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The village of Evrostina (or Zacholi), off the beaten track, is about a two-hour drive from Athens, at an elevation of 700 meters on the northwestern side of the mountain. Greeks fighting the Ottoman Turks in the 1820s twice held a war council here under General Theodoros Kolokotronis. North of Evrostina, inside a huge rock recess, is the Chapel of Panaghia Katafygiotissa, named so because of the adjacent caves and tunnels where guerrillas found refuge. There is also a water mill and impressive stone fountains.
The better-known village of Trikala, further along the same road, is pleasantly cool in the summer and recommended for a visit and stay. Founded in the 10th century, it comprises three neighborhoods -- “Upper,” “Middle” and “Lower Trikala” -- and is also marked by many beautiful springs and churches. A little further up the mountain from Trikala is the Monastery of Aghios Vlasios, in an idyllic, verdant setting.
On the western side of Mt Ziria, at an elevation of 920 meters, is Feneos, a village built on a fertile plateau with the beautiful Doxa Dam. The area is ideal for mountain biking, horse riding, walking, fishing or even windsurfing. Near Feneos are the ruins of the ancient city of the same name, including a temple and part of the fortified acropolis near Kalyvia. A museum houses important finds from the ancient city. Near the dam is the the 17th-century Monastery of Aghios Georgios. The monks sell delicious rose preserve and honey. For something more substantial, eateries include Korais in Evrostina, Efta Adelfia and Tria Platania in Trikala, as well as Koutouki tou Staikou in Kalyvia. Local specialities include roast pork and rooster in tomato sauce.
The southern part of Ziria, around Lake Stymfalia, is equally beautiful and can be reached from the highway to Tripoli and the turnoff to Nemea.
info: ekathimerini.gr
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