Who said that Greece is only meant for sea bathing? Today you will get to know five unknown continental waterfalls that are just waiting for you to visit them.
A waterfall for specialists is just a fall of water from a ledge that crosses the bed of a stream or river. A waterfall for tourists is an extraordinary natural attraction, a bewitching sight, a romantic vacation spot.
In total there are about twenty types of waterfalls. The classic type is when a water stream, the same in latitude and height, falls from one ledge without breaking into pieces. “Cascade” – when water consistently falls from one ledge to another, third, etc. “Curtain” – this is when the height of the waterfall significantly exceeds the width, which makes the flow of water resemble a ribbon.
So, where are these natural beauties, about which so little is known?
1. Peloponnese, Messinia-Elijah, Neda. Women’s river.
Bridges and waterfalls, watermills, rich vegetation, caves, narrow passages, lakes with crystal clear water – to enjoy Neda in all its glory, you will need to walk quite a bit, as crossing its canyon usually takes two days, requires good physical forms and performed with companions (not recommended alone).
Visitors to the waterfall will be able to admire its most beautiful part. It’s easy to do: go down from the village of Figalia (χωριό Φιγαλία) to the stone bridge, walk 15 minutes in a westerly direction, and you will gradually reach two amazing waterfalls. Don’t forget to swim in the purest, although usually quite cool even in the height of summer, waters.
2. Macedonia, Olympus, Orlia waterfall. Baptism of the gods. (Μακεδονία, Όλυμπος, καταρράκτης Ορλιάς.Το βάπτισμα των θεών).
The fame of Olympus is not limited to high peaks and alpine plateaus. At the foot of the highest mountain in Greece, green gorges and flowing waters create a stunning landscape. Places available to a large number of visitors. The Orlia stream near the village of Vrontos forms incredible waterfalls and lakes for swimming. You only need to walk 10 minutes to the first waterfall from the chapel of St. Constantine, and if you want something more impressive, continue your way through the gorge for an hour to the Red Rock, where a large waterfall is located. Bold diving into the icy waters below the mountain, where the 12 gods of Greek mythology lived, will make you feel…immortal!
3. Epirus, Tzumerka, Theodorian (Ήπειρος, Τζουμέρκα, Θεοδώριανα).
In the village of Feodoriana on Mount Tzumerka, water runs from everywhere, even from the concrete parapets of the road! The streams originate from more than 50 springs in the surrounding mountains, and you can safely drink from each. In these crystal clear waters, which, by the way, are sold in bottles under the Kostilata brand, you can swim in two places.
The famous Suda waterfalls (15 minutes walk from the end of the village) flow rapidly from a height of 25 meters even in summer. In the opposite direction, just before entering the village, the trail leading to the Markos stream (locally called it Mαρκς) requires a 40-minute walk and ends at the ponds, where you can spend the whole day enjoying the coolness and swimming.
4. Epirus, Zagori, Iliochori (Ήπειρος, Ζαγόρι, Ηλιοχώρι).
In the region of Zagori, in Epirus, near the village of Iliochori, there are waterfalls Balta di Striga (καταρράκτες Μπάλτα ντι Στρίγκα) with emerald waters. The name is Slavic and means “lake of weeping”. According to an ancient legend, once upon a time, with a chilling cry, a suicide rushed there. Today, the cries that can be heard here come only from visitors who, squealing with joy, dive into lakes of icy water. There are three waterfalls, the largest reaches 20 meters. A wooden platform has been installed in the area for ease of access. There are also picnic benches and life jackets. To get to the waterfall, you will need to walk about 30 minutes on an asphalt path. The way back will be much more difficult to overcome because of the steep slope.
5. Thessaly, Pelion, Caravoma (Θεσσαλία, Πήλιο, Καράβωμα).
The mythical Mount of the Centaurs is very popular in summer, thanks to its beaches washed by the Aegean Sea. At the same time, in the mountains, in dense forests, connoisseurs of virgin nature will find peace away from the hustle and bustle. One of the most beautiful trails starts from the village of Chania and ends after nine kilometers in the village of Makrirachi.
However, if you do not want to go that far, you can visit Karavoma by leaving the dirt road near the Zagora-Makrirachi junction. You will only need to walk 15 minutes through the apple orchard that the area is famous for, to the large lake. Hang a hammock in the trees and enjoy the incredible beauty of nature.
More Stories
The cheapest organized beaches of Attica, marked with the Blue Flag
A village considered the most picturesque in Greece
"Leaning Tower of Pisa" in Greece: the Roboto paradox