In the Mountains of Greece- Anavriti

 

Anavriti is a village just outside of Sparta built in a notch of Mount Taygetos, one of the tallest mountain ranges of the Peloponnese. A zig zag road across the mountain leads to the hidden village at 2000 feet elevation.

Once the village had a thriving leather-tanning trade and a large prosperous population. It's abundant running waters that spring straight from the mountain were conducive to that trade. Today, most of the full time inhabitants are gone, save for the family of the restaurant owner and a few older people.

If you are lucky to run into the shepherd and his goats, stop for a while and chat but never ask him how many goats he has. It's considered bad luck to count the flock.

 Wildflowers in the rocks

 

A view of Sparta from the footpaths of Anavriti

The people of Anavriti immigrated to the United States after WWII in the 50's, 60's and, 70's. A number of them have restored their ancestral homes and return each summer to spend some time in the village where they grew up

Beautiful Ruins

Rose Hips

 

 

Restored home

Abandoned to the elements

Anavriti

The town Tavern

Yummy omelette

Grilled bread with olive oil and mountain oregano

Greek Salad

Make sure you try the feta made by the local shepherd whom you may meet in the mountains with his flock if you were to hike one of the many paths

A carafe of Red

The Anavriti Cave

Stelios exploring the cave.

I've been fortunate to spend a couple of days there myself and wanted to share the beauty of the Taygetos Mountains and one of it's most attractive villages.

Enjoy!

Maria