In the heart of the forest in northern Epirus lie the Pomak villages known as the Pomakohoria. The people living in this area have distinctive features and cultural and religious traits. Visit the old tekke, the Bektashi monastery with the tomb of Tekir Ali, one of the founders of the Dervish order.
Next is Goniko, with the rock paintings dating from 1100 BC. Head towards Ypsometro Hilia (meaning Altitude 1 000), and if it’s the first Saturday in August, you will get to enjoy the season’s crowning event, the ancient custom where athletes smeared in oil have wrestling matches.
