Trikala

Trikala - Discover the place where tourism was introduced – A place to call a destination

Discover Trikala, Corinthia's popular destination for year-round holidays and day trips. Nestled among greenery, crystal-clear waters, and wild horses, Trikala offers a picturesque landscape, diverse cuisine, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Trikala is divided into three boroughs, each with guesthouses and cafes, creating a relaxing and idyllic atmosphere just 30 minutes from the sea and 2 hours from Athens. The village is also steeped in history, with chapters that speak of ancient caves, gods, and miraculous herbs, as well as stories of aristocrats, kings, and modern ministers.

How you get to Trikala – Familiarise yourself with the locals’ daily life

Trikala is situated on the slopes of Mount Kyllini (or Ziria), ranging from 900 to 1,100 meters in altitude. The lower borough is where most of the permanent residents live. The vast majority works in the hospitality section, by working in the food & beverage area or by owning their own AirBnB’s and guesthouses.

Local agriculture includes the production of raisins, pears, cherries, apples, oil, grapes, and nuts. Livestock farming, primarily in the mountainous borough of Trikala (you may find it as “Ano Trikala” in Greek), provides meat for many of the local restaurants and taverns during the summer months.

The village as one of the most important centres of the past (during the Ottoman Empire)

Xylokastro-Evrostini, once a thriving center of Greece, was a different world in the past. Trikala, the center of the municipality, was the hub of the region, featuring imposing towers, stately buildings, and visits from notable figures of the time. The noble Notaras family, who originated from Constantinople, was the patrons of the wider area and played a crucial role in the 1821 revolution, holding off the Turks. Saints Makarios and Gerasimos Notaras hailed from the very same family (they were siblings), as well as other important personalities in politics and the military.

Trikala introduces winter tourism in 1920 – The healing climate of the area

Trikala, a town that helped shape tourism in Greece, boasts a mesmerizing landscape and a climate with healing properties for tuberculosis sufferers. The town experienced rapid growth in the 1920s, attracting summer vacationers and winter sports enthusiasts alike. The aristocracy of the time would even hire locals to transport their ski equipment to the mountaintop for an exclusive skiing experience.

While rented rooms initially accommodated visitors, the construction of the main road and two luxurious hotels, "Theoxenia" and "Pigi Tarlabas," in 1934, took Trikala's tourism industry to new heights. The village has hosted numerous prominent figures, such as Angelos Sikelianos, Eva Palmer, Farouk (the viceroy of Egypt), and the esteemed philologist of the Greek language, M. Triantaphyllides.

Activities and Sights to Experience in Trikala

For thrill-seekers, Trikala offers a range of exciting activities, from riding on Lake Dasios, to ATV and snow buggy rides, and skiing at the cozy ski resort. The area also boasts a network of marked trails, like Flamburitsa and Varnevos, perfect for exploring on foot. You may also want to walk until you find the waterfall, the one that was recently discovered by the locals.

To experience Trikala's cultural wonders, take a stroll along the historic promenade from the "Source Tarlampas" and "Theoxenia" hotels, or visit the ancient monastery of St. Vlassios (or “Agios” Vlassios, agios means “Saint” in the Greek language).

The valley of Flamburitsa, with its breathtaking scenery and Natura network designation, is also a must-visit destination. And for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, don't miss the largely unexplored Hermes Cave, just a stone's throw away from Trikala.