Discovering Samarina: Greece’s Highest and Most Picturesque Village
Samarina is renowned as the highest village in Greece and one of the highest in the Balkans, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,450–1,600 meters (4,760–5,250 feet) on the slopes of Mount Smolikas in the Pindus Mountain range. Located in the region of Western Macedonia, near the borders of Epirus and Thessaly, it is part of the municipality of Grevena.
Just before the peak of the majestic Mt. Smolikas, the second tallest mountain in Greece, lies the famed “Dragon Lake” near the summit, celebrated for its pristine beauty. The region features rolling mountains, lakes, and forests that support a wide range of flora and fauna, including wild horses.
Village located on Mt. Smolikas
Samarina is among the highest villages in Greece, and the dramatic landscape surrounding the village has made it famous in Greece. The stunning village has a summer population of about 5,000, but during the rest of the year, only a few hotels remain open due to harsh weather conditions.
However, visitors do take trips to see the stunning area and explore its natural surroundings during the Winter months. The area of Samarina is surrounded by pine forests, and there are plenty of natural water sources. The village is also known for its charming beauty and its healthy climate, which has earned it the name of “Good Samarina.”
Samarina, Greece, known for its stunning landscape
Viewed from a distance, the landscape is like that of a postcard; the picturesque village at the foot of Mt. Smolikas, one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece, is under snow-capped peaks that remain white until the end of May.
The buildings of the village are also well-known for their uniqueness. One of them, the church of the Panagia, is the largest Basilica of the Pindus region; inside the sanctuary, there is a living pine tree that shoots straight through the roof out into the open air.
Samarina is the most famous of the Aromanian (Vlach) villages of the Pindus, where locals are proud of their heritage and continuously honor their traditions. The Vlachs speak a Romance language and have their own distinct culture and history. They are found throughout the Balkans.
On August 15, Samarina celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin, an event that sees Samarinans from various parts of the world returning to the village to celebrate. On that day, thousands of people gather at the main square of the Great Church for their “Great Dance” (Tranós Chorós in Greek, Corlu Mari in the local dialect). They hold hands and form concentric circles while singing their traditional songs.
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