Hazelnut festival

Numerous hazelnut trees standing among grazing goats and sheep decorate the steep slopes of Pitsilia region, east of Mount Olympos. Pitsilia region counts 11 picturesque villages scattered around the hillsides of Madari and Papoutsa. In August, they not only offer refuge from the heat, but they also invite us to the Hazelnut festival, where locals and visitors meet and rejoice.

Hazelnut is the common name for the plant genus Corylus. Did you know that the name “Corylus” derives from the ancient Greek word “korys” which means helmet? This is because the hazelnut fruit shell actually looks like a helmet.

Visit the quaint village of Platanistasa and take part to the Hazelnut festival. Follow the guided walks through the hazelnut forest, try freshly cut hazelnuts and find out about their secret powers and healing properties. In fact, according to the Greek mythology, Hermes, the son of Zeus, had a winged hazelnut stick that would help fortune tellers express their thoughts in words.

The festival also features live music and traditional dances, kiosks with traditional sweets and other local products.