A serene landscape with spectacular mountain ranges and lovely villages unfolds in Mountainous Corinthia surrounded from the picture-perfect lakes of Dasiou, Stymfalia and Doxa. An explosive force of nature manifests itself through myriad of colours, smells and sounds that will remain indelible in your memory. Just like impregnable castles and fortified towers, the mountains of Corinthia rise in the fairytale atmosphere of hers embellished with verdant forests, serene villages, ancient ruins, old monasteries and emerald lakes that highlight the authentic charm of the Peloponnesian land. Everything seems like having sprung out of a painting of the Renaissance era! The region of mythical Stymfalia Lake, the multicolored Feneos valley and the alpine verdant Dasiou pond compose a natural canvas challenging travellers to discover the unexplored and unimaginable beauty of mountainous Corinthia. Whether you decide to stay for two, four or ten days, it is definite that mountainous Corinthia will let you absorb the magic of its unique sceneries. The spectacular landscapes create an authentic mountain destination that deserves your attention; forests with juniper, fir and black pine trees, flowing rivers and cosmic plateaus shadowed from impressive Ziria Mountains will surely take your breath away. The eight towering peaks of this mountain serve as a natural partition between the famed triangle villages of Trikala Corinthia and the valley of Feneos. A unique ecosystem twirls around untrodden forest roads, unexplored hiking trails followed from millions of colours and smells of autumn that await for the snow to cover Ziria’s ridges and highlands. Two storey houses with red tiles shine bright in spring, cobblestone squares with wooden benches compete for their whiteness under the snow the winter, fragrant aromas of the Greek coffee from the cozy shops, and narrow alleys that climb up to the highest spots of the neighborhoods antagonize for the first prize of the most picturesque image of the villages. Fir forests rest high up on the white clouds giving the impression that hang out from the sky while the green horizon stretches on the misty landscape within a mysterious atmosphere that creates an even more evocative experience for driving. Under the smoky smells of the fireplaces, it is definite that you will understand that this kind of eerie melancholy and rare beauty is hard to find. Grab the opportunity to live in such beautiful sceneries even for a getaway in mountainous Corinthia! Nature lovers or not, it is definite that a journey in mountainous Corinthia will offer you unforgettable moments in the  countryside.

The spectacular landscapes of Mountainous Corinthia create an authentic mountain destination that deserves your attention; forests with juniper, fir and black pine trees, flowing rivers and cosmic plateaus shadowed from impressive Ziria Mountains will surely take your breath away. On the banks of the mythical legends of Stymfalia Lake, in an ancient place famous for thousands of years, where Hercules made his sixth labor relieving people from terrible Stymfalia hens that ravaged the area, travellers will have the opportunity to explore the genuine spirit of Greek mainland at its finest that has been characterized as a protected area of the European Network of NATURA 2000. Heading towards the saddle of Kastania, with spectacular views to the valley of Feneos and its quaint villages, travellers will be amazed from this tiny valley that is surrounded from the high mountains. Famous for its sinkholes that swallow the river waters, Feneos Valley was conquered from gods, heroes and travellers since the very ancient times. Its interesting landscape is complemented with the artificial Doxa Lake with its turquoise waters and its verdant shores; it is a magical natural monument that will instantly take your breath away. Continuing the natural explorations in mountainous Corinthia, travellers deserve to discover the tiny Dasiou Lake, the most unknown lake of Morias, where they will have to climb in the highlands of Ziria Mountain. Nature lovers or not, it is definite that a journey around the  lakes of mountainous Corinth will offer you unforgettable moments.

On the banks of the mythical legends of Stymfalia Lake, in an ancient place famous for thousands of years, where Hercules made his sixth labor relieving people from terrible Stymfalia hens that ravaged the area, travellers will have the opportunity to explore the genuine spirit of Greek mainland at its finest. Characterized as a protected area of the European Network of NATURA 2000, Stymfalia Lake is one of the most important ecosystems of Peloponnese. A must stop is the Environment Museum (0030. 27470.22 296) in the village of Kionia that houses the permanent exhibition that ties the ecosystem of the lake in human history through the centuries from the labors of Hercyles until the Middle Ages. The view of the lake from the wooden balcony of the museum is itself a reason to visit. Off road aficionados can follow the muddy dirt road that leads to the ancient city of Stymfalia hidden behind dense reed beds. If you want to explore, however, the entire lake, you should follow the most scenic route that follows the tour of Stymfalia from the village of Lafka; the forest service has installed kiosks in the positions with incredible views while bird watching lovers will have the opportunity to admire more than 160 rare species of animals and birds. On the northern side of the lake, a tiny archaeological site accommodates parts of temples and fortifications of the Ancient Town Of Stymfalos.

