Drive west from Karditsa, past Lake Plastiras, and the road begins to climb. Soon the plain is behind you and ahead lie the Agrafa, the southern part of the Pindus range, shared between the Karditsa regional unit and Evrytania.
Why "Agrafa"
There are several explanations for the name, which means "unwritten". The most widespread says that their villages, isolated and hard to reach, were never entered in the conquerors' tax registers. Whatever the truth, the area kept a high degree of autonomy for centuries, and a reputation as a land that would not be ruled.
What you will find
- Stone bridges over rivers and streams, many of them still standing.
- Villages of stone houses and squares shaded by plane trees, which fill up in summer when those who left come home.
- Paths for walking, from easy strolls to serious mountain routes.
- Monasteries in places with spectacular views.
With care
The Agrafa are real mountains: the roads are narrow, mobile coverage is patchy in places and the weather changes fast. Check road conditions, especially in winter, and never set off on a walk without knowing the route.
Photographs
