Athanasia Chrysafis Biska

Pavliani is a beautiful village crowned by a fir forest on Mount Oiti in the prefecture of Fthiotidas. At an altitude of 1,050 meters and just two hours away from Athens, Pavliani marks the entrance to Oiti National Park.

In the village, there are logs piled on the side of streets and houses built of wood and stone with steep roofs to withstand the weight of snow in winter, while the smooth mountain slopes are ideal for cross-country skiing.

The area has been known since antiquity and on the top of the mountain there are the remains of a 3rd century BC Doric temple, dedicated to the mythical hero Hercules.

Pavliani is divided into "lower" (Kato) and upper (Ano) districts and a first-time visitor may start discovering the area from the path connecting the two districts.

The wonderful landscape of Pavliani will not let down even the most demanding visitor. 

Athens Plus (4.12.09): Pavliani, Are you ready, boots?