This is Aspropotamos in Thessaly, a pristine mountainous area with wildly thick fir forests, endless mountain peaks, traditional and unspoilt villages, amazing hikes, warm people. An area largely undiscovered, ideal for road trips.

Aspropotamos stands for "Aspros" (white) and "potamos" (river). River Acheloos comes rushing from the mountain peaks between Epirus and Thessaly and flows in Aspropotamos and then on to the plains of Thessaly. As it rushes between the valleys and the gorges, it creates smaller streams and waterfalls. Aspropotamos is right in the heart of the Pindos mountain range. I recommend visiting villages such as Elati, Pertouli, Neraidohori. These three are relatively close to the plains and the city of Trikala and have got more tavernas and hotels than the rest of the villages.

If you decide to drive more into the Pindos, well into Aspropotamos (with direction to Epirus), you will be reaching the quaint villages of Pyrra, Agios Nikolaos, Desi, and going more into the West, up next are Athamania, Agia Paraskevi, Polythea, Haliki, Anthoussa, and tons of other small villages. While you might find a place for a coffee, or a bite, most of these villages are actually almost empty during most of the year. This, however, should not deter you from visiting, it's only a useful piece of information. So if you wish to fuel up in food and supplies, better do it at Elati, Pertouli and Neraidohori.

If you go all West, you will eventually reach the Baros Pass, Greece's most mountainous asphalt pass, at an altitude of 1,950m. This is the road that connects the regions of Epirus and Thessaly, though it remains closed throughout most of the winter due to constant snowfalls and ice. But if you decide to do it in any other time of the year, it's an excellent idea!