A slightly elliptical bridge arch spanning 28 metres, a museum with more than 2,000 fossils and lakes at an altitude of around 1,950 metres: Grevena offers a wide variety of discoveries. Monasteries, archaeological traces, waterfalls and mountain landscapes each add their own distinctive character.
Monasteries, Archaeology and Architecture
At the Monastery of Perivoli, only the katholikon of the Church of Saint Nicholas remains today. The church was built in 1803. The Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Spilaio offers a different point of reference: it was founded in 1633 and preserves frescoes from the time of its founding. The two monasteries thus represent different periods in the region’s architectural and ecclesiastical history.
The investigated acropolis of a previously unknown ancient city of the Tymphaeans is located on Kastri Hill. The visible remains date mainly from the late 4th to the mid-2nd century BC. This makes it possible to date the site, even though the ancient city itself remains unknown.
The Aziz Aga Bridge over the Venetikos River, near the village of Trikomo, is a stone bridge with three arches. Its central, slightly elliptical arch spans 28 metres and is considered the largest in Macedonia and one of the largest in all of Greece. Its dimensions and distinctive central arch give the structure a character of its own among Grevena’s historic attractions.
Museums of Fossils and Fungi
The Natural History Museum in Mylia displays more than 2,000 fossils and finds from the Grevena area. Its exhibits include 5.02-metre-long tusks, which are listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The Mushroom Museum in Lavda, by contrast, focuses on the region’s fungal heritage: housed in a traditional stone building, it displays wild, fresh and dried mushrooms, as well as replicas reminiscent of small sections of forest. The two museums thus have different focuses—fossils and finds from the region in one, mushrooms and their presentation in the other.
The Mushroom Park on the northeastern edge of the city of Grevena also combines a mushroom theme with outdoor activities. It features trails, mushroom-themed wooden carvings and play areas for families and children. The Panhellenic Mushroom Festival is held in the park every year. The festival and the park’s permanent features are two distinct aspects of the site: an annual event and the visitor facilities available there.
Mountain Landscapes, Lakes and Waterfalls
Part of the Northern Pindos National Park, including Valia Kalda, extends across the Grevena region. At the heart of the park lies the valley of the same name, with its diverse flora and abundant wildlife. Valia Kalda is home to brown bears and other species of Greek wildlife, and is suitable for hiking, photography and nature-based visits.
The Flegga Dragon Lakes are a pair of twin lakes in the heart of Valia Kalda, at an altitude of around 1,950 metres. They can only be reached via mountain hiking trails—a key distinction from destinations accessible by a short walk. Anyone interested in visiting the lakes should take this access requirement into account when planning their trip.
Near Mesolouri, a well-maintained paved path about 600 metres long leads from the bridge to three successive waterfalls. They are 3, 2.5 and 5 metres high. The waterfalls form small natural pools; swimming is possible in the cold water. The Vasilitsa National Ski Centre is also in the wider Grevena area, at an altitude of 1,642 to 2,110 metres. Its 18 slopes have a total length of 22 kilometres. These details offer practical guidance for visitors considering mountain hikes, waterfalls or winter sports areas.
Villages and Regional Traditions
The traditional Vlach villages and Kupatsochoria in Grevena are scattered among mountain slopes, forests and rivers, and attract visitors in summer. The mountain region also has a lively cheesemaking tradition, part of its everyday and culinary culture. Local goat’s and sheep’s milk is used; the cheeses mentioned include Anevato, Batzos, Feta, Kasseri and Manouri.
Grevena is defined not by just one kind of attraction: monasteries and bridges sit alongside archaeological remains, museums and experiences in nature. The contrasts within the landscape are tangible, too—from the waterfalls near Mesolouri to the high-altitude Flegga Lakes, which can only be reached via mountain hiking trails.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Grevená, Itea, Smixi, Alatópetra, Zákas, Lipsi, Dotsiko, Aetia, Polineri, Samarina, Perivoli, Filippaioi, Aidonia.
For the regional travel overview: Western Macedonia.
