Directions

   

As this is a remote region, it will be important to recognize Greek names, particularly those on maps and road maps.   We list in Greek the towns referenced in this section (small letters, capitalized, English phonetics).  (MAKE SURE TO SET YOUR BROWSER'S ENCODING, LANGUAGE OR CHARACTER SET TO GREEK.)

Καρπενήσι	ΚΑΡΠΕΝΗΣΙ	Karpenisi
Ευρυτανίας	ΕΥΡΥΤΑΝΙΑΣ	Evritania
Φιδάκια	ΦΙΔΑΚΙΑ	Fidakia
Αγ. Βλαχέρνα	ΑΓΙΑ ΒΛΑΧΕΡΝΑ	Agh. Vlacherna
Μικρό Χωρίο	ΜΙΚΡΟ ΧΩΡΙΟ	Mikro Chorio or Mikro Xorio
Γαύρος	ΓΑΥΡΟΣ	Gavros
Προυσός	ΠΡΟΥΣΟΥ or ΠΡΟΥΣΟΣ	Prousos
Κερασοχώρι	ΚΕΡΑΣΟΧΩΡΙ	Kerasshori
Αγραφά	ΑΓΡΑΦΑ	Agrafa
Τροβάτο	ΤΡΟΒΑΤΟ	Trovato
Βελούχι	ΒΕΛΟΥΧΙ	Velouxi or Velouch
Τυμφρηστός	ΤΥΜΦΡΗΣΤΟΣ	Timfristos
Αγ. Γεώργιος	ΑΓ. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ	Agh. Georgios
Λαμία	ΛΑΜΙΑ	Lamia

Arriving By Bus.  During the summer buses leave Athens at 7am, 2:30pm and 5:45pm; please check the bus company's official web site for more details: http://www.karpenissi.gr/en/other/e01a.html.  There are two major bus terminals in Athens, make sure you ask for the bus terminal at Tris Yeferes (Τρείς Γέφυρες). The cost by next year will have changed but figure around 25 euros, children might have cheaper fares.   The journey itself is about 300 kilometers and takes about 5 1/2 hours.  You should be warned about the last 30 kilometers of the trip.  The bus will be making turn after turn as it climbs high up to an altitude of approximately 1400  meters to get to Karpenisi.  Motion sickeness is common.  Be prepared!  The bus station address & telephone are: KTEL Terminal, 260 Liossion Str., Athens - Karpenisi, Tel +30 (210) 831 5991

Arriving By Taxi.  You will need to negotiate with a willing taxi cab driver.  The fare should be in the 100 to 150 euro range.

Arriving By Car.  We recommend that if you want to truly explore this region that you rent or use a 4x4 vehicle.  Take the National Road (E75) north towards Lamia / Thessaloniki.  (Make sure to stop at the statue of Leonidas at Thermopiles.)  Distance about 215 kilometers. As you approach Lamia, exit where the signs say Karpenisi (E952). Follow the signs but don't panic if you get lost.  Just ask for directions, the people are quite friendly.   The road from Lamia to Karpenisi (a distance of 78 kilometers but it takes almost an hour and a half) is single lane and winds through fields and small towns.  When you approach the town of Ag. Georgios, start slowing down.  Right after the town will be a bridge on your left that you will pass over.  The road from this point, until you get to Karpenisi, will require you to slow down and be cautious.  Let crazier drivers pass you bye.  The scenery will change from now on.
        After passing the town of Timfristos you will pass through a tunnel.  After the tunnel take the direct road into Karpenisi.

Arriving by mule.  Give yourself 10 days, the distance is like between New York City and Boston but through very rugged terrain.  

Arriving by foot.  Was semi-joking about the mule (although in the old days that is how it was done), but it is possible to hike and camp your way there.   Give yourself two weeks.  On a straight line basis the distance doesn't look to far but when you have to go up and down 1,000 meters (3100 feet) three or four times a day, it becomes a long journey.

(City Map) When you cross the ridge of Timfristos to enter Karpenisi, you will think you are entering a valley.   This is an illusion.  Karpenisi is at an altitude of 960 meters.  You will only realize this once you go to the village of Fidakia (which is about 50 meters lower than Karpenisi) and see how far up you are as you look down upon the lake.
        The town itself is not exactly well organized or pretty.  Being the center of a poor province, it is difficult to implement proper zoning and building codes.  The most important thing for the town has been to provide affordable housing.  As such, Karpenisi has become a "cement city".   This is a shame but as the region gains more tourism and enriches itself, the people's inhabitants will hopefully focus on beautifying their architecture.
        You will, however, find beauty in the town square.  Make sure to sit outdoors and sip some coffee or have some Greek deserts.   You should also drink the fresh spring water from the fountain in the square.