Descending through the misty atmosphere, dazzling lights twinkle in the ravine blending with the stone houses and their gray slate roofs between the labyrinthine alleys; this is Metsovo standing proudly between the imposing mountains and the flowing rivers. Charming Metsovo, one of the most beautiful regions of Epirus, challenges all of your senses through its picturesque character, its traditional atmosphere, its high quality cheeses and its intoxicating red wines. Painting the most wonderful setting of your winter escapes, from both Evangelos Averoff, Foundation Tossizza and its local people, Metsovo will definitely steal a place in your heart. Cultural heritage and natural beauty will certainly enchant you on the crossroads between Epirus, Macedonia and Thessaly. Nestling in one of the highest peaks of Pindus Mountains, Metsovo, the largest Vlach village of Greece, will captivate your eyes with its fresh mountain air and its natural beauty. A town of Epirus that has managed to maintain its traditional colours will give you the opportunity to experience an authentic image of the Greek countryside through Metsovo distinctive atmosphere. Tossizza Foundation, the standard cheese factory, offers one of the greatest views of Metsovo’s traditional stone houses. Local traditional shops with folklore art and woodwork objects along with elegant cafeterias identify the special natural scenery of this place. Agia Paraskevi church, the patron saint of Metsovo, holds its prominence at the central square of Metsovo, of the most beautiful squares of mainland Greece. There, you might even distinguish the locals through their lightweight Vlachic idiom. Following the path that climbs up to the town hall, you will have the opportunity to explore the most scenic neighborhoods of Metsovo while you might even meet local people with their traditional costumes wandering in the streets. Dominated from labyrinthine cobblestone alleys, Metsovo hides millions of mysteries; from the Art Gallery of Evangelos Averoff with works of some of the most important painters of Greece and the Folklore Museum with a remarkable collection of folklore materials and fighters weapons of the Greek Revolution housed in the 19^th century mansion of Tossizza family to the picturesque stone houses of Metsovo, examples of the traditional architecture of Epirus, and the traditional stone fountains, every corner of Metsovo is a new surprize! Land of farmers and shepherds, Metsovo has excelled in agricultural products. Of the most distinctive traditional products of Metsovo include its famous smoked metsovone cheese and its dry Katogi red wine; it was the desire of the president of Tossizza Foundation to establish a school where the young Metsovites could be trained to produce the best quality cheeses! In fact, most of the local shops sell dairy products. Reserved only for the connoisseurs, the delicious dry Katogi wine is produced from the French Bordeaux vines, growing in Metsovo whose vinification, maturation and bottling processes are held in their wonderful winery. However, Metsovo has also a rich tradition in its folklore art and gold embroidery. Hidden betweeen the cobblestone alleys, find those admirable objects in the local shops by youself! Nevertheless, the beauties of the wider region of Metsovo still continue; the artificial lake of Aoos Springs, one of the most important habitats of Epirus, whose natural sceneries is interrupted from small isles with large pine trees create images of unique beauty, especially during the dreamy sunset. And if you are winter sports lovers, don’t your worry; Metsovo has everything packed up for you. Three ski centers dominate the foothills of Pindus Mountains just for you to choose where you would like to slide like a pro! The less adventurous, though, can practice canoeing at the lake of Aoos, which, according to the locals, gets as beautiful as it can in the winter months when it gets frozen! And just behind the lake, one could go for hiking explorations to Valia Calda National Park, one of the most beautiful forests in Greece. It is definite that a journey in Metsovo will leave you with unforgettable memories; its traditional character, its ultimate tranquility and its alpine beauty will revitalize you. When time will come, you will leave behind the intoxicating aroma of Katogi wine and the spicy flavor of metsovone cheese blended with the fresh air of Pindus to discover Metsovo’s mysteries with your own eyes!

