Kissavos ( Mount Ossa) has a hidden beauty that awaits the visitor to explore. A mountain full of dense forests of chestnut, beech and pine trees, canyons and streams on slopes carved from forest roads and paths.
Kissavos is known to us as the mountain that is opposite of Mt Olympus in Greece. River Penaeus, valley of Tempi, the unique Delta Penaeus with historical village Ampelakia, canyon Calypso and Mavrovouni forest. Byzantine monasteries, churches and bridges have been built along with the villages of Agia, Metaxochori, Melivia, Spilia and Megalovryso. People fled to the mountain, stayed there and slowly began to move in the Aegean coast by choosing their permanent residence there. People who restores houses, reconstruct streets, organize mild nature activities, ready to explore the beauty of Kissavos all seasons.
- Eastern Kissavos Villages (Aegean Side): Karitsa, Stomio, Kokkino Nero, Koutsoupia, Paliouria, Agiokampos, Velika and more.
- Western – north western Kissavos Villages : Agia, Ampelakia, Spilia, Metaxochori, Megalovriso, Anatoli.
Villages
Metaxochori
In Metaxochori (old name Retsiani) you will see paved neighborhoods and aged mansions. Just a few meters from the town Agia with towering trees, the Tzimerou mansion Vatzia 1871 mansion, the mansion Swiss baron Eugene Favr 1876 and St. Nicholas church with the silver dome. Metaxohori is also known as the village that many artists choose to stay such as Thanasis Papakonstantinou, Georgouli Alice, Anna Vagena and others. Relax at the central square with trees located nex to the mountain stream. Leave your car and go up the walkers leading to every point of the village. Metaxohori owes its name to the rearing of silkworm, an occupation that brought wealth and development in the village, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. The spacious stone mansions that you will encounter at every step foot in traditional neighborhoods, served alongside the housing needs of owners and housing in the cottage industry since the ground floor housed the silkworm farming areas and processing of silk. See all hotels and traditional guesthouses in Metaxochori.
Skiti
We meet Skiti after Agia. Skiti is a little ‘balcony’ of the Aegean that gives nice cool breeze in summer and beautiful inns. Beautiful village on a summer excursion to navigate the narrow village. Skiti is also a perfect choise to stay if you plan to stay for a weekend near the beaches of Agiokampos and Velika.
Spilia
We meet village Spilia following the road from Larissa to Sykourio. Spilia has great views, delicious food and the ability to access the Kissavos refuge through the asphalt road now and then you can follow the path that leads you to the top of Mt Kissavos. Also, a magical journey by car inside Kissavos’s forest is the road from Spilia to Karitsa at the aegean side of Kissavos! You will also find two taverns at the square of the village.
Ampelakia
The historical community of Ampelakia is located at the entrance of the valley of Tempe. Worth seeing the Schwartz mansion and the many other attractions and museums. Ampelakia are located just 20 minutes from the city of Larissa. Ampelakia is characterized traditional and preserved settlement. It is best to leave your car at the entrance of the village and walk to the square of the village and admire the buildings as you walk. Trees, poplars, pines, cypresses, chestnut trees embracing the place.
Kokkino Nero and Karitsa
Kokkino Nero is a coast village with red waters which are rich in minerals and digestive properties. Read here about the hot springs in Kokkino Nero. Many visitors from the Balkans choose Kokkino Nero for their summer vacations. Kokkino Nero is an organized village with beach bars, taverns next to the sea and bars-cafeterias. Karitsa on the other is built at an altitude of 400 meters and offers a unique view of the blue Aegean and breaths of coolness in summer. Karitsa has traditional houses, courtyards with flowers, narrow cobbled streets with tall trees generously giving their shade and a huge plane tree in the center of the village. Shortly before Karitsa will see on your right an asphalt road that if you follow him you will reach after 6 km in forest Ariopriono position with recreation facilities. Near Kokkino Nero you will find the stone bridge of Paparizaina built in 1719 and also you must try the hiking route to the gorge of Calypso with the waterfall! Book now at the available hotels in Kokkino Nero.
Activities in Kissavos
Hiking at Kissavos peak – If you want to go to Kissavos Peak then if you are in Larissa you follow the road to Sikourio – Spilia – Kissavos refuge. You leave your car at the refuge “Kanalos” (altitude 1.604meters) and then you follow the path. After 2 hours or less you find yourself at the Kissavos peak “Profitis Ilias” at 1.977 meters altitude.
Hiking at the east side of Kissavos. Try the path that starts from Velika and ends at Melivoia
Canyoning in Calipso canyon
Watersports at Velika
Spa tourism in Kokkino Nero’s thermal springs.
Canoe cayak at Penaeus Delta
Click here to see all beaches of Larissa’s Prefecture.
