Hiking in Zagori – Western Greece
Explore Zagori
Discover the marvelous highlands!
Pure , charming , isolated , unspoiled. Some of the words which can describe this part of Greece. Who needs beaches when he can jump into a crystal clear river and prepare a greek coffee next to its sore. Surrounded by huge pine tree forests , stone made houses reflecting the wellness of its age from the future. Narrow streets and blooming flowers and above all the last Greeks highlanders welcome you in every village offering a treatment. Zagorochoria hold their name from a low altitude mountain range between them and Ioannina city and represents the heart of the alternative way of holidays.
Itinerary
To reach the Zagori region is possible either by flying on Athens or Thessaloniki. Its distance from two major airports is about 6 / 4 hours depending on your touchdown destination. Once you are situated in your guesthouse your exploration journey immediately starts.
You will take a short hike to the nearby village of Monodendri with huge plane trees, the charming square and continue up on the hills through the stone forest, a natural environmental monument. In about 2.30 hours you will reach Oxia viewpoint to the famous gorge of Vikos.
After some great photos you will travel back to an excellent gastronomic restaurant where you will have your lunch. Back to your stay for overnight.
Today you will have the chance to walk at one of the most charming low altitude trails of Zagori.
From your accommodation the path follows beautiful forests of oak trees until reaching the shore of Voidomatis river. You pass across several traditional bridges made in the late 18th century. In about 2 hours you will reach Koukouli village with the stunning church and after a short stop on the local cafe – ‘kafenio’ the path leads to Kapesovo following the central asphalt road. Here you could have a stop for lunch before you continue the hike to Vradeto stair! It is about the old connection between the villages when giant steps were created by locals uphill to Vradeto.
Free time to explore the place before you return back to your stay.
Definitely one of the natural highlights of Zagorohoria the Vikos gorge has been announced as the deepest canyon of the world!
The hike will start from Monodendri village just 15 minutes away. It is about a 15km walk next to the rivers bank and the view to the vertical cliffs is just breathtaking as you move on. The duration of the hike is about 6 hours without long stops and we highly recommend high boots and swimming clothes! Today’s destination, Papigo , is amongst the most beautiful traditional villages of Greece.
Here you will have free time to relax , lunch and explore around , meet locals and have some great shots on your camera as everything there is so pretty and beautiful respecting the nature around Overnight in Papigo.
For those who feel ready for another great walking day we suggest an ascent until the alpine lake situated on a magnificent small valley in between the high summits.
The path starts from Mikro Papigo very close to your accommodation where you will get transferred by mini bus. The trail uphill follows marks and there is water supply on the way. After reaching the mountain hut of Astraka in about 2.45 hours a short stop for a refreshing drink or coffee will be done. We continue down the valley as the altitude differences are minimized until you reach the famous alpine lake.
A truly gem of the Greek mountains where you will have time to relax and admire the view around you.A perfect place for lunch which may have been prepared by the hut earlier! Free time before you hit the road back and down to the village Papigo. Overnight
During that day you will take a road trip right in the heart of Northern Pindus villages and forests. First stop in Konitsa , the biggest city around with its charming square , local shops with delicious pies and friendly locals around. At the bottom of the village you will visit the biggest single arch of all Balkans. It was made by local specialists in 1869.
Take a walk aside the river is a must, until you reach the meeting point. You will continue east passing from the great Aos river seeing some great landscape views around. Around noon your driver will let you on the small mountainous village Iliochori
Away from crowds represents absolutely the way of life on the Greek highlands. Follow a short path into the forest and it reveals an amazing waterfall with a natural pool. Don’t lose the chance for a rejuvenated swim into it! Back to Konista late on the evning for an overnight.
After so many images and highlights you may wish to relax a bit by walking around and taste the local cuisine of Konitsa. If you still feel ready for another adventure we suggest doing the most famous via ferrata around Greece.
Via Ferrata is a special activity with an extreme character that does not require previous experience. The physical condition required for the activity is of a moderate level, however it assumes a lack of fear of heights. It is a “climbing path”, carved on a steep slope and equipped with wire ropes, iron ladders, steps, etc. In its most exposed parts, access is ensured with the use of special equipment. We move parallel to the river and cross two bridges. A small one in Gravos, 6-7 meters long, and a large one, the Tibetan one of Aoos, 17 meters long and 35 meters high above the river!
Duration 4 hours – Back to Konitsa for overnight.
You say goodbye to your guide and return back to the city of your choice If you wish to stay further around the area we are able to organize your accommodation.
+ Hiking boots in good condition
+ Summer walking pants
+ Windproof jacket
+ Low weight T shirts
+ Sandals or sneakers
+ Hat & sunglasses
+ Small towel
+ Personal first aid Kit
+ Insurance
+ Cash and cards
+ Small backpack maximun 30 lt capacity
– Lunches
– Suvenirs
– Tips for guides and driver
– Optional activities such as Via Ferrata
– Single room supplement
– Travel isnurance
– Flight tickets
Included
Transfer & professional driver
All the essential trasportations from your landing airport and back to your preferable destination
Accommodation
six overnights in traditional guesthouses or 2-3 star hotels of Zagori region including breakfast
Guide
Certified hiking guide from day 1 to day 7
Equipment
Hiking poles , team's first aid kit , map.
