Having explored the wild beauty of the Agrafa Mountains several times before, I’ve come to appreciate this remote and rugged corner of Greece for its untouched charm. From hiking to Plastira Lake, exploring the mountain peaks of Svoni, Pouli, Papadimitri, Voutsikaki, Five Towers, every route in Agrafa has left me with a sense of awe.

This time, I returned to Agrafa to visit a place that perfectly combines accessibility with natural beauty: the Anthochori Waterfall, located just outside Anthochori village in Karditsa. Unlike the more demanding routes in Agrafa , this short hike is family-friendly and ideal for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the region’s nature without venturing too deep into the wilderness.

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How to Reach Anthochori, Karditsa from Athens

Reaching Anthochori from Athens is straightforward, though it does take a bit of time. The total distance is around 360 km and requires approximately 4.5 to 5 hours of driving.

• Take the Athens–Lamia National Road (E65) and continue towards Karditsa. From Karditsa, follow the signs towards Mouzaki and then further into the mountainous roads leading to Anthochori village.

The road is paved all the way to Anthochori village, where the trail to the waterfall begins. Having a car is essential, as public transport to this remote region is very limited.

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Hiking to Anthochori Waterfall

The trail to Anthochori Waterfall begins right in the heart of Anthochori village, at the square next to the church of Agia Paraskevi. From here, the hike is short, easy to follow, and suitable for hikers of all ages. Some visitors choose to drive further on, past Platanakos village, and park at the chapel of Holy Mary, but this shortcut skips the most scenic first 1.25 km of the route. For the full experience, I recommend leaving your car in Anthochori and starting the hike directly from the village square.

The trail to Anthochori Waterfall climbs gently through the scenic gorge of the Anthochoritis River, following a clear and well-marked route. After leaving Anthochori, the path passes by Platanakos village, offering a glimpse of traditional mountain life before continuing briefly on a dirt road. Soon after, the trail veers right and re-enters the forest. In a couple of places, past heavy rainfall has caused minor damage to the path. These sections require a bit of attention, especially one short stretch that feels slightly exposed above the gorge. With steady footing, however, they are not difficult to pass and add a touch of adventure to the hike.

From there, the trail follows the course of the riverbed, where the constant sound of rushing water guides your steps deeper into the gorge. The atmosphere is serene, with the cool river breeze refreshing hikers on warm days. The sense of being immersed in nature grows stronger with every step, making this part of the walk especially rewarding.

The environment is lush and enchanting, dominated by tall plane trees that provide natural shade and create a green canopy overhead. Moss-covered rocks, vibrant ferns, and wildflowers line the gorge, giving the entire trail a fairytale-like character. In certain spots, wooden steps and rope railings have been installed, making the path secure and comfortable even for families with children. This harmonious mix of wild beauty and light infrastructure ensures that the hike remains accessible while still preserving its authentic mountain charm.

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Arriving and Enjoying Anthochori Waterfall

After a short but rewarding hike, the gorge narrows and the sound of cascading water grows louder until the Anthochori Waterfall suddenly appears before you.

The waterfall tumbles gracefully down colorful rock layers into a natural pool of clear water. Depending on the season, the flow can be more dramatic in spring or gentler in late summer, but its beauty remains undeniable year-round. The red and yellow hues of the rock contrast beautifully with the greenery surrounding the gorge, creating a picture-perfect scene.

After reaching the main Anthochori Waterfall, the adventure doesn’t have to end there. The trail continues for about 100 meters further, climbing a short section with wooden steps that lead to the upper waterfall of Anthochori. This second cascade is less visited than the lower one, offering a quieter and more intimate setting for those who take the extra time to explore. Surrounded by steep rock walls and dense vegetation, the upper falls reveal another layer of the gorge’s natural beauty, making it well worth the short detour.

Both waterfalls provide an excellent spot to pause, unwind, and take in the scenery of the Agrafa Mountains. The constant roar of the water, the cool mountain air, and the lush greenery create a tranquil atmosphere that feels far removed from daily life. On hot summer days, the refreshing spray of the waterfall offers welcome relief, while the crystal-clear pool at the base tempts hikers to dip their feet or simply sit on the rocks and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

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Discover More adventures in Agrafa Mountains

• Agrafa Mountains – Five Towers ascent
• Through-Hike in Voutsikaki – Agrafa Mountains
• Agrafa Mountains – Svoni – Pouli – Papadimitri
• Hiking in Agrafa – Panagia Pelekiti – Karamanoli – Neraida

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Returning to Anthochori Village

The return follows the same path, descending back along the river and passing again by the old watermill. Before heading back to Athens, it’s worth making a short stop at the chapel of Holy Mary, located on the outskirts of Platanakos village.

This small chapel, surrounded by nature, offers a peaceful moment of reflection before leaving Agrafa behind. The combination of spiritual heritage and unspoiled wilderness is characteristic of this mountain region and adds cultural depth to the hiking experience.

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About the Agrafa Mountains

The Agrafa Mountains are one of the most remote and lesser-known parts of mainland Greece. Stretching across the regions of Karditsa and Evrytania, Agrafa is synonymous with rugged peaks, deep gorges, and traditional stone villages. Historically, the area remained “unwritten” (agrafa) on Ottoman tax records, which gave the mountains their name and a legacy of independence.

For hikers and nature lovers, Agrafa is a paradise waiting to be explored. From challenging ascents to peaks over 2,000 meters, to tranquil lakes and hidden waterfalls like Anthochori, the area offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. At the same time, its villages retain a strong cultural identity, with stone houses, historic churches, and a warm hospitality that reflects the region’s proud heritage.

Visiting Anthochori Waterfall is a gentle introduction to Agrafa, ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking for a short yet rewarding walk. It’s a reminder that even in Greece’s most remote mountains, natural beauty is never far away.

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Details of the hike

• Location: Anthochori (Agrafa Mountain)
• Trail Signs: Yes
• Maximum Elevation: 849 m.
• Minimum Elevation: 650 m
• Total Distance: 4.7 km
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (family friendly)
• When to Hike: All year round

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I share these articles and the climbing guidebooks because I love the outdoors, and they’ll always be free. If they’ve helped you, help me keep them coming. Click the button to support my work.

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