Valia Calda National Park

 The National Park of Pindos "Valia Calda" is one of the greatest and most pristine parks in Greece. It was established by Royal Decree 487/1966 (GG 120/A/66) to protect the rich flora and fauna. It has an area of approximately 69,000 stremata. Situated in the mountains of Pindos in Grevena county.

It includes the valley of Valia Calda, which is located at an altitude of 1400 meters and is surrounded by the mountains Lygkos and Mavrovouno. Several rivers and streams cross the valley including the Arkoudomera, which is a tributary of the Aoou river.

The name "Valia Calda" is from the Vlach language and means warm valley. Apparently the park was named euphemistically because it is cold and wet ! It has a Mediterranean-mountain climate, with one of the highest rainfalls in Greece, 1500mm/year). It has cool summers with regular rain. Frosts are common from October to May, the forests are normally covered in snow for 7 to 8 months of the year.

The geology of the park consists of flysch, serpentine, gabbro, limestone and dolomite. The soils is clay like rich in magnesium and iron and often contain toxic concentrations of chromium, nickel, manganese and aluminum.

The Pindos National Park is one of the last habitats of the brown bear. Various species of Greek fauna, such as mountain goats, deer, wild boar, vultures, woodpeckers, golden eagle, black stork, nocturnal birds of prey and other birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. A survey found 72 species of birds, 6 species of amphibians and seven reptiles.

The flora consists of massive, dense forests of black and white pine and beech cover much of the park. There is also spruce, oak, maple, willow and alder. The undergrowth is dominated by boxwood, many species of creepers and deciduous shrubs. Many rare and protected plants also flourish here. There are also two small clusters of Scots pine in the valley near the Saliatoura river.

The multitude of mushroom species are among the most interesting and fascinating life forms in the park.

The Valia Calda is impressive, it's dense forests alternate with bare and rocky subalpine areas and huge cliffs, with rivers criss-crossing the valley and it's rich fauna make it a unique destination for thousands of nature lovers and hikers.