Grevena Prefecture

The prefecture of Grevena belongs to the Region of Western Macedonia and is situated among the prefectures of Kozani, Ioannina and Trikala. This is a continental prefecture, mountainous for the most part, and one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country. The local economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock, while agritourism and timber industry play an important role, too. Grevena is the capital of the prefecture as well as the commercial and administrative center. Deskati is the second largest town. The villages of Grevena maintain the traditional rural lifestyle and honor the traditions. A popular custom is "Rougkoutsaria", which takes place on New Year's day. Two people from each village dress up like groom and bride and, along with followers, go from house to house in every village singing carols and traditional songs and receiving treats, ultimately resulting in the square of the village for a huge celebration that includes everyone.

Grevena is well known for its wonderful mountainous landscape. Smolikas, with its peak at 2631m., is the second highest mountain in Greece. Along the Valia Calda and due to limited human intervention, they possess great ecological significance and are two of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Greece. The forests of black pine, beech trees, bushes, trees, and a variety of deciduous trees are home to deer, wolves, bears, many species of birds and reptiles, as well as many species of mushrooms. Near the highest peak of Smolikas, there are two of the few alpine lakes in Greece called “Drakolimnes” (=Dragon Lakes). At the slopes of the mountain, you will see the Vlach villages out of which, the largest and most famous one is Samarina, at an altitude of 1500m. Valia Calda fascinates the travelers, who follow the different hiking routes starting from the local shelter, enjoying a walk in a landscape full of lush vegetation, huge cliffs and rapids. In the valley, as in the wider region of Grevena, there are many stone bridges, which are a characteristic of the region. The region of Grevena is also known for its rich and rare prehistoric findings, such as the remains of two enormous mastodons which are 3,000,000 years old and which were found in the excavations near the village of Milia and belong to the most important findings of this kind worldwide.

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