Grevena
Seat of the prefecture: Grevena The main areas of the prefecture are: Grevena, Deskati, Vasilitsa, Lavda, Smixi.
One of the 13 prefectures of Macedonia. The prefecture of Grevena occupies the SW part of Western Macedonia and it borders to the north with the prefecture of Kozani, to the east with the prefecture of Kozani and the prefecture of Larisa, to the SW and W to the prefecture of Ioannina and to the NW with the prefecture of Kastoria.
The historical evidence in the area of Grevena starts in the Neolithic era. In the ancient years it was part of the dominions of Timfea and Elimia . The area of Grevena also played an important role in the Roman and the Byzantine years, as well as in the years of the Turkish occupation, as its monuments indicate. From the 17th century on, it grew into a very important commercial hub.
Greece
The prefecture was formed in 1964 by uniting the province of Grevena, taken from the prefecture of Kozani, with the municipality of Deskati and the communities of Dasochorio and Paraskevi from the prefecture of Larissa.
The city of Grevena
The prefecture of Grevena, rich in natural beauty, is an ideal visiting place for nature lovers, eco-tourists, as well as the lovers of exploration and adventure. The „jewel“ of the area is the National Forest of Pindos , also called Valia Calda , which lies in the north-western part of the prefecture, in the unexplored mountainous range of Lygkos. In the dialect of the Vlachs, Valia Calda means warm valley…
The city of Grevena
In the centre of the city, the pretty Aimilianou square, surrounded by pedestrian streets with traditional and modern restaurants and taverns can cover the dining requirements of the visiting tourists. On the pedestrian street M. Alexandrou (named after Alexander the Great), modern but also classical style cafes attract the visitor, while for the romantics among us the municipal refreshment establishments at Kastraki and at Tsakalia are available.
In the prefecture there are 17 stone bridges, all preserved in quite good condition. In the most important of them are included the bridge of Aziz Agas in Trikomo bridge of Portitsa and the bridge of Katsoyiannis in Spileo Bridge of Spanos in Kipouryio , as well as that of Ziakas
Furthermore, the area is strewn with many old churches, monasteries and buildings, situated in the various villages. Such a village is Spileo
The Monastery of Zavorda, where the unique lexicon of Fotios the Great was found, is considered the most important religious monument in Western Macedonia and one of the greatest and most important monasteries outside Agio Oros (Holy Mountain).
Furthermore, the village Perivoli
Besides the walks in the endless natural environment of the prefecture of Grevena, the visitor has the chance to take part in adventure activities, to come closer to the grandeur and the power of nature. Especially the river Aliakmonas with its contributories, as well as the Venetikos River, are ideal for the lovers of activities such as kayaking and rafting.
The mountainous areas of Smolikas and Orliakas are suitable for rock climbing, hiking and trekking, while the Vasilitsa Ski Centre , where tow and chair lifts are in operation, are an attraction for the friends of winter sports.
Here is noted, that the city of Grevena, as well as the villages of the prefecture, have developed organized accommodation units for the visitors, in the form of hotels, rooms for rent and guesthouses, in order to satisfy the large influx of visitors from all over Greece.
The area of Vasilitsa
One of the best known villages of the area is Samarina
The area is also well known for the Vasilitsa Ski Centre, considered one of the best in Greece, located above the village Smixi Valia Stathi „, one of the most inaccessible and rugged valleys, which ends up to Aoos river.
Furthermore, the area lends itself to all kinds of adventure activities, as there are mountainous areas appropriate for climbing, rivers for water sports (rafting, kayaking) and a lot more.
The town of Deskati
Ziakas
By bus: There is KTEL bus service connection, from and to Grevena, with the largest cities of Greece: Athens, Thessalonica, Larissa, Kozani etc. From Grevena you can get to any village you want with the local bus service of the KTEL of Prefecture of Grevena.
By car: From Athens you can get here via the Athens-Lamia and Larissa-Trikala national roads. Via Kalambaka you get to Grevena. From Thessalonica you can get here via the Egnatia Motorway all the way to Grevena. From Ioannina, via the Ioannina-Trikala national road. From Metsovo you can get to Grevena via Milia.
The distance from Athens is 512 km.
By Air: The area is served by the Kozani airport.
Grevena Municipality
24620 74230
Athens Bus Depot (KTEL)
210 5133280
Grevena Hospital
24620 22222
Thessalonica Bus Depot (KTEL)
2310 595428
Grevena Police
24620 22407
Grevena Taxi
24620 22580, 24199, 22591
Grevena Traffic Police
24620 22941
National Forest, Foresters‘ Office
24620 85253
Grevena Tourist Information Office
24620 28935
Grevena Municipal Library
24620 23056
Grevena BUS Depot (KTEL)
24620 22242
Vassilitsa Ski Centre
24620 84850
