Excursion to Elati, Trikala

Elati is a mountain village in the Trikala region. It is particularly popular for winter getaways and the throngs of people it attracts, especially during holidays and weekends. It belongs to the Municipality of Pyli and is built at an altitude of 920 metres. The permanent population is approximately 500 people.

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Where is Elati located?

Elati is located 32 km from the city of Trikala and just 15 km from Pertouli and its eponymous ski centre.

Distances from Athens and Thessaloniki

The distance from Elati to Athens is 360 km and the car journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Similarly, the distance from Elati to Thessaloniki is 247 km and approximately 3 hours.

From Trikala, it takes about 40 minutes to reach the village of Elati.

How to get to Trikala by KTEL bus

There are 6 daily routes from Athens to Trikala, starting from 06:30 in the morning. The journey takes 4.5 hours. Once you arrive at Trikala Bus Terminal, you can take the local KTEL bus to Pyli village, leaving you with another 15 km to Elati, which you can cover by taxi or by arranging a pick-up from your hotel.

How to get to Trikala by Train

There are 4 daily routes from Athens to Trikala, taking 4 hours and 20 minutes, including one change at Palaiofarsalos station. From the train station to Elati, you should follow the instructions we provided earlier for the KTEL buses.

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Elati attractions

The village of Elati and the surrounding villages boast a plethora of attractions that will captivate every visitor.

Pyli Trikalon features the renowned and picturesque large arched bridge, a photo spot for all travellers passing through the area! Don't forget to take your own souvenir photos!

Beyond that, there is also the area of Palaiokarya with its popular waterfalls. There, after a 500-metre drive on a dirt road, you will find a waterfall and the river flowing alongside it. A place of rare beauty where you have the opportunity to spend quality time close to nature.

Equip yourselves with batteries as the photos you will take will be numerous and stunning!

Heading further up and leaving Elati behind, we will encounter the Pertouli ski centre – a ski resort literally on the road!

The Pertouli ski centre is relatively small but offers all the comforts and services of a modern centre. You will find ski and snowboard rental services as well as a beginners' school. Also, on days with sufficient snowfall, there are groups with snowmobiles available, organising half-hour excursions across the mountain!

If the weather is good and there is no snow, instead of snowmobiles, there are beautiful horses that, with the guidance of a driver, will provide you with a wonderful ride through the forest. Enjoy horseback riding in Elati amidst a verdant and incomparably beautiful natural setting!
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Neraidochori

The distance from Elati to Neraidochori is approximately 20 km, and it is a village of incredible beauty! It's no exaggeration to describe it as an alpine resort of rare and exceptional beauty. Tradition says that the village's name originates from ancient times when – according to legend – fairies and goblins would appear in the village's mountains at night!

At 1200 metres above sea level, Neraidochori rises, serving as the gateway to Aspropotamos. Here too, you will find a stone-built bridge, just outside the village, specifically at Smixi (we have already mentioned the stone bridges in Pyli Trikalon and at the Palaiokarya waterfalls).

Watch the TRAVELO VIDEO from Elati!

Museums in the area worth visiting

There are several museums you can visit in the Elati and Trikala area. Each one offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region.

Archaeological Museum of Trikala: This museum is located in the city of Trikala and houses exhibits from the ancient period of the region. You can see objects, tools, and artworks that represent the rich history of the area.

Ecclesiastical Museum of Elati: located in Elati, it includes exhibits related to the ecclesiastical culture of the region. You will see sacred objects, icons, and many other items that reflect the religious heritage of the place.

Museum of Greek Education and Learning: also located in the city of Trikala and concerns the history of education in Greece. It exhibits objects, books, and educational material that highlight the importance of education in Greek society.

Natural History Museum of Trikala: If you are interested in the nature and ecology of the region, this museum is a good place to visit. It exhibits displays related to local natural history, flora, and fauna.

Activities in Elati

Heading further up and leaving Elati behind, we will encounter the Pertouli ski centre – a ski resort literally on the road!

# Pertouli Ski Centre

Although this particular ski centre is relatively small, it offers all the comforts and services of a modern facility. You will find ski and snowboard rental services as well as a beginners' school. Also, on days with sufficient snowfall, there are groups with snowmobiles available, organising half-hour excursions across the mountain!

# Hiking on Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is located in the nearby area and offers unique opportunities for mountaineering and hiking. Its nature and beauty are impressive.

# Horse riding

If the weather is good and there is no snow, instead of snowmobiles, there are beautiful horses that, with the guidance of their driver, will allow you to enjoy a wonderful ride in the forest. Don't miss the opportunity to go horse riding in Elati amidst a verdant and incomparably beautiful natural setting!

