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# Route 5: Lygia – Mentourgianika - Pyrgos – Ano Kallithea - Gelin – Sofiana – Rethi – Trikala

A journey that starts with the name of a flower (Lygia comes from the word "lygaria," which means willow tree) can be truly amazing, wouldn't you agree? Let's go for a walk, beginning in the lovely village of Lygia.

Head toward Chelidori. Just a few road curves after Lygia, you'll arrive in Mentourgianika, a charming village with its traditional neighborhoods. Here, it feels like time has paused as you wander through narrow streets with wooden shutters and small, colorful houses that remind you of the Cyclades. Take a moment to visit the beautiful and welcoming Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, a glebe of the historic Prophet Elias Monastery. A cup of coffee, a taste of a sweet treat, and some peaceful contemplations are all you need.

Continue your journey to Pyrgos (meaning “tower” in the Greek language), one of our larger villages, where you must make a stop. Make sure to visit the local café and marvel at the sight of the Kordis' Tower. Should luck favor you, you may be presented with the most succulent, deep-red cherries that could satisfy any sugar craving!

For an exploration of a pristine place surrounded by lush greenery and water, head to Ano Kallithea. Here, you should visit the central church, Agia Marina, and then take a leisurely walk through the village's streets. You'll be captivated by traces of a bygone era with traditional stone houses and the fresh air, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Don't forget to discover the old chapels (some of them date back to the 17th century) and taste the pure water from the water fountains you’ll find around.

Just a short drive away, you'll reach Gelini, a vast village with impressive buildings, a Buddhist Stupa, ancient monasteries like Agios Konstantinos (it was built in 1100 bC), and many more. An absolute must-see here is the “Kondis’ Stream”, located in the Lagkadaika settlement. If you happen to lose your way, feel free to ask the locals!

Leaving Gelini behind, make your way to Sofiana and make a stop at KafeNeon. This newcomer to the village, run by two individuals originally from Crete, offers delights with a Cretan touch. And don't forget to sample the delightful local wine!

Now, head towards Rethi and explore this charming village, famous for its abundant grapes and the warm hospitality of its friendly, approachable people. Take a break at the “Agnadi” spot and savor the beautiful view! And because no view is complete without a bit of caffeine, the village café is ready to serve you any kind of coffee you desire. Yes, even cappuccino!

And for the end, we suggest Trikala as your destination. Continuing your journey, we welcome you to one of the most significant holiday and tourist "hubs" in our municipality, with ancient caves, historic buildings, culinary delights, and more. We recommend asking the locals for a guided tour, both within and outside the settlements!