Καλωσήρθες στο Περτούλι!
Παλιά, εδώ συναντιούνταν οι κτηνοτρόφοι. Σήμερα, οι φανατικοί των ορεινών διακοπών το τιμούν με την παρουσία τους. Το Περτούλι είναι αμφιθεατρικά χτισμένο και ξεχωρίζει για την παραδοσιακή αρχιτεκτονική του. Βρίσκεται σε υψόμετρο 1090 μέτρων και απέχει περίπου 50 χλμ. από τα Τρίκαλα. Το χωριό προσφέρεται για πάρα πολλές δραστηριότητες όπως ορειβασία, αναρρίχηση, τοξοβολία
, ιππασία, ποδήλατο βουνού, πεζοπορία κ.ά. Στην περιοχή λειτουργεί το χιονοδρομικό κέντρο, το οποίο βρίσκεται στα λιβάδια Περτουλίου. Το Περτούλι φημίζεται για τη μαγευτική φύση του, καθώς βρίσκεται μέσα σε ένα από τα πιο καλοδιατηρημένα ελατοδάση της χώρας. Φημίζεται ακόμα για τους υπέροχους οικισμούς που το περιβάλλουν και υπάγονται στην ευρύτερη περιοχή Ασπροποτάμου, όπως το Νεραϊδοχώρι, η Πύρρα, το Γαρδίκι, και η Καλιρρόη, το Χαλίκι η Κρανιά.
Γκίνι βίνι Περτούλι! At the end of the climb the landscape has in store a unique
surprise: dense forests interrupted by enchanting meadows, the
road lost in endless alternations between the dark forest
green and the light meadow green. Here spring is literally a blessing: thousands of wild
flowers, rainbow coloured, decorate the glades amidst tall
standing fir trees, the clear gurgling waters of mountain
brooks flow along the valley, past endless variations of
aquatic plants. A scenery of unparalleled beauty, the Pertouliotika Livadia
(meadows of Pertouli), with animals peacefully grazing in a
land of tales rather than reality. The village of Pertouli
lies at an altitude of 1150 m with a population of 75 in the
winter (400 in the summer). A stock-farmers village, but also a holiday resort, it
attracts many visitors because of its natural beauty and the
wild life habitats in the area. One of these habitats is the
forest of Mana (deer, roe-deer, bear and wolf find shelter
here) with the spring by the same name offering its refreshing
water. In Pertouli one can also engage in various sports activities:
mountain climbing to the peaks of Koziakas (1901m) and
Boudoura (2067m, with its refreshing spring), archery and
horse riding in the meadows, mountain biking through wonderful
forest tracks. In the spring, the experience becomes unique: one can have a
pic-nic almost everywhere in the woods, in designated
recreation areas and taste the delicious wild strawberries,
especially in the area of Vathy. Winter time is not lacking in
experience: skiing at the Ski Center track or tasting local
delicacies, accompanied by local wine or tsipouro, in the
warmth of a fireplace in one of the numerous taverns. A special experience is to be lived in the village feasts: on
the day of Aghia Kyriaki (July 6-7 th), on the day of
Transfiguration of Christ, August 5th-6th, and on the great
feast of Virgin Mary (August 14-15th). All these occasions are
dominated by local traditional folk music, while one can taste
a rich variety of local delicacies (mainly meat and dairy
products). A great - though relatively recent - feast is the
reunion of Sarakatsani (nomadic stock-breeders of Central
Greece) at the meadows of Pertouli in late May, a feast
closely related to local tradition and customs. The endless forests of Pertouli have always been the refuge of
many outlaws and rebels up until the Second World War. TRY Various «pites» (pies), game meat,
hand-kneaded bread,
lamb in «gastra» (clay-pot). SPORTS Horse-riding, skiing, mountain-biking,
mountain-climbing, trout, briana and eel fishing in
Pertouliotikos river. TREKKING ROUTES : 1. Pertouli -
Issichastirio - Vryssi Gavalia - Mandri - Vryssi Canalia -
Gournes - Neraki - Kazani Economopoulou -Tria Synora - return
from Mana. 2. Pertouli - Corpou. 3. Ski Center - Koziakas
Mountain Shelter - Trypio Lithari - Kori. ARCHEOLOGICAL GROUNDS – CHURCHES – MONASTERIES
Archeological grounds – Findings
- Next to “Giona” mountain, there is “Kokkinostefano” that
looks like a Byzantine or Medieval Fort. Churches – Monasteries
- Transfiguration, a three-aisle basilica, built in the place
of an older homonymous church (1863).
