If you go hiking in one of the most unique gorges in Greece, “Pantavrechi” (i.e. “It always rains”) you will find yourself before an exotic landscape, a pristine treasure that till recently remained unknown to many. Located between the villages of Roska and Doliana, it is found in the south of the prefecture of Evritania and is crossed by the river Krikelopotamos.
…Its mere view is a unique experience and a top activity for those nature lovers.
There are several routes to follow for accessing the gorge and all of them are equally rewarding…
Route A: Karpenissi – Megalo Chorio – Kaliakoudas mountain top – Stournara (or Doliana) – Stournaras – Roska bridge where the river trekking in the river Krikeliotis starts – Pantavrechi site.
Route B: Karpenissi – Rafi Tymfristou – Krikello – Domnista – Skopia – Agios Charalambos – Kastanoula – Roska – Stournaras – Roska bridge where the river trekking in the river Krikeliotis starts – Pantavrechi site.
Route C: Karpenissi – Gavros – Proussos – Tornos – Kastania (outside the village) – Prodromos – Roska – Stournaras – Roska bridge where the river trekking in the river Krikeliotis starts – Pantavrechi site.
Alternatively, the trail to the river in the shadow of Mount Kaliakouda starts from the village of Psiana, after Krikelo. Follow the riverbed to the north, and after a walk of about two hours, you will find yourself at the narrowest point of the gorge and before a true revelation: the icy waters coming from Mount Kaliakouda, fall from the top of the cliffs. Given the high altitude, the water flow is not rushing, thus creating the sense of continuous rain. It is a true miracle of nature.
Small natural pools are formed at the base of the waterfalls. The most daring may try swimming here.
However, you will need to walk for about half an hour to walk in the river to get to that point. The gorge is also suitable for rafting and canoeing.
And there’s nothing left for you to do but …
Believe in fairy tales, chase rainbows and look for elves, in this place where “it always rains”.
