6 days in Northern Greece - a little vacation in between cycling, lucky bastards we are!

After 2 months and a half, we had a most happy reunion with my parents in Ioannina to explore Northern Greece together.

The strangest part? It didn’t feel like it had been such a long time ago. It could have been two weeks ago as well - I have the same when I’m calling with friends. If anyone has experienced something alike, or has an explanation for this phenomenon, feel free to share!!

Anyhow; we travelled with my parents to the Meteora and the Northern Pindos mountains. The Meteora is a rare astonishing phenomenon showing monasteries high on the rocks (a little touristy however, but definitely a must-see).

The Pindos is different – much less tourists, but breathtaking untouched nature. It’s a perfect hiking spot. If you like to hike in the mountains, it’s really worth going to Drakolimni – it’s one of the most beautiful and perfectly manageable walks (for anyone in good basic shape) we did! We only met Greek people and a couple of Americans.

The Vikos gorge – Unesco heritage – was breath-catching as well. Due to time limits we didn’t went into the gorge, but nonetheless enjoyed fantastic views from the road .

Travelling with the parents always is a little culinary discovery – a death ride getting to know traditional Greek cuisine in 5 days! Special thanks to Taverna Paradise in Kastraki – apart from the delicious homemade food, the really friendly waitress enjoined us to go to Drakolimni!

The last evening (the-always-caring-for-good-food) dad had a special surprise in store. You want to taste haute cuisine mushroom dishes? We discovered this very normally priced restaurant Kanella & Garyfallo (in Vitsa) where the proud cook offers really amazing dishes with mushrooms. He put me on a big challenge: he advised me to go for the caramelized mushrooms with yoghurt and honey for dessert. After all the tasty main meals I had put my confidence in him. The mushroom dessert blew my off my feet. Just go there – even if you don’t like mushrooms (because I bet this cook will change your mind!).

And then finally – back in Ionnina – reunited with our bikes! Making up new plans tomorrow – we keep you posted!