# Neraidochori

The distance from Elati to Neraidochori is approximately 20 km, and it is a village of incredible beauty! It's no exaggeration to describe it as an alpine resort of rare and exceptional beauty. Tradition says that the village's name originates from ancient times when – according to legend – fairies and goblins would appear in the village's mountains at night!

At 1200 metres above sea level, Neraidochori rises, serving as the gateway to Aspropotamos. Here too, you will find a stone-built bridge, just outside the village, specifically at Smixi (we have already mentioned the stone bridges in Pyli Trikalon and at the Palaiokarya waterfalls).

Dining in Elati

In the centre of Elati, you will find excellent restaurants, well-maintained and offering very good meat for all tastes. In Elati's restaurants, you will find classic dishes and grilled items, as well as cooked meals and game. The food in Elati, Trikala, is very good and certainly won't disappoint you!

Accommodation in Elati

In Elati, you will find both organised hotels and rented rooms. There are rooms with mountain views as well as more central options located within the village.

Among the most well-known hotels with excellent services is Mikri Arktos.

Mikri Arktos in Elati offers an exceptional hospitality experience for both individual couples and families. It provides rooms with a fireplace and a jacuzzi.

It is located a 5-minute walk from the centre of Elati and has all the amenities one would want from their holiday! We stayed there for 2 days and genuinely have only the best to say! The room was very nice, comfortable, and clean. There was a fireplace in the main area and a jacuzzi in the bathroom (though a bit small).

Breakfast was simple, traditional, and modest. The location was very central.

You can check availability and prices at Mikri Arktos in Elati HERE

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The most famous attractions in the wider Elati area

Although it is a small village, you will see how many things there are to see and do! Don't forget to visit most of the places we suggest, as they are the most unique and picturesque spots in the region.

# The village of Elati

The village of Elati itself is an attraction. With its traditional stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and impressive architecture, it provides an authentic Greek experience.

# Pyli Trikalon

This large village features the renowned and picturesque large arched bridge, a photo spot for all travellers passing through the area! Don't forget to take your own souvenir photos!

# Palaiokarya

Beyond that, there is also the area of Palaiokarya with its popular waterfalls. There, after a 500-metre drive on a dirt road, you will find a waterfall and the river flowing alongside it. A place of rare beauty where you have the opportunity to spend quality time close to nature.

Equip yourselves with batteries as the photos you will take will be numerous and stunning!

# Monastery of Metamorphosis

The monastery is dedicated to Prophet Elias and is located on a verdant hill. It is known for its amazing views towards the village and the surrounding area.

# Aspropotamos Gorge

This gorge is one of the natural treasures of the region. It is suitable for hiking and walks and offers stunning landscapes and waterfalls.

Nightlife in Elati

Entertainment in Elati is limited to the various cafe-bars that operate from morning until 1-2 AM. Previously, there was a “Jazz bar” which, however, appears to have stopped operating in recent years.

A very nice place to spend both your afternoon with a sweet treat and your evening for a drink is Kechri.

You will find delicious sweets available at all hours, as well as a very nice atmosphere for your evening outing!

Elati does not have classic bars but the all-day cafés we described above.

Other excursions from Elati

Starting from Elati, you can undertake several excursions to nearby places such as Kalabaka, the religious Meteora, the amazing Lake Plastiras, and more.

Elati – Kalabaka – Meteora

From Elati, you can travel to Kalabaka in two ways. Either by descending back to Trikala, passing through Pyli, or by taking the road towards Pertouli and descending from the other side of the mountain, following the signs. It will take approximately 1 hour to get from Elati to Kalabaka.

Once you arrive in Kalabaka, you will see corresponding signs informing you about how to reach the Meteora region and its Monasteries. We chose the difficult ascent on foot (from the centre of Kalabaka, along the path, ascending to the Monasteries' area). The ascent along the path (or 'footpath' on the signs) takes approximately 45 minutes. The route is worthwhile as it passes through nature, trees, and vegetation!

If you don't want to walk that far, you can reach the outdoor car park, which is almost next to the Monasteries, by car.

Elati – Lake Plastiras

Another interesting excursion you can take from Elati is to Lake Plastiras. The distance is covered in approximately 2 hours by car.

With an excursion to Lake Plastiras, you will have the opportunity to admire nature in all its glory. Although it is an artificial dam, the scenery created is of unique beauty!

Activities at Lake Plastiras are varied, including cycling around the lake, horse riding, archery, as well as sunbathing and swimming during the summer months! Pezoulas beach at Kalyvia is perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer and attracts many visitors from the surrounding areas!

Useful links for your trip!

[See our full photo album on Flickr HERE]

[See hotels in Elati]

[See hotels in Trikala]

[See hotels in Pertouli]

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