Two of the most remote and picturesque spots in the region are the villages of Krikello and Domnista, destinations well worth exploring — especially for those seeking peaceful moments and a connection with the wild beauty of the winter mountain.

The Road to Krikello: Mountain Beauty and History
To reach Krikello and Domnista, the route differs from the usual roads leading to Karpenisi and the ski center. From Lamia, visitors do not continue toward the new tunnel but turn off to follow the signs for Krikello and Domnista. This route stretches for about 16 kilometers and takes you along a stunning mountain road, with altitudes ranging between 1,350 and 1,500 meters. From there, the road crosses the forested ridge that connects Mount Kaliakouda with Kokkalia, offering breathtaking views of the Evrytania mountains and, on the other side, toward Phocis. The beauty of the landscape is amplified by the snow-covered peaks and fir-clad slopes, creating a sense of isolation and tranquility.

Krikello: The Village Nestled in Fir Forests
From the moment you leave the main road and turn toward Krikello, the first thing you notice is the rooftops of the village peeking out from among the fir trees. Perched at an altitude of 1,120 meters, Krikello is built on a gentle yet lush hillside. The square of Agios Nikolaos serves as the heart of the village, with its namesake church standing proudly at the center, built in 1903. Seven centuries-old plane trees and stone fountains with flowing water add a unique charm to the scene. Traditional tavernas and cafés complete the village atmosphere, which up until the Interwar period was a thriving main village with around 3,000 inhabitants.

The history of Krikello dates back to the 17th century, when seven smaller settlements merged around the famous “Solinaria” spring. Today, the village offers guesthouses, traditional tavernas, and the charming café “Mantzato,” known for its homemade desserts and herbal teas made from local mountain herbs. From here, visitors can explore historic chapels and sites that hold deep emotional significance for the locals.

Domnista: A Mountain Refuge and Monuments of the National Resistance
The route continues toward Domnista, crossing the Krikellopotamos River, a tributary of the Trikeriotis River. This river shapes the stunning landscape of the “Panta Vrehei” gorge, which cannot be crossed at this time of year due to the strong water flow and dangerous conditions. Domnista lies at an altitude of 1,000 meters and is home to the historic remains of the ancient Evrytania city of Phantinos.

A key historical moment for the village came on June 7, 1942, when Aris Velouchiotis, captain of ELAS, declared the armed resistance against the Nazis. Domnista is considered the first village to be liberated from the Nazi occupation, a fact commemorated by a small monument located just outside the settlement.

Domnista offers a modest tourist infrastructure, including a guesthouse, a taverna, and a folklore museum. The area is perfect for exploration, with opportunities to visit the remote villages of Roska, Psiana, and Ambliani, while the routes provide unparalleled views of the natural landscape.

Source [quote]
Krikello and Domnista:
Discovering the Historical and Natural Gems of Evrytania
alfavita | alfavita.gr

Its location lies between the villages of Epinianá and Agrafa, with most of the church hidden beneath the trees. From a distance, only the dome of the temple and its narrow windows stand out against the horizon.

It is one of the most impressive monasteries in the region, with the granite rocks of the Agrafa landscape adding even more atmosphere to its striking presence.

There are several theories about the origin of the monastery’s name. The most widely accepted suggests it comes from the “stánes” (shepherds’ huts) that once existed in the area during the Ottoman period. Another version claims that the icon of the Virgin Mary was brought here from the village of Stána in Amfilochia during the Iconoclasm period, and the locals named the imposing monastery after the place from which the icon originated.

According to historical accounts, the monastery dates back to the 15th or 16th century, a time when the mountainous region of Evrytania was flourishing. However, another tradition speaks of an icon of the Virgin Mary discovered inside a cave by shepherds in the 12th century. At that very spot, the local inhabitants built the first small chapel.

Access to the monastery is relatively challenging, as it involves a winding dirt road of about 3 kilometers. However, what awaits at the end is truly worth the effort, leaving every visitor wondering how human hands managed to create such a magnificent structure in this remote and rugged location.

Source 
Monastery of Panagia Stanas:
The Monastery in Agrafa in a Location that Takes Your Breath Away
Newsbeast | newsbeast.gr

The Footprints of the Virgin Mary

Low on the rock above the small cave - small church with the icon of the Virgin Mary we see a remarkable - and for many inexplicable - geological phenomenon. On the vertical rock you can see seven different colored shapes in the form of footprints to which popular tradition has given the name "The Footprints of the Virgin Mary".

All relevant tradition states the following: The Evangelist Luke during the period he was in Patmos, painted together with other icons the icon of the Virgin Mary which is now in Prousos. For many centuries the icon was located and performed miracles in a large temple in Bursa, Asia Minor. During the period of iconoclasm, in 829 AD. she was taken by a man named Dionysus and brought to Greece to save her from destruction. Somewhere along the way, however, she lost it and was found in the cave where she is today by some shepherds, who for days had been seeing a mysterious luminous column that showed them a place.

When Dionysos learned that the icon was found somewhere in Karpenisi, he went and got it. As he was returning with his entourage they fell asleep. In the morning the image had disappeared and a mysterious voice told them that the image's wish was to remain where it was found in the area where the shepherds were. On her return to Prousos, the Virgin Mary passed by the place where the "Patima (Footprints)" are and piercing the mountain peak she crossed the mountain, which took the form of the icon.

Karaiskakis

The silver cover of the icon was donated by Karaiskakis in order to be cured of the heat that tyrannized him and because of which he stayed in Prousos at times to recover. Just before reaching the monastery we come across two fortified stone houses, the eastern and western towers of Karaiskakis which, as it is said, were built to protect the hero of the revolution during his hospitalization in Prousos.

Source [quote]
Magical routes of Potamia
Levanta Hotel | megaloxorio.gr