Three villages on the slopes of Mount Ziria · 144km from Athens
Trikala Korinthias
Where the road stops and the forest begins. Fir trees, stone houses and snow on the same map, in every season.
From Athens
144km
From Xylokastro
24km
Weather now
—° Weather
Ziria ski centre
10km from Ano Trikala
Elevation
900–1,100m three villages
The mountain
Mount Ziria: the mountain above the villages
Mount Ziria is ancient Kyllini, the mountain rising above the three villages. From Ano Trikala, the road climbs another ten kilometres through pine and fir forest and comes out onto the plateau, at 1,500 metres, where the ski centre sits — kept clear by snowploughs in winter.
With respect: the fir forest of Mount Ziria is a living place. Keep to the marked trails, no fires, no litter — so we find it the same every summer.
Ready-made plans
Not sure where to start? We are.
One perfect day
Morning at the ski centre, lunch at a taverna in Mesaia, afternoon on the stone cobblestones of Ano Trikala, where Saint Gerasimos Notaras was born.
Mountain and snow in a weekend
Saturday: Mount Ziria and Lake Dasiou. Sunday: Lake Doxa at Feneos, on the other side of the mountain.
With children
At the ski centre, ten kilometres above the villages, a 150m beginner slope with a baby lift. Pony rides in Rethi and a walk on the plateau.
Without a car
By suburban rail to Xylokastro, then a taxi for the three villages — or, on Wednesdays, a KTEL bus.
What’s on
All year round in Trikala
The guide
Everything there is, one by one
Guesthouses, tavernas and cafés in Ano, Mesaia and Kato Trikala, with a phone number and address for each. We don’t take bookings — you call the business directly.
The ski centre typically operates in January and February, for as long as the snow lasts — ten kilometres above Ano Trikala.
| Athens (Larissis) | Kiato | Xylokastro |
|---|---|---|
| 09:35 | 11:10 | 11:22 |
| 15:35 | 17:10 | 17:22 |
| 18:35 | 20:10 | 20:22 |
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Trikala Korinthias?
Trikala Korinthias is 144 kilometres from Athens and 119 from Patras. By road via the Olympia Odos motorway, exiting at Xylokastro, then 24 kilometres to the three villages. Without a car: suburban rail or KTEL bus to Xylokastro, then a taxi — or the KTEL bus that goes up to Trikala on Wednesdays only (from Xylokastro at 06:15 and 13:15, returning from Trikala at 07:10 and 14:10). Confirm the timetable with the Kiato KTEL agency, 27420 22243.
When is there snow, and when does the ski centre operate?
The Ziria Ski Centre sits at 1,500 metres and typically operates in January and February, for as long as the snow lasts. It has a 150-metre beginner slope with a baby lift and a second 400-metre run with a platter lift, an equipment rental shop and a chalet. It’s 10 kilometres from Ano Trikala, and the road is kept clear by snowploughs.
What is Mount Ziria?
Mount Ziria is ancient Kyllini, the mountain that rises above the three villages. The road climbs through pine and fir forest to the plateau, where the ski centre sits. On its north-western foothills, at 1,480 metres, lies Lake Dasiou.
What will I see in the three villages?
A lot, all close together: churches and monasteries from the 16th to the 18th century, stone mansions in Ano Trikala, and higher up, Lake Dasiou and the Cave of Hermes. Eight stops, in the order you meet them — see the sights.
What activities are there?
Hiking in the fir forest, 4x4 routes, horse riding and archery in Rethi, and in winter, skiing, snowmobiles and cross-country skiing on the plateau — see what to do.
How do I get there without a car?
By suburban rail from Athens, you reach Xylokastro station. From there to Trikala you need a taxi or your own car, 24 kilometres — or, on Wednesdays only, the KTEL bus (Xylokastro 06:15 and 13:15). Within the three villages, you get around on foot.