Karpenissi, with a population of 6,000, is the only town of any size in the nomos of Evritania, beautifully situated at the base of Mt Timfrystos and at the head of a small valley encircled by mountains. The town was razed by the Nazis and rebuilt, though at first glance (and from a distance) it appears quite traditional. Sometimes known as the Switzerland of Greece Evritania is a region for trekking, kayaking, white-water rafting, mountaineering, and skiing. There are also some nice mountain villages near here.
Dramatic scenery continues north along the line from Lianokladhi; during the 126km stretch from there to Larissa the mountains are left behind and the Plain of Thessaly entered, but first there is Mt. Orthrys, the village stations of Lygaria, Stryfaka, Karia, Kallipefki and Aggie, with bridges and short tunnels, the summit of Mt. Moklouka , the drained Lake Xynias, the plain appearing for the first time just past Therme.
The first large village is this area is Domokos (population 2000) which is set on a rocky hill of 520 meters with classical walls near its center. It views of the plain spread out below it are its main highlight. Next comes the junction of Neo Monastiri, and then the junction of Palaiofarsalo.
Larissa is the largest city in the plain of Thessaly and a junction station with a 61km standard gauge branch east to Volos, which leaves the main line north of this station. There are many trains daily to Volos from here. After Larissa the rail line heads into the Mt. Olympus range. By bus from Larissa, you can reach the town of Ajia which is a starting point for hikes to Mt. Ossa (1978meters). The main line from Domokos ends at Evangelismos village, near the entrance to the famous Vale of Tempi cut by the Pinios River. It was through this approach that Philip of Macedon moved his armies south into Greece. The motorway also cuts through the Vale, with the rail tunnel passing under it. Canoeing and hiking are popular in this area, and it is a superbly scenic site for railway photographers.
The village of Ambelaki (which means 'little vineyard') is reached on foot along an old kalderimi in about one hour from the Tempi rail station. It is also reachable by bus from Larissa with a walk down to Tempi. Ambelaki has turned into somewhat of a resort. It was known for its cottons and silks during the 1600s, and was given much autonomy during 18th century Turkish times; a prosperous town with democratic elections, free assemblies, and textile exports with branch offices in London. It reputedly established the world's first industrial cooperative - with an association of spinners and dyers, but all this ended when Ali Pasha destroyed the town in 1811, and a decade later the Viennese bank used by the cooperative collapsed. There are many grand mansions here with restored rococo interiors, one of them exhibited to the public.
The nearby village of Demetra is home to the fine Asterios Lellis wine producers (white and red wines); the winery can be visited by appointment (Tel/fax: 2410 50 32 471). The trains passes the Spring of Venus and the ruins of the Kastro tis Oraias, some forts, and stops at Aghia Paraskevi, where a pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the river to a chapel and grotto. Raspani in the northern foothills of Ossa has a wine cooperative, with a specialty red wine from local grape varieties, the winery open for tastings.
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