Have you ever heard about this lake? Tiny Dasiou Lake, the most unknown lake of Morias, is the most mountainous lake of Peloponnese where you will have to climb in the highlands of Ziria Mountain to reach it. Lovers of off-road driving will have the opportunity to follow a route of unique natural beauty unfolding from Goura village within the premises of Ziria Sports Center. Once informed from the chalet on the condition of the forest roads of mountainous Corinthia, travellers can follow, even with a conventional vehicle depending on weather conditions, the dirt road that leads to the banks of the seasonal Dasiou Lake nestled at an altitude of 1500 meters. In spring, the depth is more than two meters while in autumn it is limited to 50 centimeters; after December, the surface of Dasiou freezes and you can safely walk over the entire surface or even skate! Around this majestic natural mirror of Dasiou unfolds an extensive fir and black pine forest with marvellous views to the peaks of Ziria Mountain. A tiny lake of incomporable beauty challenges lovers of hiking and mountain biking to explore the unique nature of hers as it is protected from the European Network of Natura 2000 along with the plateau of Ziria.

Heading towards the saddle of Kastania, with spectacular views to the valley of Feneos and its quaint villages, travellers will be amazed from this tiny valley that is surrounded from the high mountains. Famous for its sinkholes that swallow the river waters, Feneos Valley was conquered from gods, heroes and travellers since the very ancient times. Indeed, demigod Heracles tried to drain its marshes with various projects while the ancient believed that Feneos valley was one of the gates of Hades. However, today it is believed that Feneos waters feed Stymfalia Lake and Ladonas River. The interesting landscape is complemented with the artificial Doxa Lake with its turquoise waters and its verdant shores; it is a magical natural monument that will instantly amaze you. The dam of the lake was constructed in 1994 in order to serve irrigation needs of crops in the region, and thus arose the artificial Doxa Lake. Else known as Feneos Lake, Doxa is perhaps the most transparent lake that your have ever explored. Characterized as one of the most beautiful spots of Mountainous Corinthia, calm Doxa with its crystalline emerald waters that mirrors the exquisite natural sceneries of the surrounding rich fauna will take your breath away. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing promenade, you desire to take millions of pictures or you want to laid on the grass, Doxa Lake will offer you unforgettable moments of utmost serenity. It is a must to walk to the tiny Chapel of Agios Fanourios, else known as Paleomonastiro of Agios Georgios, to admire the spectacular views to the lake. However, if you want to get another perspective of Doxa’s landscape, head to the Monastery of Agios Georgios that distinguishes for its wonderful wall painting and its panoramic views of the balconies where you can also taste rose sweet made from the monks! It is worth mentioning that the months decided to transfer the monastery on the mountains since the level of water rose dangerously sometimes. Before you leave, make sure to drive around the lake in order to admire the picture-perfect sceneries, especially in spring and autumn!

Two storey houses with red tiles shine bright in spring, cobblestone squares with wooden benches compete for their whiteness under the snow the winter, fragrant aromas of the Greek coffee from the cozy shops, and narrow alleys that climb up to the highest spots of the neighborhoods antagonize for the first prize of the most picturesque image of the villages. Fir forests rest high up on the white clouds giving the impression that hang out from the sky while the green horizon stretches on the misty landscape within a mysterious atmosphere that creates an even more evocative experience for driving. Under the smoky smells of the fireplaces, it is definite that you will understand that this kind of eerie melancholy and rare beauty is hard to find. Grab the opportunity to live in such beautiful sceneries even for a getaway in mountainous Corinthia!

