Although I rarely have the opportunity to use annual vacation and go to the sea (maximum once a year, for 10-12 days), if I have chosen a location for vacation that has interesting destinations to visit, I still decide to pack and put away the parasol, sunbeds for beach and towels for the next day and to go exploring.
This time, it was the village of Palaios Panteleimonas, a small, old village on the slopes of Mount Olympus in Greece.
On a narrow and steep road, from the place where we spent the summer, we drive uphill by car.
Fortunately, this place is not too interesting for tourists on hot summer days when the sea is calm and warm, ideal for swimming, and there are not many vehicles on the road we are traveling on. If there was, it would be very tricky to pass another vehicle.
True, there are no vehicles, but you may come across a herd of goats or a few cows on the way.
Although I set the navigation to the position of the church, which is located on the square, we had to leave the car a few hundred meters away and head towards the center of the village on foot.
As soon as we got out of the car, a spectacular landscape opened up in front of us, a large expanse of the foot of Mount Olympus on one side and the sea coast on the other.
Since we started on foot, we had to interpret these clear road signs 😂
Since we didn't know where we were going, through the maze of streets, the only thing that mattered to me was that we moved uphill, because I was sure that the center of the village was at the highest point, and we hadn't reached it yet.
I was amazed by the offer of boarding houses and the beauty of some houses, how the facades and gardens were arranged, and then I asked. Until 10, 15 years ago, this old village was almost deserted, with dilapidated houses and no people who lived there...
Several lovers of stone houses from Germany, discovered this gem, bought the houses and from dilapidated, half-decomposed ruins, made objects that can be enjoyed.
One after another, with a recommendation, they came and bought house after house. So today, more than half of the houses are in excellent condition, ready for rent and for guests to stay.
After a 15-minute walk, with occasional breaks at positions that are perfect for observing the panorama, we emerge at a square with several taverns.
One of the most interesting for me, Taverna Petrino, which is located under the canopy and branches of a large tree that creates the perfect shade for enjoying peace and quiet.
After lunch in the tavern, we visit the church on the same square, Saint Panteleimon Holy Orthodox Church, a small shop, a souvenir shop, and after buying souvenirs as a gift, we head to the car.
On the way, we ran into a little kitten that was interested in petting, and I used the moment to "take a nap"😀
If you find yourself in Greece in the Olip region, I definitely recommend visiting this village.
Thank you for stopping by my post and I hope you enjoyed the photos and the story I shared with you
All photos are my property, taken with a mobile phone