Thursday, November 5, 2009

Greece 's Hidden Treasures (1) - Velvento Kozani

A recent business trip to Thessaloniki became the reason for me writing this post. Of course, Thessoliniki is a beautiful city, with lots of things to see and do, but I must admit that the nicest part of my trip was a stopover at Velvento, a small village near Kozani.

Now, getting there is very simple indeed. It's about a 30 - 40 minute drive from the new Egnatia Highway, and hidden from all eyes, you will only grasp how beautiful it is once you get there. Velvento is a village with about 4000 residents. The main income is from the peaches, which are some of the best in the country, but as I was told when I was there, they are mainly grown to be exported. As you climb the southern side of the Pieria mountain, you are surrounded by the beautiful forests, and below you the view of the Polyfotos lake enchants and calms even the most tired of eyes.

Once you reach the village, you suddenly feel that history and mythology become one. The houses are distinct, having the shape of an eye on their external walls. The streets are narrow, reminding you that you are in a rural area, and along with the sound of running water and the wind rustling through the leaves, you feel that there could be no other place on earth quite as calm and as beautiful as this.

Along its long winding roads, you will see small churches scattered (there are about 80 in all) and something which seems unique to this place is that each church has a small outhouse next to it, fitted with a kitchen, hearth, spit, tables and chairs. I was informed that lots of families meet here on weekends or holidays, and cook and eat next to the churches, paying homage to the saint whose name the church holds. At one church we stopped at, the spit was actually turned by the running water coming from the stream running along the road. I had never seen this before. The family who had been having their Sunday picnic there, welcomed us with a glass of tsipouro and a piece of home cooked revani ... two great Greek delights.

As you ascend the mountain from the village you can actually walk up to the Katafygi waterfall. I must admit that we did not reach the observation post to see the waterfall, only because it was starting to get dark, and we did not know how long it would take. From photos, though it did look spectacular.

Velvento is one of those areas of Greece that has not been hit by commercial tourism. It is a walkers and hikers paradise, a paradise which can be enjoyed every season of the year. Its residents seem to be prepared to go the extra mile to make you enjoy your time there.

So, if you are ever near Kozani, make sure that you take time to visit one of the most scenic places in Greece, and find your peace near the home of the Gods.

My title links to the official site of Velvento.

(Special thanks to Sakis and Annie, who dedicated their time to show us this wonderful area)

21 comments:

blessingsgoddess said...

Sounds like a delightful area !

Anonymous said...

It was extremely interesting for me to read this blog. Thank you for it. I like such topics and everything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.

Anonymous said...

amazing stuff thanx :)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Genial dispatch and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you seeking your information.

Anonymous said...

Easily I acquiesce in but I dream the post should prepare more info then it has.

Anonymous said...

Keep on posting such articles. I love to read stories like this. Just add some pics :)

Anonymous said...

Nice fill someone in on and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you seeking your information.

Dylan Macnab said...

perfect.

Anonymous said...

Good dispatch and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you as your information.

Anonymous said...

Nice dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you on your information.

Anonymous said...

i easily adore all your posting type, very attractive,
don't give up as well as keep posting for the simple reason that it just very well worth to read it.
excited to find out much more of your own articles, goodbye!

dave said...

This is a very nice blog, I love the daily frappe page lloking forword to following you, I my myself have only been bloging for2 months, I live in greece in the mani but am british by birth http://gourmetingreece.wordpress.com/
dave

Josephina Finchworth said...

I am collecting world flags on my flag counter. If you're willing, Please hit my blog so I can have your flag! Thanks!
josephinafinchworthsflaghunt.blogspot.com

baresytapas said...

I entered this site by chance, but I found very interesting. A greeting to all the people who visit this page.

Anonymous said...

I am glad you wrote this =D

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for this article, I was born in Velvento and migrated to Canada at the age of 11. Your article brought back so many fond memories.
It really is one of those hidden jewels.
Thanks very much.

Unknown said...

replica handbags, ugg boots, ugg boots, michael kors outlet, lacoste pas cher, mulberry, michael kors outlet, hollister, nike roshe, ralph lauren uk, coach purses, nike air max, true religion jeans, ray ban uk, abercrombie and fitch, nike air max, coach outlet, tn pas cher, lululemon, nike free run uk, nike air max, hollister pas cher, michael kors, ray ban pas cher, michael kors outlet, michael kors, oakley pas cher, nike blazer, new balance pas cher, north face, sac guess, michael kors, hermes, true religion outlet, michael kors, michael kors outlet, true religion jeans, timberland, coach outlet, true religion jeans, vans pas cher, burberry outlet online, air force, michael kors outlet, vanessa bruno, north face, hogan, converse pas cher, burberry, kate spade handbags

Unknown said...

nike roshe, hollister, birkin bag, new balance, timberland boots, jimmy choo shoes, iphone cases, north face outlet, beats by dre, north face outlet, ghd, mont blanc, louboutin, insanity workout, nike air max, hollister, herve leger, instyler, chi flat iron, oakley, asics running shoes, soccer jerseys, celine handbags, abercrombie and fitch, nike air max, converse outlet, ralph lauren, nike huarache, bottega veneta, gucci, mac cosmetics, soccer shoes, vans, p90x workout, nike trainers, lancel, ferragamo shoes, reebok shoes, lululemon, wedding dresses, valentino shoes, hollister, vans shoes, giuseppe zanotti, babyliss, ray ban, mcm handbags, baseball bats, longchamp, nfl jerseys