Nestled on the northeastern slopes of Ziria Mountain, at an altitude of 1000 meters, the neighborhoods of Ano, Mesea and Kato Trikala is a favorite weekend escape of the Athenians. Plane, oak, walnut and chestnut trees form the colourful puzzle of this corner of Greece. According to the book of the Patriarch of Jerusalum Chrysanthos Notaras, the three villages of Trikala distinguish for their abundance of water, their fresh air and their wine since 1716; certainly, the three neighborhoods of Trikala of Corinthia are one of the most popular mountain escapes of the Peloponnese peninsula that even visitors in ancient times came to enjoy their wonderful climate by seeking remedy to the gods’ sanctuaries. First off, travellers should visit the Monastery of Agios Vlasios because of the holy icon found in a nearby cave who contributed significantly to the liberation struggle against the Ottomans. In terms of religious monuments, the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Kato Trikala that distinguishes for its amazing frescoes with expressionist features and vibrant colours as well as the Temple of the Transfriguration with the excellent icon of Saint John the Baptist and the Monastery of Virgin Mary with its exceptional murals dating from the 18^th century. In Ano Trikala, it is a must to visit the Mansion of Notareas noble and powerful family, one of the oldest houses of Corinthia, who settled here in the 16^th century and played an important role during the Ottoman occupation and the Civil War. Do not opt out to visit the Cobblestone Square Of Kato Trikala where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee!

The region of Feneos extends over a vast fertile plain at an altitude of 700 meters crowned from dense and verdant forests. Surrounded from the massive slopes of Helmos, Kyllini and Oligyrto Mountains, Feneos Valley used to be a lake whose waters were channeled gradually in sinkholes offering a fertile land capable of rich fruiting to the local residents. Nevertheless, the sinkholes led to Ladon River and blocked up the region periodically by flooding the valley and destroying the crops. In 1821, the sinkholes congested and created a lake area of 8 square miles within twenty years; for this reason, the residents were forced to leave since most of the villages were flooded. Even Pausanias during his wonderings noted that there is a region that the water level of the lake remains barren and naked without vegetation. Today, Feneos Valley has been cultivated with legumes, cereals, oats, potatoes, wheat, lentils, sunflowers, walnuts and the PDO vanilla beans amongst others. Of particular interest in the wider region is Doxa Lake with its turquoise waters and its verdant shores, a magical natural monument that will instantly amaze you, as well as the Monastery of Agios Georgios with its astonishing views that is also known for the sweet rose made from the monks and Ancient Feneos with the ruins of the ancient city. It is also worth visiting the quaint villages of Feneos including Goura, Panorama, Mesino, Tarsos and Steno in order to discover the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.

Situated on the southeastern part of Corinthia, Ziria Mountain is one of the few Greek mountains with eight peaks of a height over two thousands meters. Actually, Ziria is the second highest mountain of the Peloponnese peninsula with an elevation of 2.376 meters at the location of Psili Korfi. Blessed with myths and legends, since mythology has it that Hermes was born in a sacred cave on the mountain while Pliades Muses resided on Ziria, this mountain is divided from Flambouritsa Valley into two parts, Small Ziria and Large Ziria. It is worth mentioning that Ziria Mountain has been described as regions of special interest from the European Network of Natura 2000. Adventure aficionados can hike up at the observatory (908m) of Ziria to enjoy a unique view of northeastern Peloponnese including the eastern part of Achaia and Helos, the Gulf of Corinth, the southern part of Corinthia as well as northeastern Arcadia. Endless unspoilt forest spread around the massive slopes of Ziria creating a verdant landscape of pine and fir trees with lots of flowing springs and fountains. The plateau, owing to the water collected from Dasiou Lake, is one of the most beautiful locations of Ziria with spectacular views. Sports lovers will find the Sports Center of Ziria on the northeastern side of the mountain, ten kilometers away from the villages of Trikala, with a ski piste for beginners and an advanced ski piste with a small lift. Asthe tracks are soured from trees, it can be a dangerous descent for skiers; however, your adrenaline might elevate higher that the lift itself. At last but not least, hiking aficionados should search for the sign-posted hiking paths that will charm them instantly from the unique natural beauties of this mountain.

Situated on the eastern side of Ziria Mountain, Hermes Cave is one of the most interesting caves of the Peloponnese peninsula. Although the cave is situated at an altitude of 1700 meters, and the hike up there can be challenging enough, its extraordinary and peculiar beauties will reward you anyway. Mythology has it that Hermes travelled to Thessaly to steal the oxes of from the son of Helios, God Apollo, in order to construct Ziria Mountain and the first lyre of his from the shell of a turtle and the nerves of an ox. Later on, ingenious Hermes gave away his lyre to Apollo to applease him, as he arrived angry on Ziria. Even today, one of the peaks of Ziria is named Helydorea, meaning turtle skinning in remembarance of the construction method of his great music instrument invented from the newborn god. Hermes’ Cave was used as the hideway of the immortal oxes he had stolen from Apollo. In ancient times, this actual cave was a place of worship to Olympian God Hermes and people used to come to the cave in order to show their devotion in return of Hermes’ help and guidance. Nowadays, Hermes Cave is considered as an important natural monument of Mountainous Corinthia with eight diverse halls. The cave’s age counts millions of years manifested through the voluminous stalactites and stalagmites along with a rare white stone decoration that will amaze your instantly.

