Epirus and Thessaly’s Alternative Tourism Takes Center Stage in French Travel Guide

Photo source: GNTO

French travelers will discover the breathtaking landscapes of Epirus and Thessaly through special features in the popular French travel guide Routard.

Aspiring to showcase the alternative tourism offerings of both destinations, the Regions of Epirus and Thessaly invited Jean-Philippe Damiani, Editor in Chief of Routard, on a press trip organized in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization’s (GNTO) office in France.

From September 27 to October 2, Damiani visited Ioannina, Zagorochoria, Vikos Gorge, Monodendri, Dodoni, and Meteora, and was impressed by their unique qualities that position them as top sustainable destinations for alternative tourism, blending outdoor activities with rich culture and delightful local gastronomy.

Damiani will share his experiences in two features for the print and online editions of Routard. The online version of the guide is the second most visited in France, after TripAdvisor. It caters to travelers seeking authentic destinations and experiences, with a focus on respecting nature and local communities.

Experiencing the natural wonders of Epirus

Photo source: GNTO

Local regional officials guided Damiani through Epirus capital, Ioannina, as well as the Ancient Theater of Dodoni and the villages of Zagorochoria.

Following this, the editor-in-chief visited the traditional settlements of Vitsa, Kipi, and Monodendri, where he stayed, before continuing his tour to the Rizarios Exhibition Center, the School of Handicrafts, and the Rogovou natural swimming pools. He also explored the traditional houses of Papigo, prime examples of local architecture.

The next stops on his journey were the stone bridges of Kokkori, Plakidas, and Kipi, where Damiani explored the area’s trails, immersing himself in the autumn landscape of Epirus while learning about its rich flora and fauna.

Finally, Damiani experienced the renowned hospitality of Epirus by enjoying local recipes overlooking the natural landscape.

In touch with Thessaly’s religious identity

In Thessaly, Jean-Philippe Damiani was given a tour of all the active monasteries of Meteora, as well as the hermits’ hermitages, offering him the chance to deeply explore the religious and cultural history of the region.

Additionally, he hiked the scenic trails of Meteora, taking in the area’s natural beauty. The program also included visits to the villages of Agios Dimitrios, Agios Theodosios, and Gavros in the Hasia area, where he was treated to local delicacies, discovering traditional flavors and products.

At the conclusion of the trip, Damiani met with Anastasia Adamopoulou, Vice Regional Governor for Tourism, who introduced him to the region’s various alternative tourism offerings.