Gardiki lives a double life. In the winter it is almost deserted; only a handful or permanent residents remain here, at an altitude of 1,050 meters on the slopes of Kourouna. In the summertime, though, the village bursts with life as more than 700 families return to their homes. The name comes from the Vlach word “gardisty”, which is a corruption of the Latin word “gardu” meaning “fortress”. The village is well hidden by the surrounding mountains and only becomes visible at the very last turn of the road. It has served as a place of refuge and resettlement for villagers from neighbouring communities (notable mass arrivals occurred in 1592, 1858, and 1868).