Escape to a mountain village where time stands still in Pieria, Greece.
Last Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, our team embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Fteri, a remote village nestled deep in the Pieria mountain range. As we filmed for “Discovering Pieria”, proudly sponsored by experiencepieria.info, we were transported to a place where time seemed to slow down — or stop entirely.
At 1,300 meters above sea level, Fteri is a true sanctuary. Sitting at the crossroads of Pieria, Kozani, and Larissa, this tiny mountain village is a serene retreat wrapped in breathtaking nature, the perfect antidote to the fast pace of modern life.
Our welcome could not have been warmer. Mr. Christos Beys, one of Fteri’s two permanent residents, greeted us with open arms. Along with his wife, he lives a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency, growing vegetables, embracing off-grid living, and savoring every season. As we cracked walnuts together from their trees, we were reminded of a slower, quieter rhythm of existence — something so many of us crave.
The star of our culinary experience? Fteri’s local black beans. Cultivated at altitudes above 800 meters, these beans have a delicate, chestnut-like flavor. We tried them two ways: with olive oil and lemon, and with olive oil and vinegar — simple, honest, and unforgettable.
After lunch, we followed Mr. Bey’s loyal dog, Hector, on a hike to the nearby Vathres — crystal-clear natural pools hidden in the forest. The air was fresh, the forest alive with autumn colors, and the pools glistened like secret mirrors. This was not just a hike — it was a reconnection with nature.
Fteri leaves a mark on everyone who visits. Whether you go for the quiet beauty, the authentic hospitality, or the chance to disconnect from the world, this village rewards you with peace, simplicity, and awe.
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