Pindos massif composed of several separate mountain units (Smolikas, Tymfí, Aigo, Lakmos, Athamanon, Oros Iti, Karava and others). The highest peak is Smolikas reaching an altitude of 2637 meters. It is the second highest mountain in Greece, after Mount Olympus.

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The Pindus mountain features two national parks that protect the original and almost intact nature. National Park Vikos-Aoos stretching over an area of ​​3360 hectares, was founded in 1973 and occupies an area around the Vikos gorge, characterized by its vertical walls, which often reach heights up to 950 meters. The gorge is 12 km long considered one of the greatest natural wonders. There are just several tourists here, so be aware of the fact that during the trip you can meet only a few people. The best time to visit the gorge is the beginning or end of summer, when water flows quiet.

There are two major rivers Aoös and Vikos, powered by a water from melting snow. They flow along the hiking trails, which are inaccessible when the snow is melting. A unique natural phenomenon in the area is 405 m deep Cave of Provatina and the nearby Chasm of Epos, where is an underground lake in a depth of 469 m. This area also includes Astraka plateau and Tymfí massive.

The larger Pindos National Park, which history dates back to 1966 is a home to the bears and wolves, deer, wild boars, chamois, wild cats and also snakes.

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The starting point for visiting the highest peaks is the town of Litochoro, from which you can go by car to the mountain village Priónia and then continue on foot. In the Mount Olympus you can visit Agios Dionysios Monastery (Metochio), which was built in the 15th century and was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is located 3 km from the town of Litochoro.

In later years it was renamed after its founder monk Dionysus, who came to this area from the Meteora monasteries. During Turkish rule the robbers hid in the monastery who heavily damaged it together with many other sights. Only the perimeter walls with original paintings remained. The monastery is now being renovated – central chapel and the outdoor area were already opened.

It is really amazing to swim in the sea and watching this high mountain.

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