena Ski and Mountaineering Club/ Refuge

Day 5: GSMC – Samarina (1,450 m) – Traditional Festival

Activities / Schedule

Krania - Stone Bridges & Buluvaros Waterfalls

Krania - Stone Bridges & Buluvaros Waterfalls

15:00: Arrival at the village of Krania and welcome briefing.
17:30: Visit the village's historic stone bridges and the Buluvaros Waterfalls.
20:00: Pre-trek briefing, gear check, and distribution of the next day’s breakfast and snacks.

Overnight stay: Choose between local hotels or a designated camping site.

Krania – Valia Calda – Vovousa

Depart from Krania with company vehicles to reach the core of the Valia Calda National Park (16 km dirt road).
Begin the hike following the E6 trail to the village of Vovousa, passing through the heart of the park alongside the famous "Arkoudorema" stream.
Enjoy scenic landscapes with towering black pines and refreshing swims in natural pools and waterfalls.
Explore the unique flora and fauna of the park during an expert-guided nature tour.

20:00: Dinner and preparation for the next day.
Overnight stay: Vovousa Refuge.

Hiking details:

Distance: 14 km
Maximum altitude: 1,370 m
Minimum altitude: 960 m
Elevation gain: +270 m / Elevation loss: -530 m
Estimated duration: 5 ½ hours
Difficulty: 2/5

Vovousa – Mount Avgo Summit (2,177 m) – Perivoli

After breakfast, hike from the refuge to Vovousa's central square (3 km).
Begin the ascent to Mount Avgo (2,177 m), which offers spectacular views of Vovousa and Perivoli.
The trail starts from the village, following a dirt road to the Toskas Fountain, then transitions to a less defined path along the mountain’s northern face.
From the summit, descend to the Ntiza waypoint and onward to the village of Perivoli, where you can relax in the main square and interact with locals.

20:00: Dinner in the village square featuring local meats.
Overnight stay: Perivoli Guesthouse.

Hiking details:

Distance: 16 km
Maximum altitude: 2,177 m
Minimum altitude: 1,280 m
Elevation gain: +1,220 m / Elevation loss: -890 m
Estimated duration: 7 ½ hours
Difficulty: 3/5

Perivoli – Avdella – Vasilitsa Summit (2,249 m) – Grevena Ski and Mountaineering Club/ Refuge

08:00: Depart from Perivoli on a forest road toward Avdella, a historic Vlach village known as the hometown of the Manakia brothers, the first Greek filmmakers. Stop at the central square to rest under the large plane tree.
Follow a trail from Avdella to Mount Vasilitsa’s summit (2,249 m), descending to the GSMC Refuge (1,880 m) on Mount Gomara.
The evening features a BBQ dinner under the stars, with telescope stargazing organized by a local club (weather permitting).

Overnight stay: GSMC Refuge.

Hiking details:

Distance: 13 km
Maximum altitude: 2,249 m
Minimum altitude: 1,150 m
Elevation gain: +980 m / Elevation loss: -450 m
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: 3/5

GSMC – Samarina (1,450 m) – Traditional Festival

07:30: Depart westward behind Mount Gomara, passing by habitats of wild goats and following a trail from the village of Distrato to Samarina, the highest village in Greece.
Explore Samarina’s historic churches dating back to 1713 and engage with locals to learn about their Vlach dialect and culture.
Participate in the traditional festival honoring Saint Mamas, patron of shepherds. The festival includes music, dancing, free local food and drinks, and cultural performances. Many locals camp outdoors around the church, reviving old traditions.

Overnight stay: Samarina Guesthouse.

Hiking details:

Distance: 11 km
Maximum altitude: 1,850 m
Minimum altitude: 1,450 m
Elevation gain: +720 m / Elevation loss: -320 m
Estimated duration: 6 ½ hours
Difficulty: 2/5

Romiou (1,700 m) – Mount Smolikas Summit (2,637 m) – Gorgoulios (20 km)

The day begins earlier than usual, with vehicles transferring the group to Romiou (1,700 m), the starting point of the hike, approximately 20 minutes away.

The initial goal is reaching the Mosia summit, followed by an ascent to the Ger-Smólikas summit (2,637 m), the second-highest peak in Greece. The route offers breathtaking views and a true sense of achievement at the top.

The descent follows the same trail, but at the midpoint, near Gorgoulios, the route diverges to reach the village, marking the completion of the Vlachostrata and the end of the Northern Pindos crossing.

Hiking details:

Distance: 20 km
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: -1,050 m
Maximum altitude: 2,637 m
Minimum altitude: 1,700 m
Estimated duration: 12 hours
Difficulty: 4/5

Important Info

In a glance

Highlights

Traverse the core of the Valia Calda National Park, one of Greece's most pristine and biodiverse regions.
Explore historic Vlach villages, including the highest village in Greece, Samarina (1,450 m).
Ascend the stunning Mount Avgo (2,177 m) and Mount Vasilitsa (2,249 m).
Reach the second-highest peak in Greece, Mount Smolikas (2,637 m).
Immerse yourself in authentic local culture, with traditional celebrations and interaction with locals.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, combining alpine meadows, deep forests, and crystal-clear streams.
67 km of hiking trails, with a total ascent of 3,490 m.

Price

790€/person for 11-15 participants

Fixed Departures

29 August - 3 September 2025

Experienced English-speaking guide from Trekking Hellas.
Support vehicle for transfers and logistical assistance.
Accommodation:
- 1 night in tents within the Valia Calda National Park.
- 4 nights in guesthouses (Perivoli, GSMC Refuge, Samarina).
Meals:
- 5 breakfasts.
- 5 packed lunches/snacks.
- 5 dinners, including a BBQ night at GSMC Refuge.
Local transportation, including:
- Transfers to starting points for hikes.
- Return transfer from Samarina to Krania.
Guided tours:
- Visit to the stone bridges and Buluvaros Waterfalls in Krania.
- Expert-led nature tour in Valia Calda National Park.
Liability insurance.
Personal accident insurance.
All applicable taxes.

Everything not mentioned in the included section

Equipment

Backpack
Hiking shoes (preferably boots)
Sportswear or hiking clothes suitable for the season (short and long trousers, T-shirts, fleece or cotton jacket, etc.)
Underwear-socks
Personal hygiene items
Personal items
Waterproof jacket
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or beanie
Flashlight
Energy snack (such as pastel, nuts, dried fruit)
Hiking pole (optional)
Camera (optional)
Water bottle with at least 1.5 liters capacity