The impressive Flambouritsa Ravine with Sythas River is a protected region of European network of Natura 2000 that distinguishes for its rich flora and fauna situated between the clusters of Mikri and Megali Ziria. Flambouritsa boasts imcomparable beauty with perennial trees and rare fauna that forms a relaxing landscape. Fir, oak, pine, maple, cedar, chestnut, cypress, walnut and cherry trees create a unique natural environment offering a great opportunity to the travellers to explore the exquisite nature of Greece.

A long drive through pine forests and olive groves will guide you to the picturesque village of Evrostina where the view towards the Corinthian Gulf will astonish you. In the place where Hermes constructed his first lyre, travellers will have the opportunity to discover the pure beauty of Mother Nature; head to the Stream of Mili, a natural ravine with ponds full of trouts, waterfaalls and wooden bridges, to enjoy the nature and visit the Plateau of Zaholi to wander around the thick black pine forest. It’s a must to visit the Church of Agios Georgios with its impressive heirloom and its seventeen domes located at the entrance of the village as well as the recently restored Byzantine chapel of Our Lady of Shelters (Panagia Katafygiotissa) with its wonderful architecture hunging off a cliff. Evrostini offers a unique experience to nature lovers and hiking aficionados. Twenty minutes away, travellers will find the quaint village of Karya built at an altitude of 1.300 meters on the northern slopes of Ziria. As one of the most mountainous villages of Corinthia, Karya enjoys the serene atmosphere of nature full of walnut, pine and juniper trees. Surrounded from a verdant pine forest with views on the highest peaks of Ziria, Karya  deserves a visit.

The villages of Kefalari and Kalliani are located above the lake of Stymfalia. Nestling at an altitude of 850 meters, Kefalari is one of the most unknown villages of Mountainous Corinthia and it has been characterized as a preserved traditional settlement from the Ministry of Culture. Although it might be unfamiliar to many, Kefalari is famous to those who love the beauty of nature, tranquility and tradition. At the center of the village, travellers will have the opportunity to relax at the central cobblestone square under the shade of a perennial plane tree of 130 years old. A little further down the road, it is worth visiting the stone fountain with its crystalline waters to quench your thirst with frozen water from the mountains. Whether you love hiking or not, it is highly advisable to follow two environmental trails, the one that leads of the Cave of Megali Spilia and the other that leads to the Plateau and Peak of mikri Ziria. It’s quite an experience to enjoy this activity, as you will be able to admire the unique beauty of Flambouritsa Canyon and Hermes Cave. However, off road aficionados can follow the spectacular dirt road that connects Kefalari with Manna and Trikala, an exceptional ride! Seven kilometers away, travellers will find Kaliani village on the northwest side of Ziria Mountain at an altitude of 700 meters; what is so special about Kaliani is the dairy products’ factory that distinguishes for its exquisite products. Our mystery for Kaliani; enjoy a beautiful hike to the monastery of Agia Paraskevi hidden in the ravine!

The driving route from Lafka and Kastania towards the village of Mesino and Goura is considered one of the most beautiful driving routes of Mountainous Corinthia. Nestled between the three massive mountains, Lafka village is barely visible from the distance. Red tiled roofs emerge that outbreak the sequence of the abundant verdant sceneries; a wonderful stop to admire the views of Mountainous Corithia. Built amphitheatrically on Ziria Mountain, Kastania, which literally translates to chestnuts, distinguishes for its picturesqueness surrounded from dense vegetation of fir, cedar and walnut trees. It’s a tiny quaint village favored from nature lovers due to its excellent climate conditions. As the road descends to the plain of Feneos, the asphalt river flows in quaint Mesino; a tiny village built around the cobblestone square with a perennial plane tree, the trunk of which gushes running water.Travellers should definitely grab a place in the traditional café in the square and visit the interesting folklore museum and the archaeological collection of Mesino. From these villages, of the most particular interest is the village of Goura with its traditional buildings, its beautiful stone buildings of the 19^th century and the imposing church of Taxiarhes (1880) on the cobblestone square. In fact, the mansion of Economou-Goura, one of the chieftains of the Greek revotion of 1821, along with the mansions of Sarli and Mourti have been described as historical preserved monuments. If you visit Goura, make sure to taste the exceptional food specialties at the traditional taverns.<

