Lucas’s guidebook of Zagori
Sightseeing
This beautifull village is well known for its location right on the edge of the Vikos gorge. Apart from being a well preserved traditional settlement hosting a museum and a weaving school it is also famous for the monastery of Agia Paraskevi. From Monodendri one can start the gorge trek, and also above the village are situated the so called "stone forest" and "Oxia" viewpoint.
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Monodendri
This beautifull village is well known for its location right on the edge of the Vikos gorge. Apart from being a well preserved traditional settlement hosting a museum and a weaving school it is also famous for the monastery of Agia Paraskevi. From Monodendri one can start the gorge trek, and also above the village are situated the so called "stone forest" and "Oxia" viewpoint.
A short walk from the Monodendri square will take you to this amazing place sitting on the edge of the gorge. The monks are long gone but the monastery has been restored and is always open for visitors. This is were history and stunning nature meet.
Agia Paraskevi
A short walk from the Monodendri square will take you to this amazing place sitting on the edge of the gorge. The monks are long gone but the monastery has been restored and is always open for visitors. This is were history and stunning nature meet.
Amongst the 45 villages scattered around Zagori there are some that stand out for their fairy-tale beauty. Central Zagori is the place to discover these tiny and picturesque hamlets like "Dilofo", "Koukouli" and Kapesovo. One can use the old network of paths and bridges to hike between them and literary walk in the footsteps of the old merchants with their mule caravans.
Central Zagori
Amongst the 45 villages scattered around Zagori there are some that stand out for their fairy-tale beauty. Central Zagori is the place to discover these tiny and picturesque hamlets like "Dilofo", "Koukouli" and Kapesovo. One can use the old network of paths and bridges to hike between them and literary walk in the footsteps of the old merchants with their mule caravans.
From the village of Iliochori, in the North Eastern part Zagori, starts a trail that leads through a dense pine forest to the waterfalls called "Balta di Stringa". On the way over there you can visit the "Sarakatsani Fold" and Tsepelovo village, both must visit places.
Iliochori
From the village of Iliochori, in the North Eastern part Zagori, starts a trail that leads through a dense pine forest to the waterfalls called "Balta di Stringa". On the way over there you can visit the "Sarakatsani Fold" and Tsepelovo village, both must visit places.
At the Northern end of the gorge lie the famous villages of "Mikro" and "Megalo Papingo". It is the area were the Voidomatis river comes out of the gorge and flows through lush forests, a place of magical beauty. Just before entering Papingo one can visit the "Rock pools", astonishing natural pools carved in the stone, perfect for a summer swim! The area is also famous for the path leading up the high mountain to the "Dragonlake".
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Papingo
At the Northern end of the gorge lie the famous villages of "Mikro" and "Megalo Papingo". It is the area were the Voidomatis river comes out of the gorge and flows through lush forests, a place of magical beauty. Just before entering Papingo one can visit the "Rock pools", astonishing natural pools carved in the stone, perfect for a summer swim! The area is also famous for the path leading up the high mountain to the "Dragonlake".
Between Kapesovo and Tsepelovo the road winds up towards the highest village called "Vradeto". A very small but interesting place that has acces to many of the alpine trails leading to and across Mt Timfi. Most famous tough is the viewpoint "Beloi", a 30 min. walk through meadows with wildflowers and the most incredible view of Vikos gorge. To make things really interesting one can use the "Skala" or steps to hike up this village, it used to be the only acces for a long time till they built the road.
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Vradeto Steps
Between Kapesovo and Tsepelovo the road winds up towards the highest village called "Vradeto". A very small but interesting place that has acces to many of the alpine trails leading to and across Mt Timfi. Most famous tough is the viewpoint "Beloi", a 30 min. walk through meadows with wildflowers and the most incredible view of Vikos gorge. To make things really interesting one can use the "Skala" or steps to hike up this village, it used to be the only acces for a long time till they built the road.
Around "Kipi" village one can find many old stone bridges connected between eachother with ancient paths. These are masterpieces of architecture and together with the churches and schools the living proof of the prosperity of Zagori during the previous centuries. Kipi is also the entrance towards East Zagori, a less famous but nevertheless very beautifull part of this mountain paradise.
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Kipoi
Around "Kipi" village one can find many old stone bridges connected between eachother with ancient paths. These are masterpieces of architecture and together with the churches and schools the living proof of the prosperity of Zagori during the previous centuries. Kipi is also the entrance towards East Zagori, a less famous but nevertheless very beautifull part of this mountain paradise.
City/town information
This village hosts the townhall of Zagori and lies at the very entrance of the region. Nearby is the only gasstation, the "Pindos National Park" offices and various restaurants, hotels and cafe's. It is the perfect starting place to visit the area and also my home.
Aspraggeli
This village hosts the townhall of Zagori and lies at the very entrance of the region. Nearby is the only gasstation, the "Pindos National Park" offices and various restaurants, hotels and cafe's. It is the perfect starting place to visit the area and also my home.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Hiking in Zagori
Visiting Greece's Zagori region will be a memorable thing! Coming from Ioannina you cross Mt Mitsikeli to enter this fantastic world. Stunning mountains with thick forests and deep ravines await you here. Old but well preserved cobblestone paths and stone bridges, once used by the local merchants and travellers are now the perfect hiking routes to travel between most of the villages and places of interest. Zagori has a rich history, an abundant nature and villages with stupendous architecture, all blended perfectly, waiting for you to explore. I will gladly assist you organising this.
Ungaphuthelwa
Top hikes in Zagori
Some short, some long, from 3 hours till full day one can visit the best places and sceneries using the paths and trails.
This is the best way to combine nature, culture and history in a healthy and exciting way! The choice is large depending of course on your available time and physical condition and there are hikes for all ages & abilities.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Bridges and villages of Central Zagoi.
2. The Vikos Gorge trek.
3. Vradeto steps and Beloi.
4. Voidomatis river Ice age trail.
5. Timfi dragonlake trek.
6. Iliochori waterfalls
(all can be scheduled by host upon request)
Ungaphuthelwa
Rafting on the Voidomatis river
Definitely a fantastic way to visit this part of Zagori. Crystal clear water and amazing beauty make this an experience you will never forget. The whole thing is organized by professionals and takes up half a day, perfect for combining with local visita afterwards.
Ungaphuthelwa
Popular nearby travel destinations
Zagori and the city of Ioannina now have a very good road network that can take you to many more fantastic places.
1. Meteora & Kalampaka
2. Metsovo
3. Tzoumerka
4. Sivota and Parga
(dont hesitate to ask for information if you wish to combine any of these places with your stay in Zagori, glad to help)
Ukuzulazula
Public transport
Unfortunately there are few buses coming from Ioannina town to Zagori, in summer twice a week. Of course a rental car is a good solution to get around and to be independant, but one can also find local transfers between the villages on demand. Also some hiking routes will need a transfer to bring you back to the starting point. This can be scheduled by host on demand.