The 3rd day of the tour we left the region of Peloponnese and passed in the Sterea Hellas. We started early in the morning as we should reach the village of Athanassios Diakos (the village of birth of Sakis), where we will also stay overnight. Before leaving Peloponnese, we wanted to visit the hydro biotope of the lake of Metohi. The lake is located near the village of Lappa. After you enter the village of Lappa, you will turn left in the square of the village and you will follow the street to Kalogria. On the left side you will see the spectacular lake. It’s worth visiting as the landscape is spectacular, and on the other hand it is very close to the national road network and the access is easy.
After we took some pictures of the area, we left for Nafpaktos. Unfortunately, the bridge of Rio-Antirrio had not been given yet in the circulation therefore we did not have the chance to make the maiden passage of our club…
Next stop for coffee and rest was the beautiful Nafpaktos. It is a very picturesque town that is well-known for beautiful small harbour and the castle. There is no case to pass and not stop. We enjoyed our morning coffee in one of the cafeterias that you find around the small harbour and we continued with destination the lake of Mornos.
There are two ways to reach the lake. One is to go by the coastal line via Itea and Amfissa (which is much better than the other…). The other is the one that we followed. You take the road for Trikorfo and you continue guided by the signs that will lead you to Lidoriki. In our opinion it does not worth to follow this way, unless you like the landscape and you want to see the lake perimetrically. You will reach the lake of Mornos at the point you find the dam. You will turn right and will pass above the bridge and going around the lake you will reach Lidoriki.
At Lidoriki, we suggest to fill up your tank with petrol, because you will not find around this area many gas stations. Leaving from Lidoriki, the landscape is amazing. First you meet the mountain of Gkiona rising in front of you, creating mixed feelings full of awe and admiration. Continuing and as you climb the mountains of Vardousia the landscape becomes unique, you only see big firs that you makes you realise the altitude of this location!!! Moving further we met the crossway to Athanassios Diakos. It begins with an uphill way with tight bends (10 km/h) until you go up in the village.
As soon as you reach the village, you understand why this village is a very famous destination for many Greek and foreigner tourists but also many motorcyclists, despite the fact that it is located on the top of the world!!! Athanassios Diakos is full of firs, while above the village "hangs" the top of Korakas that evoke your admiration!!! This village gave birth to the great hero of the Greek Revolution (1821), Athanassios Diakos. First it was named Ano Mousounitsa, but in honour of the hero they gave his name…Athanassios Diakos.
The landscape, the smell and the senses cannot be described with words… In the central square of the village there is a church, lodgings, taverns. The place is grown with huge planes and springs of running water… Our suggestion is to visit this place and not miss the chance to stay overnight also. And for our friends of "enduro" .. You will find an off-road way that reaches up to the shelter that is found more highly… The village is also suggested for one-day excursions from Athens, as the distance is only 60km following the national road Athens-Lamia. We recommend it to you unconditionally!!!
Life is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page