Perched on the rocks above Tarsos village, just like the Meteora Monasteries, the monastery of the Virgin on the Rock is one of the most unique monuments of Mountainous Corinthia. The temple was built during the 14^th century, and it is always open for travellers who want to enjoy splendid views of Ziria Mountain.Above the rock hill of the monastery, there lies the cave of the Virgin on the Rock, an ancient hermitage dedicated to Virgin Mary. The upper floor was used as a pantry as well as a refugee for the local residents during the difficult periods of the Ottoman rule.

Ziria Mountain is an ideal destination for nature lovers since hundreds of scenic trails begin from almost all the villages of Mountainous Corinthia. There are routes are made for everyone; lovers of avid drivers and lovers of road trips, aficionados for off road thrills and 4×4 vehicles as well as hiking lovers who have access to an extensive network of sign posted paths that connect the villages, forests and caves with the peaks of Ziria.We suggest one of the most interesting paths that start from the road Stymfalia-Kastania towards the location of the Mycenean Castle where the view to the lake and the archaeological site of Stymfalos is amazing. Quite beautiful are also the trails in the region of Dassiou Lake, especially the one that leads to Karya village. The route that transverses the valley of Ziria towards Goura village is definitely a must since it crosses the Black Forest; make sure to have your camera with you! One of the most challenging routes is considered to be the ascend to Psili Korifi, the highest top of Mountainous Corinthia, which reaches 2,376 meters. If you insist on attempting this conquest, you should start from Kefalari towards Propjhet Elias, passes from the peak of Mikri Xiria at 2,089 meters and reaches Hermes Cave and the mountain refugee. The star, however, of all the hiking trails starts from Agios Vlasios Monastery at Ano Trikala following the ascend route to Ziria plateau. Upon reaching Varnevo position, with its huge asphalt hairpin, you will follow this path that leads to Ziria plateau (Tip: In order to identify this position, make sure to find the kiosk). From this point, starts the sign-posted path that leads to Flabouritsa Canyon with its dense fir forest; three hours hiking and you will reach the trail that ascends on the northwest side of Ziria Mountain. If you decide to visit the lake of Doxa, which you must, it is worth exploring all of the surrounding villages. If you have a 4X4 vehicle, and you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you should follow the route towards Zarouchla village, Tsivlou Lake, Kalavryta Ski Center and, of course, the Helmos Observatory, one of the largest observatories of Europe, where you can count on the stars by yourself! Another interesting adventure for a 4×4 experience runs from Kiato towards the plateau of Stymfalia. As for avid travelers, it is a must to head west from Mesino village and cross the plain of Feneos following the signs towards Ancient Feneos. One and a half kilometer later, drivers will find artificial Doxa Lake with its picturesque church of Agios Fanourios. The round of the lake has some dirt roads, but, if the weather conditions are favorable, it is accessible. A must of you are visiting mountainous Corinthia!

Whether you decide to stay for two, four or ten days, it is definite that mountainous Corinthia will let you absorb the magic of its unique sceneries. The spectacular landscapes create an authentic mountain destination that deserves your attention; forests with juniper, fir and black pine trees, flowing rivers and cosmic plateaus shadowed from impressive Ziria Mountain will surely take your breath away. A unique ecosystem twirls around untrodden forest roads, unexplored hiking trails followed from millions of colours and smells of autumn that await for the snow to cover Ziria’s ridges and highlands. Fir forests rest high up on the white clouds giving the impression that hang out from the sky while the green horizon stretches on the misty landscape within a mysterious atmosphere that creates an even more evocative experience for driving. Under the smoky smells of the fireplaces, it is definite that you will understand that this kind of eerie melancholy and rare beauty is hard to find. Grab the opportunity to live in such beautiful sceneries even for a getaway in mountainous Corinthia!Nature lovers or not, it is definite that a journeyin mountainous Corinthia will offer you unforgettable moments.