KARPENISI TOWN

Karpenisi is a town in central Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit of Evrytania. Karpenisi is situated in the valley of the river Karpenisiotis, in the southern part of the Pindus Mountains. Karpenisi has a ski resort and is a popular destination, especially during winter. It is called "Switzerland of Greece" for the resemblance with the mountainous country and its beauty, atypical for a Mediterranean place. The chief attraction, in fact, is the Karpenisi Ski Centre eight miles out of town on Mount Velouchi, perched nearly 6,000 feet above sea level at a spot called Diavolotopos – literally, Devil's place. This centre has ten pistes, seven ski lifts, the requisite number of restaurants and first aid facilities, and a stunning view of a good part of the central Greek mountain tops. While far away from the sea and the popular tourist destinations of the islands of the Aegean and Ionian, Karpenisi has become an important ski and outdoor sports center.