NYMFAIO | MAINLAND GREECE | MACEDONIA
A fairy tale village with charming cobbled lanes, stone mansions and meadows with horses.
A pleasant excursion for those interested in year round explorations of little known areas unspoiled by tourism. You will enjoy the routes leading you to the various sights and will experience precious moments of peace far from the crowds and the crush.
NYMFAIO IN BRIEF
MISSIOS AND TSIRLIS MANSIONS
This beautiful village of 413 inhabitants, at an altitude of 1350 m on the slopes of Mt Vitsi, is a very special sight, with its charming cobbled lanes, stone mansions, beech forest, serene alpine scenery and meadows with horses.
It has become better known since 1990 when the vintner Giannis Boutaris opened an exceptional hotel, the La Moara, which is a wonderful spot for relaxation and contemplation. The village was the headquarters of the Macedonian struggle and, among other eminent protagonists, Pavlos Melas also came here. The prosperity of the area is due to tobacco and cotton cultivation, as well as gold and silver work.
The first, belonging to a wealthy tobacco merchant, is on two floors and the rooms are decorated with flower, bird and patterned border motifs, while the other, Mihail Tsirlis’, was, from 1904 to 1908, the headquarters of the Macedonian struggle. The impressive mansions of the Mertzos, Papadopoulos, Boutaris and Sossidis families lend to the village a timeless grandeur, blending in harmony with the scenery and offering the visitor sights of exceptional charm.
NIKIOS SCHOOL
Founded by Ioannis Nikos, a fine two-storeyed building and example of a master stonemason’s work, with a Swiss clock.
FREE TIME
If you like riding, organize a trip to the forest or to Letoussia, Lakos, Profitis Ilias and Kosta. Phone the Riding Centre (Kendro Ipassias) first for an appointment, tel. 00302386031382
ARCTUROS BEAR SANCTUARY
Tel. 00302386041500
Here you can see for yourself indigenous brown bears living under the care and protection of the personnel of the Arcturus centre. These friends of the splendid beasts have set up an extensive fenced forest station in a ravine, in which bears rescued from capture and maltreatment live in restricted freedom in good conditions, under the constant attention of the wardens. You can also visit their veterinarian surgery in the nearby village of Fanos where sick and wounded bears are cared for.
NYMFAIO TIPS & INFORMATION
HOW TO GET TO NYMFAIO
Ideally by your own car for mobility on this trip.
By air from Athens, El. Venizelos airport, with Aegean Airlines and from there by hired car.
HOW TO GET AROUND
As the sights on this trip are scattered about, your best bet is to travel by car or motorbike.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT NYMFAIO
All year round.
NYMFAIO USEFUL TELEPHONES NUMBERS
Community Office 00302386031400
Police 00302386041214
First Aid 00302386031360
Riding 00306972315546
Wild Nature Park 00306977417886
Artificial Lake 00306972660313
Arcturos 00302386041500
