Do you want to explore a Greece that is unknown to tourists, where there are no white washed houses or innumerable tourist shops. The mountain range called Pindus, located in the North-Western part of Greece below Albania, offers a glimpse into Greek village life with interesting epicurean delights and the perfect climate for hiking.
The Pindus People and Their Food
The Pindus region is populated by a group of people called Vlachs, and many of these Vlahoi speak a Romanian dialect in addition to Greek. Not everyone in the Pindus region is a Vlach, however much of the region is inspired by their culture. The area has a secluded feeling and venturing into the villages one would find women and men still dressed in the traditional folk costumes of the area.
The main industries the locals in the area are involved in are forestry, wooden craftsmanship and sheep herding. The abundance of sheep herding in the region makes the local cheese a specialty, it is ripened in large wooden barrels and is called Varelitio (which means: from a barrel).
Other popular foods in the area are the Greek pies that most westerners recognize as spanokopita and tyropita ,which are made with spinach and cheese, however Greek pies or pitas are made with a wide range of ingredients in the area including pumpkin, milk and leeks.
If you happen to be travelling through Metsovo, a tourist destination of the Pindus region, make sure to pick up some hilopites which is the area's take on egg noodles that is traditionally made with their sheep's milk feta. Also while in Metsovo make sure to pick up some wood crafts made by locals, which can also be bought in the surrounding villages as well (usually at a cheaper price).
The Environment and Climate
This area does not have the famous azure coloured oceans lapping up on its door step, the Pindus region is nestled in a mountain range with no views of the sea. In fact the highest village in Greece, Samarina, is located here. Instead of ocean views, visitors will get a glimpse of beautiful pine forests, impressive mountains and valleys, and quiet stone and wood built villages.
For many this area offers relief from the blistering heat of Greek summers. Its altitude allows for comfortable weather in the summer and an abundance of snow in the winter, giving Greeks a place to ski in their homeland.
There are also many hiking trails in the area, however there some dangers like sheep dogs and bears. The information kiosks in villages can offer advice on where your safest travel routes are. In addition there are some rivers in the area that you can take kayaks out onto in the Valia Kalda which is the Pindus area's national park.
If you feel like venturing away from Greece's overcrowded and overpriced tourist hot spots consider making your way up to the Pindus area- Greece's best kept secret
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