WHERE TO STAY
Grand Forest Metsovo has been
designed to complement the
surrounding peaks and pine
forests. grand-forest.grTOP 3: ACTIVITIES
IN THE AREACANYONING
If you like your experiences to err
on the side of extreme, the activities
associated with canyoning will be
music to your ears. Climb challenging
rock formations, abseil down 30-metre-
high waterfalls, explore the giant caves
and swim the rushing waters on a
three-hour adventure.E-MOUNTAIN BIKE TO
THE HIDDEN POND
Go off road on this two-wheeled
excursion in search of the hidden pond
of Tsouka Rosa. Your journey will take
you into the forest of Vakaratsa, where
winding tracks are flanked by towering
black pine trees, and along the flowery
bank of Aoos Springs Lake.WILD TRUFFLE HUNTING
Join Katerina and her truffle-
hunting dogs on a stroll in the beautiful
countryside surrounding the hotel.
Take in the scenery and breathe in fresh
alpine air. The truffles found on the
excursion are used in a lunch cooked at
a wooden shelter by the river.Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Lefteris Fafalis, and I grew up in
beautiful Metsovo. My great passion was
always cross-country skiing and I’ve
competed in four Oly mpic games. Now, I love
guiding Grand Forest Metsovo guests of all
abilities on snowshoe trails and hikes.What activities do you like doing in the area?
During the summer months, I like to go
hiking, standup paddleboarding, mountain
biking and canyoning. In winter, the
mountains are great for snowshoeing,
backcountry skiing and ski touring. Nature
is at the heart of everything we do here. We’re
situated on the edge of a black pine forestthat’s part of the Pindus National Park, one of
the least explored and most verdant parts of
Europe. Visitors can experience the unique
natural landscapes as well as other elements
like gastronomy, culture and traditions.Why is the Pindus mountain range special?
Greece is probably best known for its
coastline. However, the Pindus mountain
range is the alternative for anyone who wants
to get to know the ‘other’ Greece. In Pindus,
nature is full of surprises — deep gorges,
virgin forests, rushing rivers and high
mountains, evergreen trees and authentic,
hospitable people who still live as nomads
with their animals.Greece’s
wild side
GET TO KNOW
The Pindus mountain range comprises two national parks and includes
an interesting hotel, where morning coff ee is followed by wild truffl e
hunts and snow hikes with former Olympic athlete Lefteris Fafalis1
2
3
IM
AG
E:^
CH
RI
ST
OS
D
RA
ZO
S
| PAID CONTENT FOR GRAND FOREST METSOVO