Metsovo is a realm of imposing peaks, verdant forests and lovely villages. South of Katara Pass, the most dangerous mountain road of the Balkans, the border between Epirus and Thessaly, Metsovo is the diamond of Pindus. Fresh air, panoramic vistas, distinctive stone architecture and a charming village atmosphere make Metsovo an alluring destination perched at an altitude of 1,160 meters. Have you ever wandered, however, how everything started on this corner of Epirus? According to testaments of historians, Metsovo was occupied from the semi-nomadic Vlachs in the 15^th century. During the Ottoman domination, the village received various privileges, as a Constantinople official, who had been condemned to death, was sheltered from the local Vlachs. When he later won back the favor of the sultan, he granted tax concessions to the local people of Metsovo. In fact, Metsovo became an independent democratic state in the Ottoman Empire along with several other villages. However, the privileges of Metsovo were abolished in 1795 from the centralized state of Ali Pasha. Metsovo was completely destroyed on March 27 of 1854 from Turkish troops of Avdi Pasha. This is the famous “Hubbub of Grivas”. Following this devastating event, and thanks to the many benefactors of Metsovo, the city was developed with the passage of time. In 1912, Metsovo was liberated from the Ottomans by the forces of the Greek army, and volunteers from Crete and Epirus. Of great importance regarding the modern economic and cultural development of Metsovo was the establishment of the Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation that was founded from the same benefactor and encouragement of Evangelos Averof Tossizza. In fact, Baron Tossizza was one of the most important personas of Metsovo who played significant role in the development of modern Greece. As a founder of the Foundation Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza, as initiator and lifelong president of the Foundation Baron Michael Tossizza, and as a benefactor of Metsovo, Evangelos Averoff developed significant activities that contributed to the economic and cultural development of the region. He created student housing with free accommodation and feeding for students from Epirus in Athens, he established the folklore museum of Metsovo to showcase the folklore history of the region, he launched extensive reforestation and anti-erosion works, he built 107 schools in the prefecture of Ioannina, he created a cheese factory and a furniture company, he established a health center with free medical care for residents of Metsovo and surroundings, he initiated a project for the maintenance of churches, monasteries, traditional buildings, stone fountains and cobbled streets of Metsovo, he created a ski resort, and he established a modern Greek art gallery.However, you might be wondering who are these benefactors, Tossizza and Averoff, and how their story started off. Here is a small story! Following the example of Ali Pasha in Ioannina, Mohammed Ali from Kavala (1769 – 1849) launched an autonomous state in Egypt, where, in 1804, was recognized from Sultan Pasha. His son, Ibrahim, was sent to get Messologi (1826) and tried to suppress the Greek revolution in Moria. Some years later, things were radically changed. In 1831, Mohammed fought against the Sultan. With the intervention of the great powers, he returned to Egypt. In 1840, he was recognized the right of hereditary regency. Mohammed began to modernize his country. As an adviser, he had Theodore Tossizza from Metsovo, a banker and the richest landowner of Alexandria. He asked the king of Greece, Otto, to upgrade the Greek consulate in Mansoura and send him a Consul General. So, he sent Michael Tossizza, son of Theodore. Soon after, the Greek community in Egypt was full of life and enjoyed the deep respect of the Egyptians. Michael Tossizza, one of the wealthiest Greeks of Alexandria at that time, built the “Tositsaia School” in Alexandria. When Mohammed died in 1849, Michael Tossizza returned to Greece and settled in Athens. He offered his property for the construction of the Polytechnic University and the creation and other charitable and educational institutions. In Egypt, Mohamed Ali Pasha was succeeded from Pasha Said. Michael Tossizza (1787 – 1856) was one of the most important benefactors of Metsovo, who acquired a vast fortune in Alexandria, and allocated it for national purposes. However, his work was continued from his grandson, Michael Tossizza II, who lived in Switzerland and spent his vast fortune to charitable works in Metsovo. For this purpose, he appointed Evangelos Averoff to become the executor of his estate, and Averoff established the foundation of Tossizza to proceed with the guidance of both. Since then, Averoff acquired the surname of the benefactor called Evangelos Averoff – Tossizza. Undeniably, the charitable kindness of the benefactors of Metsovo will leave its moments to the history of Metsovo forever!

The Folk Art Museum of Metsovo, one of the very first project of Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation, is housed in the renovated house of the Tossizza family that was originally built in 1661. Wandering through the museum, travellers can actually relive the atmosphere of centuries old history and find out how a Metsovo manor house used to be organized and functioned. Based on the idea of an open museum, the Folk Art Museum of Metsovo exhibits its valuable items and rich collections in their natural space, within the rooms, warehouses and parlours of the old mansion. The exhibits of the museum include items that could have been present in a manor house during the economic boom of Metsovo as well as items that represent the historical memory of the nation. Collections of firearms and swords from the struggle of 1821 against the Ottoman Empire, copper and wooden kitchen utensils, jewelry and traditional dresses, decorative plates and silverware, saddles embroidered with gold, chests, agricultural tools, looms and woven fabrics. It also features a major collection of sixty six icons dating back to the 15th century and a Byzantine collection of metal items covering a long period from the early Christian times. Since 1991, the hidden third floor is dedicated to Evangelos Averoff featuring personal items and photographs from the historical path of his life. Unquestionably, the Folk Art Museum of Metsovo is a must visit! Don’t hesitate to have a tour with the museum professionals, as they will offer you an in-depth glance of the history of Evangelos Averoff and Michael Tossizza! (Photo Courtesy of Metsovomuseum.gr)