- Saint Kyriaki
- Virgin Mary
Elements of Folklore Culture
- Chatzigakis chateau (1841), grandson of Chatzi Berta
(restoration has been based on pictures and gravures which
demonstrate its original structure). Chatzigakis was the
greatest chief shepherd of Aspropotamos.
- The stone built “Grias Bridge” (bridge of the old lady),
located in the “Manas Canyon” (canyon of the mother) which is
run through by a tributary of Acheloos. It is a very important
monument of the area mainly due to its artistic engravings.
- “Bazeikos mill”: on its right bank, there is a flat stone
with a trout depicted on it. CULTURAL – FOLKLORE FESTIVALS
- July 6-7th, Saint Kyriaki celebration
- August 5-6th, Transfiguration
- August 14-15th, Virgin Mary: The celebration starts with the
Mass, “diaklisis” where rich local dishes are served (mainly
meat, pies, dairy products) and peaks with a jag. Folklore
traditional bands and attendants always participate actively.
- On June, beekeepers’ celebration, at Agia Kyriaki church.
- At the end of May, a very big, quite new celebration, “the
Annual Meeting of Sarakatsanaioi”, takes place at Pertouli
grasslands: Sarakatsanaioi, all over Greece, gather together
and revive the old nomadic way of living by setting up
“konakia” (houses), looms and by cooking traditional meals
while traditional music is played. ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
Hiking Excursions:
- Pertouli – Mana
- Pertouli – Boudouna
- Elati – Pertouli – Neraidochori – Pyrra – Desi – Gardiki –
Athamania (also by car)
-Koziakas Ski Shelter – Trypio Lithari – Kori
On the way from Pertouli grasslands to Neraidochori and Pyrra
by following the signposts in the forest, there are rest areas
at Korpou Fountain, Patsiantzi Inn, Xilogefyro and “Vlacha”
tavern. Places of exceptional natural beauty:
- University Forest of Pertouli (here live rare fauna species
and a great variety of flora).
- Pertouli grasslands: They are crossed by “Xerias” or
“Pertouliotikos” river which divides them in special meandric
shapes (local name is “koulouria”. They are named like
“Chaidos”, “Chatzigakis” and “Pigadouli”).
- Koziakas lake: Between “Astrapi” and “ Arvanites” tops
(1,500-1,600m).
- “Mana” canyon: Here flows a tributary of Acheloos and it is
a biotope for bears, wolves and deer.
- Agia Kyriaki camping place at Pertouli: a unique chance for
camping close to the woods.
- “Kerketion” shelter (see: Elati)
Climbing:“Mana” canyon (see: Places of exceptional natural
beauty)
Mountain Cycling:In Pertouli grasslands, the forest roads and
paths are suitable for mountain biking, 4x4 and moto cross. Horse Riding:Well organized routes under the guidance of
experienced trainers are available to visitors. Pertouli Ski-Centre:
- Ski tracks
- Ski-rackets
- Snowmobiles
- Ski-lift
Fishing: mainly Trout, briana, eels in Aspropotamos (Acheloos) river
BUY
Bovine meat of grass-grazing animals, oregano, herbs and
cheese (at selling points and by local producers)
TRY
Pies made of home made pastry and pure ingredients,
traditionally knead bread, lamb cooked in a pot, splinantero
and kokoretsi made from local meat, games (wild boar, roe
deer, deer, hare, partridge, woodcock). Welcome in Pertouli!
