Agrafa, A Sea of mountains

Agrafa is a sea of ​​rugged and inhospitable mountains that captivate the viewer and move the climber. Agrafa spreads on the borders of the prefectures of Karditsa and Evrytania and is somehow divided into Thessalian and Evrytania Agrafa. They are separated geographically by the great Agrafiotis river into East and West Agrafa. North of Agrafa rise Koziakas, Avgos and Neraida and to the south the mountain range ends at Helidona, Tymphristos and the artificial lake Kremaston. Agrafa spreads over a huge area that reaches 1,500 sq.km. and are characterized by a maze of mountain peaks, passes, ravines, rushing rivers, dense forests, cliffs and alpine plateaus that follow one another and seem never-ending

History

Historically, the Agrafa massif is one of the most difficult parts of the Greek territory. In essence, they separate Central Greece from Thessaly. But the name of this area is of great interest. According to historical writers such as Panagiotis Aravantinos, the name Agrafa denotes the huge massive area of ​​Roumeli that remained outside the areas where the Ottomans imposed taxes. Because of their location, all of these areas were left off the Ottoman Empire tax map.In 1881, with the Congress of Berlin, the entire region came under the Greek state and they immediately joined the prefectures of Trikala & Karditsis and Etoloakarnania. Today they are an area with many villages, which unfortunately know a population decline. Perhaps this is also the reason why Agrafa remains indelible from any intervention and at the same time tourist development.

Lakes

Within this mountain range you will find a natural wealth worth visiting. A notable point of reference in the area is Lake Plastira or Tauropo. It is a relatively modern lake as it was completed in the 1960s, following the initiative of General Nikolaos Plastiras, who in 1928 proposed the construction of an artificial lake near the Tauropos River (Megdova). The construction of this lake would help the water supply of the Thessalian plain as well as to combat the overflow of Megdova.The construction of this lake would help the water supply of the Thessalian plain as well as to combat the overflow of Megdova. However, the Second World War, the Civil War abruptly interrupted the implementation of the project. However, in 1960 the project was completed and today it is one of the most beautiful landscapes of our country. The lake is only 25 kilometers from the town of Karditsa. 

Another remarkable natural attraction is Lake Stefaniada, still a young lake, as it was completed in 1963 in order to deal with flooding in the area. A network of paths develops from the lake, which you can find on the map of Agrafa, at the top of Avgo (Delidimi) and then to the Evrytanic villages of Agrafa.

Villages

A characteristic element of Agrafa is its beautiful villages. In the Northern part one of the most characteristic villages is Petrilo or Mageiros which is located in a beautiful fir forest between the mountains of Karava and Voutsikaki. The village has experienced a decline in its population in recent years, however in the summer months it attracts tourists and locals who want to enjoy the tranquility of the landscape as well as walk in the verdant mountains of Northern Agrafa.  Continuing west, the village of Vlasi is located directly across from Petrilo. From there begins a path for the ascent to the top of Karavas. From the village you can enjoy the view towards the Agrafio mountains. Other beautiful villages in North Agrafa are Drosato, Petrochori and Leontito, from where a network of paths to Avgo starts.

In the southern part of Agrafa, a notable village is Agrafa, which was the economic center of the entire region as the cottage industry developed there. An important attraction of the village is the traditional watermill that adorns the village. Water mills are also found in other villages of South Agrafa. Further north are Vrangiana, a village where you will find 16th century churches such as Agios Dimitrios and Agia Paraskevi. The village crosses the E4 path where, heading north, it leads to Petrilo. Not far from Vrangiana is Trovato. In this village it was housed in the Pedagogical Training School by the PCNL (Political Committee of National Liberation) during the German Occupation of the country in 1944. Heading south, notable villages are Epiniana and Tridentro or Velisdoni. Paths start from Epiniana to Asprorema and then to Avgo peak. 

Peaks

In the area of ​​Agrafa, the hiker will encounter some of the highest peaks of the Greek Territory. In the area of ​​Thessalian Agrafa, the highest peak is Voutsikaki with a maximum altitude of 2,152 meters. This mountainous complex grows above the village of Petrilo and Pezoula. From the village of Haris, I start a path which, through the peak, leads to the Agrafon Refuge and then to Lake Plastira. Other peaks are Karavas with an altitude of 2,184 meters, Kazarma with 1,977 meters and Karavoula with 1,862 meters. The Ascent hiking map lists all these peaks as well as suggested routes worth traversing. The southern part concerns the area of ​​Agrafa which is under the Regional Unit of Evrytania. The highest peak is Avgo or Delidimi (2,163 meters).

The peak is a natural border between the regions of Thessaly and Central Greece and can be approached from Leontito, Vlachogiannaika, Tria Synora and Asprorema from the south side. The Peak of Avgos has been included in the network of protected areas Natura 2000 and is an attraction for birds. South of Avgos, there is the peak of Fteris or Pteris with an altitude of 2,127 meters. The summit is approached by hiking either from Stavros or from Monastiraki. In the Eastern part of Agrafa are Marathia or Svoni (2,040 m), Papadimitris (1,931 m), Kopsi (1,940 m), Borlero or Borlerou (2,017 m). Other equally important peaks of the Southern Agrafos are Kavki (1,601 m), Ouranos (1,620 m), Prosiliako (1,862 m)

Access

Access to Agrafa takes place either through Karpenisi or through Karditsa. Starting from Lamia, the traveler can reach Karditsa via the new E65 Motorway and then go to Plastira Lake. From there you can reach Pezoula and Neochori where various paths start to Voutsikaki, Pyrgos, or continue to Petrilo via Mouzaki. Access to the area of ​​southern Agrafi starts from Karpenissi and West Frangista. From there there is a rich road network that connects these areas with Vrangiana and Agrafa, two of the most important villages of Agrafa. The trip duration is estimated around 4 hours.