The Averoff Museum of Neohellenic Art, the second most important art gallery of the country, was inaugurated in the village of Metsovo on August 27 of 1988 from its founder, Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza, who had long wished to create a small yet exceptional Museum in his hometown. The collection of the gallery comprises from two hundred works from Greek artists of the 19th and 20th centuries contributed from the founder and bequeathed to the Foundation, together with the three-storey building that Evangelos Averoff Tossizza built especially to house his collection. Some of the most notable Greek painters, sculptors and printmakers include Gyzis, Lytras, Volanakis, Iakovides, Parthenis, Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, and Moralis amongst others. In fact, the collection of Averoff Gallery is regarded as one of the most complete and important of that period. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts temporary thematic, retrospective, group, and other special-interest exhibitions with art works selected from other museums and private collections in Greece and abroad. Since its renovation in 1994, the facilities of the gallery were upgraded, new exhibition halls were created and the collection was significantly augmented. Twenty years after the establishment of the gallery, the artworks of the collection have been greatly multiplied in number while the museum organizes major temporary exhibitions and events on an annual basis.

The Garden of Averoff is the best not-kept secret in the village of Metsovo that constitutes from the entire flora of Pindus Mountains! Can you imagine? An exceptional miniature of Pindus with tall trees and evergreen vegetation prevailing all around Metsovo! Guarded through time, the restored chapel of Saint George stands, in front of which George Averoff played for help in 1840, before emigrating. Since then, he never came back, but kept his promise and sent a gardener from Alexandria and money to repair the old shrine and built around a garden with all the trees of Pindus. Today, the lovely setting is adorned with two stone entrances, a playground, stone bridges and a tiny lake with millions of fallen chestnuts. Averoff Garden is a spectacle that definitely deserves a visit!

Of great importance regarding the modern economic and cultural development of Metsovo was the establishment of the Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation. Baron Michael Tossizza, a descendant of the Greek benefactor from Metsovo, acquired a fortune when in Switzerland. However, he had neither been to Greece or could speak the Greek language. Evangelos Averoff, grandnephew of another Greek benefactor, George Averoff, who also had his origins from Metsovo, found Tossizza in Vevey of Switzerland shortly before the Second World War. They exchanged correspondence and Averoff explained to him the severe problems that Metsovo faced as an isolated village up on the mountains of Pindus. As the Baron was already an old man, he announced to Averoff that he was willing to adopt him in order to enable him, as heir of his fortune, to proceed with his plans for the development of Metsovo shortly after the Second World War. However, Evangelos Averoff refused this offer for reasons of principle. Instead, he proposed the establishment of a foundation bearing Tossizza’s name that would proceed, under the guidance of both, with the plans. This is the Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation that was established in the 1948 by the baron himself, with the encouragement and inspiration of Evangelos Averoff – Tossizza, in order to support the economic and cultural development of Metsovo. Today, the Foundation is still active adjusted to Metsovo’s modern needs and conditions. The foundation remains focused on the Tossizza Cheese Factory, the Ski Resort, the Metsovo Folk Art Museum, the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos and the Student House in Athens for students from Epirus, as well as on more recent initiatives, such as the Children’s Library, the Museum of Evangelos Averoff- Tossizza. (Photo Courtesy of Metsovomuseum.gr

 

 

