Things to do in Monodendri

Travel through wonderful scenery to the beautiful mountain villages of Zagoria and see the breathtaking Vikos Gorge. The stone-arched bridges that criss-cross the Zagori region played a vital role in linking communities. Today, many of these bridges, which date from the 18th and 19th centuries, can be seen from the modern roadside. Chance to get up close to some of the oldest and most impressive ones like Kokkori bridge, dating from 1750, which is backed by a pinnacle stack and spans a high arch above the Voidomatis river, and bridge of Kalogeriko, three-stringer bridge that was built in 1814. It is one of the few three-stringer bridge that exist which has given it particular fame. The bridge serve the residents of the two villages in their transportation and it is one of the most photographed bridges of Zagori. It will surely impress you. Visit to the Monodendri, one of the most beautiful Zagorian villages and enjoy a traditional lunch in the middle of the day. Near Monodendri, you will enjoy the walk to the abandoned monastery of Agia Paraskevi, built in 15th century, providing an impressive view of the entire village. These tiny sleepy villages nestle beneath pine-clad towering peaks, are made up of humble stone cottages and grand mansions that were once connected only by paths and old stone bridges. Admire the large Vikos Gorge and learn about its history from your guide

Experience the varied terrain and vistas of the Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains and see untouched and untamed nature. Vikos Gorge is listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, and is famous for its unique natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. The full-day hike starts from the village of Monodendri on the southern rim of the gorge. It's a restored stone village of walled courtyards with fortress-like gates. Follow a signposted path near the open-air theater at the top of the trail, from where the path drops steeply to the Voidomatis River. Walk the course of the river through the shade, with sparkling water as your companion. After about 4 hours, you will reach the Voidomatis River springs. Continue through the woods for a while, hiking uphill to exit at Vikos village. The tour covers a distance of about 7.5 miles (12.6 kilometers), passing towering rocks and virgin vegetation. Upon arrival at Vikos, a transfer will be waiting to take you back to Monodendri.

We begin our daily guided tour from the picturesque valley of west Zagori, passing by Aristi, admiring the evolving landscape in the meantime. We stop at River Voidomatis, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, where you can plunge into its icy cold water, should you wish to, and then climb to the villages of Papigo. We visit Ovires Rogovo, natural pools in a narrow canyon, and then the village of Mikro Papigo. Then we get back to cross a 1,090 m. pass to get to central Zagori in order to have a magnificent view of the Vikos Canyon at its deepest (almost a kilometer). There we have a small snack with traditional pies (like spinach pies reinforced with goat cheese and local herbs for a better taste), as well as season’s fruits and continue by visiting Dilofo, a village at the center of Zagori. After that, we marvel at some of the more than a hundred stone bridges surviving. The itinerary is open to suggestions, as we can, also, visit Monodendri, including another view of the Vikos Canyon, the villages of Kapesovo and Vradeto, or we can admire the Vikos Canyon from Beloi, skipping some of the original program.

Generally, the inaccessibility of the area combined with many rivers and streams, especially during the winter months, required in the past the construction of bridges. Today, about 60 bridges are preserved in very good condition. Kipoi village Starting point is Kipoi (=gardens) village built on a hill at an altitude of 750m. The main distinguishing characteristic of the village is its gardens. Stone bridge “Plakida or Kalogeriko”. The most popular three arched stone bridge of “Plakida or Kalogeriko” in Zagori area. It was built as a wooden bridge and later on it was reconstructed as a stone bridge by the Abbot Serafeim. The length is 54m, width is 3,15m and the highest point is 6,7m. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli Stone bridge “Kapetan Arkoudas” Easy hiking route towards Dilofo village leads us to the second single arched stone bridge of “Kapetan Arkoudas”, built in 1806AD. First name was “Xeropotamos bridge”. On August 6, 1906, the Ottoman army killed Captain-Bear, a Macedonian chieftain, and at that time, the bridge was named after him. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Vitsa Stone bridge “Kokkoris or Noutsos” “Kokkoris or Noutsos” single arched stone bridge the most well known bridge in Zagori area. It was built in 1750AD, length is 35m, width is 2,5m and the highest point is 13m. At the same time there was another bridge, which they also used to punish the zoo: In order to find out if a suspect was a zooist, they forced him to cross the bridge, carrying a goat on his back. If he passed by or admitted his act, he was acquitted. Otherwise, his punishment was drowning in the river. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli Stone bridge “Misios” We walk beside the river banks and we find the next double arched stone bridge is “Misios” built in 1748 and connects villages Koukouli, Vitsa and Monodendri. The length is 37m, width is 3m and the highest point is 10m. It is located in the entrance of the main part of Vikos gorge. It follows the stone steps towards Vitsa and Koukouli villages Koukouli village We hike towards to traditional village of Koukouli through the stone steps of Koukouli and we explore the village which is dated from the 13th century. At the village there’re lots of traditional houses, the complex of the old school, arches, fountains and the church of Virgin Mary one of the best churches in Zagori area. Stone bridge “Lazaridis” The last bridge of our hiking tour is the single arched stone bridge of Lazaridis which was built in 1753, beside another climbing field for advanced climbers. At that place the first part of Vikos gorge ends and we observe the cliffs beside the river. This stone bridge connects the villages, Kapesovo and Koukouli with Kipi Monument Zagorian Women Pindos, Aspraggeli This last brake is to observe the statue of Zagorian Women which honors them because they helped the armed forces during 2nd world war. It is 6m height and 2 tons weight

The name Zagori originates from the Slavic intention "Za", meaning "back" and the causative of the essential "-gora" which means mountain or area behind the mountain. The inhabitants of Zagori villages coexist in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Snowy peaks, gorges and rivers, wild animals, and birds make up a rich ecosystem. In this idyllic environment, people utilized the local stone to create picturesque villages. The villages are full of stone houses, churches, monasteries, cobbled streets, and stone-built bridges. These components create an architectural entirety that is unique to Epirus Region.

Discover the beauty of the Valia Calda forest on this guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off from Ioannina. Go for a dip in the natural pools of the Arkoudorema stream, cook an authentic Greek meal, and enjoy a delicious picnic with wine and an aperitif.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation and relax on the air-conditioned drive in an all-terrain vehicle. Arrive at the starting point of your hike in the heart of the Valia Calda forest. Pass thorugh a magical mountain landscape with spectacular trees on your way to the natural pools.  Take refreshing a swim in the crystal-clear waters before heading back to the vehicle to cook a traditional meal of trachanas (fermented mixture of grain and yoghurt) and salad. Have a picnic with seasonal fruits, granola bars, wine, an aperitif, and the traditional food.   Head to the charming village of Vovousa after lunch were you can take in tall black pines, streams, and high peaks. Spend some free time exploring the town or going for another swim in the Aoos river, under the bridge of Vovousa. Finally, visit the source lake Aoos and the incredible mountain landscapes around the lake on the way back to your accommodation.