– Why does it take us so long to get to Metsovo?
– The truth is that I was thinking about it too..Shall we go?
– Of course! I'll put gas in, grab 2 clothes and let's go!
– Will it snow?
– No, but it doesn't matter, Metsovo is always nice!
The decision was so simple to go to a favorite destination and “suck in” the beauty and history of this place once again. And Metsovo may be a dollhouse in all seasons, but the truth is that we like it a little more in winter. The smell of wood in the fireplace, of pine when the wind caresses the leaves, the hot mountain tea waiting for you in the cup, awaken carefree childhood memories. Here you will encounter what we have always known as “Greek hospitality”. The residents are so friendly and available to help that they win you over from the first moment.
Perhaps Metsovo would not be as we know it today if it were not for two great personalities who contributed greatly to the economic “Metsovo miracle”: The benefactor Baron Michael Tositsas and the patriotic politician and writer Evangelos Averof. The locals will tell you in a novel way how these two men worked together to turn Metsovo from a poor livestock settlement into the jewel of Pindos.
Where to stay?
There are undoubtedly many options for all budgets, so you won't have a hard time finding what suits you. Most hostels-hotels They blend harmoniously with the traditional color of Metsovo, have rooms covered with woolen carpets, fireplaces and delicious breakfasts.
What to see
- Το Metsovo Folklore Museum is housed in the Tositsa Mansion, the ancestral home of the well-known benefactor family, originally built in 1661. It has operated as a museum since 1955 with authentic exhibits that include everything that could have been found in a mansion during the great economic boom of Metsovo. Daily 10.00 – 16.00 except Thursday. Admission: 3 euros.
- Η E. Averoff Gallery It has been operating since 1988 and contains approximately 250 works by the most important Greek artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Gyzis, Volanakis, Lytras, Parthenis, Moralis, Prekas, Tetsis and others. Both the gallery's collection and the modern three-story building in which it is housed were donated to the E. Averoff - Tositsa Foundation by its creator and founder E. Averoff. Daily 09.00 - 15.00. Admission: 3 euros.
- You will find a unique winemaking experience at Katogi Averof where the most mountainous vineyards in Greece are located. The winery is open to the public, offering a unique "dive" into the world of wine. Using audiovisual media and following an original tour, you will learn about the history of the winery and the wine production process. Daily 10.00 – 16.00. Last tour at 15.00.
Tip: Because it is really worth taking the tour at all three above, it is a good idea to contact us first by phone to find out the exact tour times.
- A short distance from the winery is the Averroes Garden. It is a beautiful park filled with endemic species of trees and plants from the rich flora of Pindos. You will walk through it and admire an excellent miniature of Pindos made with love and a lot of effort.
- A stop at the imposing church is also essential. Agia Paraskevi in the square of Metsovo which dates back to the 12th century. Of great artistic value is the iconostasis of the church, which was crafted by woodcarvers from Metsovo in 1730.
- Particularly noteworthy is also the Tositsa Foundation Cheese Factory, which received a quality award in 2009. It can only be visited every Friday from 8:30 to 12:30. The products of the dairy can of course be found in most shops in Metsovo Square.
- An area of exceptional natural beauty is located just half an hour from Metsovo and is none other than the Lake Aoos, the highest mountain lake in Greece at 1350m. Your gaze will relax, the landscape will captivate you and you will remain silent to enjoy this rare sight.
- A walk in Metsovo is never complete without visiting the ski resort in Anilio. Despite the fact that around Metsovo there are two other ski lifts offered by the Tositsa Foundation, Anilio stands out as it is the newest ski resort in the country. It even has a stylish chalet for coffee and food, the Chalet Chamois, with views of both the ski resort and the wider area. We recommend you have lunch at its restaurant on the 2nd floor.the floor tasting the excellent flavors exclusively from local ingredients.
Coffee – food
This is the only thing that won't bother you! We tried and recommend the following: For coffee with sweets and a view of the Pindos mountains, go to MetsovoramaFor wine and cocktails you will go to Fountain Cafe Wine SpiritYou will taste good food at Mansion and in Nicholas' box, while you shouldn't leave Metsovo without tasting Metsovone and Metsovela, two smoked cheeses made exclusively at the Tositsa Foundation's cheese factory in Metsovo, as well as a chevre-style goat cheese.
Closing
No matter how many times you visit this all-time classic destination, you will always find a reason to return! The stubbornly unchanging traditional character of Metsovo, the hospitality, the local gastronomy, the art and culture of the region are not easily found together in such a small but also so “creative” place…