With over sixty hectares of vineyards in the wider region of Greece, Katogi Strofilia is one of the most dynamic wine production companies of Greece. However, the story behind the establishment of Katogi Strofilia is quite intriguing since it started off its operation in the late nineteen fifties. Evangelos Averoff planted Greece’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the precipitous slopes of Mount Pindus and bottled the wine now known as Katogi Averoff in the “katogi” (lower storey) of his home in Metsovo. “French vines in Greek mountain soil” read the label he lovingly designed for that first wine. Part of a wide-ranging effort, a vast work-in-progress aiming at stimulating economic and cultural development in the region, Averoff’s wine-making activities were borne of a vision: transforming Pindus’ abandoned slopes into vineyards and reviving a viticultural tradition which had flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. And that is precisely what he did. With the help of experts from Greece and France, Averoff created one of Greece’s most celebrated and elevated vineyards, built a small winery on the outskirts of Metsovo, and establishing Katogi SA in 1989. But Katogi’s red wine, which quickly made a name for itself both in Greece and abroad, where it won a number of international awards, was just the first step in the company’s master plan: releasing the vast potential of the Greek vineyard by promoting the cultivation of native Greek grapes and blending traditional Greek and international varieties. The company was also one of the first Greek wine-makers to embrace authentic methods of growing and making wine. Although Evangelos Averoff died in 1990, Katogi Averoff continues its evolution on the new challenges of the 21st century! (Text Courtesy of Katogi-strofilia.gr)

Southwest of Metsovo, near the banks of Metsovitikos River, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos stands stately as one of the most important monasteries in the region. According to historical textbooks, the Agios Nikolaos monastery was founded in the Byzantine era, as the monastery and its abbot, Isaiah, was for the first time mentioned in the 14th century. Although the monastery was repaired many times, its current form is the result of many restoration works performed from the Foundation of Baron Michael Tossizza around 1960. The wall paintings of the monastery are of great interest made from the early 18^th century painter Eustathius as well as the vaulted catholicon. A chapel was created on the east side of the portico, dedicated to the local saint Agios Nikolaos who martyred in the hands of the Turks in 1617. It is worth visiting the monastery for its natural surroundings and its serene images of the authentic Greek countryside.

Nestling in one of the highest peaks of Pindus Mountains, Metsovo, the largest Vlach village of Greece, will captivate your eyes with its fresh mountain air and its natural beauty. A town of Epirus that has managed to maintain its traditional colors will give you the opportunity to experience an authentic image of the Greek countryside through Metsovo’s distinctive atmosphere. The heart of life is the central cobblestone square of Metsovo surrounded from tiny shops, delicious delicatessen, artisans’ galleries and picturesque taverns. Two sculptures of the Arcturos bears stand imposingly near the square, which were built to raise awareness of this distinctive species of Greece’s fauna. Wander around the narrow cobblestone alleys, taste the local pies of Metsovo in one of the charming taverns and relax on the benches of the verdant park with the statue of Evangelos Averoff to enjoy the purity of the fresh mountain air. It is definite that you will find yourself on the square of the village if you are visiting Metsovo this winter! (Photo Courtesy of Danos Kounenis)

All around the village of Metsovo you will find twenty-five traditional stone fountains that provide cold water from the imposing slopes of Pindus! Those fountains were built from the 18^th to the 19^th century. Play hide and seek with your friends, your family or your other half, and compete to discover who will be the first to discover them all! Right next to Metsovo, next to the banks of Metsovitikos and the monastery of the Assumption, you will also find the Gina watermill that was used from the inhabitants of the 18^th century to irrigate their fields and drink waters. Follow the charming cobblestone path that connects the watermill with the town of Metsovo; there, you will have the opportunity to witness sceneries of utmost beauty!

Standing stately at the central square of the village, the almighty church of Agia Paraskevi is the patron saint of Metsovo! The beautiful church was constructed in the 15^th century, with an ornamented wooden iconostasis, priceless sacred objects and rare ecclesiastical icons. Not that on July 26 is the day of the saint, entailing a festive celebration in which the church’s silver icon is carried around the town of Metsovo in a morning procession, followed from feasting and dancing. It is the largest Christian feast of Metsovo, where the inhabitants of the village, of all ages and genders, wear local Vlach costumes to participate in various events. Most impressive of all are the horsemen of Agia Paraskevi who gallop in the city center giving a unique atmosphere to the celebrations!

