Zarakas mountain villages – Riechia

Nestled among the rugged slopes of Mt. Parnon, the mountain villages of Zarakas have retained their simplicity and their traditional architecture due to the difficulty of access to the region until almost the end of the past century.

Thousands of sheep and goats graze freely over the the mountain slopes, filling the air with the melody of their bells.

Riechia, the main village, has a folklore museum with exhibits from Zarakas’ history. The village marks the start of the Balogairi gorge, a must for hikers. Within the mountains, is hard to believe that the lovely beach of Vlychada, unknown to the masses, is so close.

Harakas is a small settlement whose buildings are in the traditional architectural style. On the road to Kyparissi is the Stavros gorge, with its unique views and hiking trail that ends at the isolated beach of Piliza. On a small plateau north of Harakas is the church of Aghios Ioannis Theologos.

At Lambokambos, in the settlement of Pistamata are the Doukas organic vineyards and winery, open to visitors.