Here, amid seven mountain ranges, countless peaks, and thousands of trees, the authentic charm of the Greek countryside endures. While Ano Chora offers tourist amenities, the character of this secluded region, with its quaint villages and sparse population, remains unspoiled.

In the village square, the ancient, polished bus affectionately known as Karnavalos (Carnival King), which was previously the primary mode of transportation between Nafpaktos and Ano Chora, sits as a sentimental relic. This bus ran its final route in 1983, after nearly three decades of daily excursions on Nafpaktia’s steep routes, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.

Perched at 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) on the southern slopes of the Vardousia mountain range, Ano Chora is an ideal location for exploring the nearby villages and the area’s spectacular natural scenery. The moderate temperatures of the fall season are ideal for hiking , and the network of trails follows old roads that originally connected the local villages, like the one from Ano Chora to Ambelakiotissa.

This trail winds through the Kakkavos Gorge, taking approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete. The circular route that connects Ano Chora with Kato Chora, a scenic 5-kilometer (3-mile) hike that takes approximately two hours to complete, is much easier. Make sure to visit the medieval Monastery of Panagia Ambelakiotissa, which was founded in 1456 on a lush hillside. Meanwhile, the central square in Platanos looks like it came straight out of a classic 1960s Greek film, and the drive to Elatou will reward you with its breathtaking scenery.

Ano Chora is a 3.5-hour drive (273 kilometers/170 miles) from Athens; and about 5.5-hours (368 kilometers/229 miles) away from Thessaloniki.