Baron Michael Tossizza, a descendant of the Greek benefactor from Metsovo, acquired a fortune when in Switzerland. Evangelos Averoff, grandnephew of benefactor Georgios Averoff, proposed the establishment of a foundation bearing Tossizza’s name that would proceed, under the guidance of both, with the development plans. This is the Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation that was established in the 1948 by the baron himself, with the encouragement and inspiration of Evangelos Averoff – Tossizza, in order to support the economic and cultural development of Metsovo. Today, the Foundation is still active adjusted to Metsovo’s modern needs and conditions. One of the main focuses of the foundation is the Tossizza Cheese Factory that was launched as a model cheese factory in 1958. The main wish of the president of the foundation, Evangelos Averoff, was the creamery to work as a practical cheese school, so young Metsovovites were sent for cheese studies to Italy in order to deploy the Tossizza cheese factory. The development of the cheese factory showed the fulfillment of the vision of sustainable cheese production that combines the knowledge of science with the wisdom of experience and tradition. The cheese makers of Tossizza creamery experimented with various techniques, as they attempted to adapt the Italian way of making cheese in the Greek products. Indeed, the production of Metsovone acquired its own identity characterized as a Product with Designation of Origin from the EU. Up until today, the cheese factory of Tossizza continues the vision of Averoff. Before you leave from Metsovo, don’t forget to buy a piece of Metsovone, Metsovela, Gruyere or even Parmesan!

Tradition in Metsovo is the melodic lullaby of the mother and the legends of the grandfather, the Christmas carols and the old-style serenades, the Vlach customs and the traditional dances, that accompany the rich folklore tradition and life of this corner of Epirus. The Metsovites keep proudly their folklore history in their hearts, an intact treasure, to travel it from generation to generation. Wandering around the cobblestone alleys of Metsovo, through the imposing town hall of the region, you will reach the most picturesque neighborhoods of Metsovo, where the Metsovitises roam in the streets wearing their traditional costumes, chitchatting in the Vlach dialect, such an authentic experience. The local customs of traditions of Metsovo render it as a living museum of folklore art. From the exceptional handmade-embroidery traditional costumes, with red, black and gold details, the Vlach dialect, an Aromanian language, with the Romance origin that is still spoken from the locales of Metsovo and Epirus, and the traditional feasts of Prophet Elias and Agia Paraskevi to the wood artisans of Metsovo and the exquisite Vlach cuisine with the tasteful traditional pies, it is definite that the aromas, flavors, customs and traditions of Metsovo will travel you back in time. Will you join this spectacular journey?(Photo Courtesy of Partetavouna.blogspot.gr )</div>

Epirus is a genuine wonder of nature and history with an unprecedented wealth of culture and tradition that no words could ever describe. Dominated from the imperious mountain range of Pindus, Epirus gives to the travellers the opportunity to discover its million beauties. Labyrinthine roads crumble into impressive gorges and lush green forests that will always guide you to its mysteries. The essence of Epirus is concealed behind two words; raw beauty. Favored from nature lovers, Epirus is a land of mountains with authentic villages, flowing rivers, beautiful lakes and picturesque bridges. Glorified for its authentic spirit and its traditional character, Metsovo will captivate you eyes from the first moment. Who said, however, that the beauty of Metsovo is just the main village? Think again. From the pristine sceneries of Aoos Lake with its serene atmosphere and its wonderful palette of colours, the lovely stone villages of Kalarytes and Syrrako with their authentic hospitality, to the springs of Metsovitikos river with verdant green landscapes, the forest of Valia Calda, one of the ten national forests of Greece that is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones, and the vineyards of Yiniets, the highest vineyards of Greece, clinging on the slopes of Mount Pindus, nature is absolutely stunning around Metsovo. Will you explore its mysteries?

Situated at an altitude of 1.300 meters, the lake of Aoos springs is one of the most highly elevated artificial lakes of Greece. The lake was manufactured at the plateau Politsies in 1897 with the intention of producing electric energy while it later became a biotope of vital importance for the wider region. It is worth noting that the waters of the lake have been enriched with fish channeled through Metsovitikos River. During winter, Aoos Lake sometimes freezes due to its altitude surrounded from snow while millions of colors with innumerable flowers jump into the landscape during summer and spring. If you are looking for a tranquil landscape to enjoy the serenity of Greek nature, the lake of Aoos springs is definitely one of your best choices. A spectacular alpine scenery overlooking the snowcapped peaks of Pindus Mountains will make you forget everything. Don’t miss circumnavigating the lake either by car or by bicycle; an experience you will remember forever! Keep in mind that fishing in the Lake of Aoos is illegal.

