GET TO KNOW THE MUNICIPALITY > PERTOULI At the end of the climb the landscape has in store a unique surprise: dense forests interrupted by enchanting meadows, the road lost in endless alternations between the dark forest green and the light meadow green.  Here spring is literally a blessing: thousands of wild flowers, rainbow coloured, decorate the glades amidst tall standing fir trees, the clear gurgling waters of mountain brooks flow along the valley, past endless variations of aquatic plants. A scenery of unparalleled beauty, the Pertouliotika Livadia (meadows of Pertouli), with animals peacefully grazing in a land of tales rather than reality. The village of Pertouli lies at an altitude of 1150 m with a population of 75 in the winter (400 in the summer).  A stock-farmers village, but also a holiday resort, it attracts many visitors because of its natural beauty and the wild life habitats in the area. One of these habitats is the forest of Mana (deer, roe-deer, bear and wolf find shelter here) with the spring by the same name offering its refreshing water. In Pertouli one can also engage in various sports activities: mountain climbing to the peaks of Koziakas (1901m) and Boudoura (2067m, with its refreshing spring), archery and horse riding in the meadows, mountain biking through wonderful forest tracks. In the spring, the experience becomes unique: one can have a pic-nic almost everywhere in the woods, in designated recreation areas and taste the delicious wild strawberries, especially in the area of Vathy. Winter time is not lacking in experience: skiing at the Ski Center track or tasting local delicacies, accompanied by local wine or tsipouro, in the warmth of a fireplace in one of the numerous taverns. A special experience is to be lived in the village feasts: on the day of Aghia Kyriaki (July 6-7 th), on the day of Transfiguration of Christ, August 5th-6th, and on the great feast of Virgin Mary (August 14-15th). All these occasions are dominated by local traditional folk music, while one can taste a rich variety of local delicacies (mainly meat and dairy products). A great - though relatively recent - feast is the reunion of Sarakatsani (nomadic stock-breeders of Central Greece) at the meadows of Pertouli in late May, a feast closely related to local tradition and customs. The endless forests of Pertouli have always been the refuge of many outlaws and rebels up until the Second World War. TRY Various «pites» (pies), game meat, hand-kneaded bread, lamb in «gastra» (clay-pot). BUY Free grazing veal meat. SPORTS Horse-riding, skiing, mountain-biking, mountain-climbing, trout, briana and eel fishing in Pertouliotikos river. TREKKING ROUTES : 1. Pertouli - Issichastirio - Vryssi Gavalia - Mandri - Vryssi Canalia - Gournes - Neraki - Kazani Economopoulou -Tria Synora - return from Mana. 2. Pertouli - Corpou. 3. Ski Center - Koziakas Mountain Shelter - Trypio Lithari - Kori. ARCHEOLOGICAL GROUNDS – CHURCHES – MONASTERIES Archeological grounds – Findings - Next to “Giona” mountain, there is “Kokkinostefano” that looks like a Byzantine or Medieval Fort. Churches – Monasteries - Transfiguration, a three-aisle basilica, built in the place of an older homonymous church (1863). - Saint Kyriaki - Virgin Mary Elements of Folklore Culture - Chatzigakis chateau (1841), grandson of Chatzi Berta (restoration has been based on pictures and gravures which demonstrate its original structure). Chatzigakis was the greatest chief shepherd of Aspropotamos. - The stone built “Grias Bridge” (bridge of the old lady), located in the “Manas Canyon” (canyon of the mother) which is run through by a tributary of Acheloos. It is a very important monument of the area mainly due to its artistic engravings. - “Bazeikos mill”: on its right bank, there is a flat stone with a trout depicted on it.  CULTURAL – FOLKLORE FESTIVALS - July 6-7th, Saint Kyriaki celebration - August 5-6th, Transfiguration - August 14-15th, Virgin Mary: The celebration starts with the Mass, “diaklisis” where rich local dishes are served (mainly meat, pies, dairy products) and peaks with a jag. Folklore traditional bands and attendants always participate actively. - On June, beekeepers’ celebration, at Agia Kyriaki church. - At the end of May, a very big, quite new celebration, “the Annual Meeting of Sarakatsanaioi”, takes place at Pertouli grasslands: Sarakatsanaioi, all over Greece, gather together and revive the old nomadic way of living by setting up “konakia” (houses), looms and by cooking traditional meals while traditional music is played. ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES Hiking Excursions: - Pertouli – Mana - Pertouli – Boudouna - Elati – Pertouli – Neraidochori – Pyrra – Desi – Gardiki – Athamania (also by car) -Koziakas Ski Shelter – Trypio Lithari – Kori On the way from Pertouli grasslands to Neraidochori and Pyrra by following the signposts in the forest, there are rest areas at Korpou Fountain, Patsiantzi Inn, Xilogefyro and “Vlacha” tavern. Places of exceptional natural beauty: - University Forest of Pertouli (here live rare fauna species and a great variety of flora). - Pertouli grasslands: They are crossed by “Xerias” or “Pertouliotikos” river which divides them in special meandric shapes (local name is “koulouria”. They are named like “Chaidos”, “Chatzigakis” and “Pigadouli”). - Koziakas lake: Between “Astrapi” and “ Arvanites” tops (1,500-1,600m). - “Mana” canyon: Here flows a tributary of Acheloos and it is a biotope for bears, wolves and deer. - Agia Kyriaki camping place at Pertouli: a unique chance for camping close to the woods. - “Kerketion” shelter (see: Elati) Climbing:“Mana” canyon (see: Places of exceptional natural beauty) Mountain Cycling:In Pertouli grasslands, the forest roads and paths are suitable for mountain biking, 4x4 and moto cross. Horse Riding:Well organized routes under the guidance of experienced trainers are available to visitors. Pertouli Ski-Centre: - Ski tracks - Ski-rackets - Snowmobiles - Ski-lift Fishing:Trout, briana, eels in Acheloos river BUY Bovine meat of grass-grazing animals, oregano, herbs and cheese (at selling points and by local producers) TRY Pies made of home made pastry and pure ingredients, traditionally knead bread, lamb cooked in a pot, splinantero and kokoretsi made from local meat, games (wild boar, roe deer, deer, hare, partridge, woodcock).