VATERA - GERA
|
|
Our first route in the beautiful Lesbian landscape takes us to one of the island's mountainous woodlands. The whole area is dominated by branches of the rocky mountain Olympus, where3 running water has with time cut valleys, ravines and gullies all covered with rich and wild vegetation.
The 9 km long beach of Vatera (1) provides a populous summer resort and makes the home of the fragrant sea - daffodil (Pancratium maritimum). Our rote begins at the east end of the beach, where the river Vourkos meets the sea surrounded by a rich olive grove among mountains covered with evergreen woods of pine. Following backwards the river's course we meet two small villages, Kato Stavros and Ano Stavros (2) hidden amid the greenery of the valley. Here several cafes offer their services and some rest before we take up the trail towards the dark heights of the mountain eastwards, where the villages of Plomari are scattered.
From Kato Stavros the road climbs in turns through olive trees, whereas further on we find ourselves walking by the shadow if pine trees (Pinus brutia). The view from up here is panoramic. Our next stop will be Ampeliko (3), a village lost in a ravine between the heights of Mt. Olympus and the bed of Vourkos river, with picturesque cafes, a beautiful church, a medieval castle and Roman ruins. A pleasant setting of pine trees, abundant fresh water and numerous small isolated churches or chapels complete the picture before the eyes of the happy visitor.
Now we turn toward the north and continue our climb in the pine forest, leaving behind as we walk water springs and charming little valleys. At our right Mt. Olympus; a side road leads up to the summit with the little church of Prophet Elias, from where one can have full view of almost the whole of the island below.
Following the road toward Plilihnito, we meet Megali Limni (meaning "big lake", but which has been dried long ago). A variety of seasons fruit (apples of Agiasso, pears) is offered to the visitor by open air greengroceries.
Within a setting of pine trees we find "Tsigos spring" and the small coffee shops of Ai Dimitris down by the river, typical stops before we reach Agiassos (4) shaded by the bulk of Mt. Olympus. The town with its "alive" chestnut tree, its abundant fresh water, St. Mary's church, a rich and flourishing popular craft, traditional architecture, cultured and hospitable population, offers an unforgettable image to the visitor. At its very heart, reigns the livery and creative Cultural Center.
From here, one can take the antique footpath uphill Olympus, amid a fascinating wild vegetation. From the neighborhood of "Apesso" another trail by the ravine leads toward the south, providing one of the nicest routes of the island. Beneath the chestnut forest, by the water side, we meet four little churches; then the road leading to Megalochori (5) with its two churches, its impressive monumental fountains, quaint cafes and its fragrance o pine. From here, the asphalt - paved road takes us to Plomari (6), a well known town by the sea. Houses ornamented with "sahnissinia" (typical balconies), a large market - place and the populous St. Isidoros beach from the town's milieu. We follow Sedounda river, as it flows through the town, trekking by its banks under the thick shadow of plane trees begirdled with ivy, crossing small wooden bridges and admiring the distant olive groves. After the old water - powered oil mill we leave the river and start uphill at the eastern bank. The pine forest now yields its place to the olive grove. We meet a few houses of the deserted town of Messouna (7) and then follow the left branch of the cross - roads, which brings us up to the majestic plateau of Karionas (8).
Huge pine trees, the Medieval castle on the rocky hill and, below, the Gulf of Gera. We can take a rest at the small cafe, then follow the road downwards from the chapelet of Agia Paraskevi. It will take us to the main village of Gera, Skopelos.
Gera (9) with its six villages dominates the beautiful valley extending by the waters of the "Bay of Olives" or the Gera Gulf. From here, there is a regular bus connection with the capital.