Perched on the craggy mountain slopes of Tzoumerka and endowed with indescribable sceneries of wild beauty, Kalarrytes and Syrrako, the twin villages, are the true jewels of Epirus. Characterized as two of the most beautiful villages of Epirus, both of them distinguish for their traditional character with their stone houses, their traditional fountains, their arched bridges and their cobblestone alleys that will instantly charm you. For this reason, Kalarrytes and Syrrako have been declared as traditional preserved settlements from the Ministry of Culture. The central squares of the villages are the most picturesque spots of them filled with charming taverns under huge plane trees, an ideal place to enjoy your coffee with panoramic views. Worth visiting sights in Kalarrytes include the church of Agios Nikolaos for its wall paintings and its wood carved temple and the chapel of Agia Triada for its spectacular views. A promenade around the villages of Kalarrytes and Syrrako will reveal to you the traditional spirit of Epirus at its grandeur. It is a must to follow the cobblestone trail that connects Kalarrites with Sirrako, an amazing experience! The hiking trail usually lasts one and a half to two hours. It is certain that the spectacular vistas to the wild ridges of Tzoumerka Mountains will take your breath away. If you are looking for a peaceful place to enjoy the tranquility and isolation of the mountains, Kalarrytes and Syrrako are your best choices!

Clinging on the slopes of Pindus Mountains, the Yiniets vineyards are the highest vineyards of Greece. In a region where the seasons have their own distinctive identity, the vines mature slowly. Yiniets, which literally translated to vineyards in the local Vlach dialect, is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Traminer. The grapes are usually harvested in early to mid October; it’s as though Dionysus, the god of wine, wanted to keep these mountain vineyards in Epirus till last. You might be wondering, however, how can this wonderful scenery that will leave you breathless, a colorful steep vineyard of twelve hectares that shines between tall mountains, verdant forests, steep slopes, high peaks, and sheer ravines, exists on the bare blue mountains. From the Yiniets vineyards, Evangelos Averoff envisioned the historical Katogi Averoff wine that continues to exist by evolving as the first Estate of Cabernet Sauvignon wine and then as Rossiu di Munte Yiniets! Intriguing story, isn’t it?

 

You might not be acquainted with this knowledge, but did you know that Greece is a primarily mountainous country where more than eighty percent of the land is covered from mountains? Indeed, the Greek mountains distinguish for their diversity, their rare scenery, their spectacular forests and their unsurpassable rich flora and fauna. Enriched with steep slopes, deep canyons and flowing rivers, the Pindus Mountain Range, the backbone of mainland Greece, is the biggest mountain range of the country extending naturally from the Greek Albanian borders to the mountains of northern Peloponnese. The Pindus National Park, else known as Valia Kalda, is located in an isolated mountainous area in the northeastern part of the of the Pindus mountains, on the northern side of Metsovo. The area belongs to the wider Pindus Mountains mixed forests Eco region and the European Network of Natura 2000, an ecological network of protected area, while Pindus is also one of the three places in Greece that hosts a population of bears. Undoubtedly, the region of Pindus is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Greece worth exploring even for once in your lifetime.

Who said that Greece is not a winter destination? With one of the most mountainous terrains in Europe, Greece is an ideal destination for skiing in winter. The heart of the winter in Greece beats on the snow capped mountaintops where ski lovers desire adventures. The beauty of the alpine landscapes of Metsovo promises unforgettable experiences! Perched on the foothills of Pindus Mountains, the lovely town of Metsovo has three ski centers with pistes of various difficulties that reach an altitude of 1850 meters. Are you ready to slide your skis like a pro? You might not find the length of the Alps in Greece, but it is definite that you will enjoy the ride more than ever!

Descending through the misty atmosphere, dazzling lights twinkle in the ravine blending with the stone houses and their gray slate roofs between the labyrinthine alleys; this is Metsovo standing proudly between the imposing mountains and the flowing rivers. Charming Metsovo, one of the most beautiful regions of Epirus, challenges all of your senses through its picturesque character, its traditional atmosphere, its high quality cheeses and its intoxicating red wines. Painting the most wonderful setting of your winter escapes, from both Evangelos Averoff, Foundation Tositsa and its local people, Metsovo will definetely steal a place in your heart. It is definite that a journey in Metsovo will leave you with unforgettable memories; its traditional character, its ultimate tranquility and its alpine beauty will revitalize you. When time will come, you will leave behind the invigorating aroma of Katogi wine and the spicy flavor of metsovone cheese blended with the fresh air of Pindus to discover Metsovo’s mysteries with your own eyes!