By Nicolas Bard

Research has shown that some time of hiking in nature is enough to significantly reduce stress levels in the human body and discharge it from the intense rhythms of modern life. In fact, it has been shown that green offers mental calm, and people living in green places have better physical and mental health. Imagine, then, walking through a dense black pine forest in the high mountains of Pindos, away from the hubby and the big city.

Such a route, accessible to the whole family, is located in Zinelli forest in Grevena.

The picturesque route begins with a path through a new black pine forest, while in some sections it joins the old path, used by the locals formerly, to transport various products with animals. Its vegetation is varied, and you will find maple, fir, oak, cedar and of course black pine. In the middle of the route you will reach the impressive “Enchanted Forest”, where there are tall black pine trees wrapped in ivy, but also a crowded “red pine” cluster, Pinus Sylvestris, which is the southernmost cluster in Europe!

85% of the route is in shadow, so you can go during the summer, and is relatively easy and ideal for families. The forest is 1035 meters altitude and the total distance of the trail is 5.2 kilometers. It is advisable to have a professional companion and the necessary equipment with you, as the closest village is several kilometers from there. Don’t forget to get good walking sneakers, two pairs of socks, hat, water, snacks, and if you go autumn or spring to have a waterproof, so you don’t get surprised.

The closest village to the forest is Kranea (or Krania) Grevena, built at an altitude of 950 meters and about 29 kilometers from the cosmopolitan Metsovo. According to French traveler Francois Pukevil, the settlement was formed in 1507, when the villages of Touria and Paleochori were merged. Most of the villagers are involved in livestock farming and logging, while during the summer months the beautiful nature of the area attracts many tourists looking for a dose of dew.

His camera where there is Greece traveled to this mountainous area and recorded the unparalleled beauty of the natural landscape, explaining to the fullest why this forest was called “Enchanted”. What are you saying? Are we going to explore it?