The western part of the prefecture of Grevena includes a great part of northern Pindos and specifically four mountainous ranges: Smolika (2.637 m.), Vassilitsa (2.241 m.), Lyghos (2.177 m.) where the national forest of Pindos "Valia Kalda" is to be found and Zygos (1.820m.). Western border of the prefecture is the river Aoos. The capital of the prefecture, Grevena, is built in an altitude of 534 m., in the banks of the tributary river of Aliakmonas, Grevenitis, in a green environment. Grevena is in a distance of 417 km. from Athens and 193 km. from Thessaloniki. Of the 117 villages of the prefecture over 40 are situated in the western part. From the mountainous villages the best known ones are: Krania, Kipourio, Polyneri-small village 30 km. west of Grevena with an impressive waterfall, Spilaeo, Trikomo, Ziakas, Megaro, Kalloni, Alatopetra, Filippaei, Perivoli, Avdella, Smixi with the ski centre Vassilitsa in a distance of only 9,5 km. and Samarina – built in an altitude of 1.450 m. in the mountainside of Smolikas with dense wild vegetagion, 56 km. west of Grevena. In the entire region there are spread monuments proving the historic evolution of it. Interesting are the monuments referred to the Turkish occupation, monasteries and stone-built bridges worthwhile for their building techique in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Remarkable are also the postbyzantine monasteries as the monastery of Zavorda set up by Holy Nikanoras in the 15th century, the monastery of Panaghia Spiliotissa, the monastery of Aghia Paraskevi of Samarina in Smolikas as well as churches of past centuries decorating the villages. In the immense forests you will be lost after the traces of bears and roebucks, while you will enjoy a lot of sports in the tops of mountains and rivers. There can be great activity for mountaineering due to the volume and altitude of the mountains – Smolikas is the second in height mountain of the country after Olympus. In a distance of 50 km. from Grevena, over the village Smixi, it is the ski centre of Vassilitsa in an altitude of 2.240 m. with twelve tracks, an endurance track, 2 air-lifts of total length 1.800 m., a sliding lift 1.100 m. long, a baby lift, ski training centre, shops of ski equipment, chalet, shelter that can accommodate up to 48 persons. Information: Ski centre, tel. 04620-84100 and Ski-Climb. Club of Grevena, tel.04620-28602). In Vassilitsa there are two shelters: in the location "Diasselo Vassilitsa" the shelter Goumaras, altitude 1.850 m., Information: tel. 04620-81208 and in the location "Diasselo Goumaras" the shelter of Ski-Climb.Club of Grevena, altitude 1.850 m. Information: Ski-Climb.Club of Grevena, tel.04620-28602. Another climbing shelter is open upon agreement with the Climbing Ski Club Deskati in the location "Vounassia", 10 km. from Deskati. Information: Ski Climb.Assoc. of Deskati, tel. 04620-31127. Venetikos, tributary river of Aliakmonas having its sources in the most wild forests of Grevena, is ideal for kayak. In the mountains of Pindos there is today remarkable fauna of big mammal animals as wild goat, bear, wolf, boar and rare birds of prey.