Vikos Gorge

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

Vikos gorge is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece. The gorge consists of limestone and dolomite formations dating back to 150 million years ago and vertical walls extending up to a height of 1700 m. The hike starts from Monodendri village with a 45-minute descent towards the river bed. The trail is ascending and descending surrounded by steep mountain tops and dense forests of deciduous trees and 1800 plant species. Before ascending to Vikos village, visit the Voidomati Springs, Greece's cleanest and coldest river, with an average all year temperature of 8.5°C. If you are brave you might want to try the experience of a very refreshing dive in the crystal clear waters during summer months. The hike finishes at Vikos village, after a 1-hour ascent from the Voidomatis springs.

Enjoy a light 3-hour hike with a trek leader from the Chapel of Profitis Ilias to the Beloi viewpoint in the Pindus Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramas of the limestone and dolomite rocks and virgin vegetation. Visitors to the Zagori area will often hear about Vradeto, the highest village in the region. But there is more to see than a mountain village. A stunning ride through varied landscapes leads to this small, picturesque place, from where you’ll start your hike of about 3.6 miles (6 kilometers). Suitable for the entire family, this is one of the easiest hiking routes in the Pindus Mountains, home to the world’s deepest gorge. After you’ve taken in views of the entire length of the Vikos Gorge, return to Vradeto for a short coffee break at the traditional kafenion (café), where you can see a photo exhibition. Next, you will walk the famous Vradeto rocksteps, a traditional stone-made path that used to connect Vradeto with the rest of the region’s settlements. End your tour close to the village of Kapesovo, where a transfer will be waiting to take you back to the meeting point.

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.

Discover Zagori's striking natural landscape on a private Jeep tour. See its soaring mountains, deep gorges, clear rivers, and architectural heritage at your own pace with your own local guide. Learn about the local, cultural, geological, and architectural heritage en route. Begin your adventure by driving to the picturesque valley of West Zagori, passing by Aristi, and admiring the evolving landscape en route. Stop at the Voidomatis River, 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. Head on to visit Ovires Rogovo, natural pools nestled in a narrow canyon, before heading to the village of Mikro Papigo. Then, turn back to cross a 1,090-meter pass to reach central Zagori, where a magnificent view of the Vikos Gorge at its deepest unfurls itself in front of your eyes. Marvel at the world's deepest gorge before heading back to your starting point.

Paratriking is an activity aimed at all ages, all people, even people with mobility difficulties, since it is completely safe and no experience is required from them . The equipment needed by each passenger is given by the pilot/instructor. The activity is called paratriking as it involves a three-wheeled vehicle with two comfortable seats for both the passenger and the pilot to have an enjoyable flight. Both wear helmets with intercoms to talk during. With the trike's powerful engine and the right parachute, it only takes a minute to get up in the air and admire the view of the snow-capped mountains while feeling the sun and clouds on your skin. It is definitely a liberating experience that everyone deserves to experience!!

Day 1: Ioannina – Kipi Village Depart from Ioannina and head to Kipi Village. At Kipi Village, you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. Day 2: Vradeto – Beloi – Vradeto Rocksteps – Koukouli – Kipi Depart for Vradeto Village in the morning. Hike from Vradeto village to the Beloi viewing point. Take in the views of Vikos Gorge before heading to the famous rock steps of Vradeto. Cross the Kontodimou Bridge and return to Kipi Village for dinner and an overnight stay. Day 3: Kipi – Monodendri Begin the day on the same trail as yesterday. Follow the path from Koukouli Village and head uphill to Vitsa. Enjoy some free time to relax and explore the village. Next, head to Monodendri, where you’ll spend the night. Day 4: Monodendri – Vikos Gorge – Vikos – Aristi Start your day with an early morning descent into Vikos Gorge. Follow the river for approximately 4-hours to Voidomatis River Springs. Continue uphill to Vikos Village, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to Aristi Village. Spend the night at Aristi Village. Day 5: Aristi – Mikro Papigo Be transferred back to Vikos Village in the morning. Begin your hike at the gorge and head uphill to Papingo. Admire the views of the surrounding Papigo Towers. After approximately 2-hours, you’ll arrive at Mikro Papigo, where you’ll spend the night. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to walk to the natural swimming pools between Mikro and Megalo Papigo. Day 6: Mikro Papigo – Dragon Lake – Astraka refuge From Mikro, follow a trail towards Astraka mountain hut. Enjoy a short break for lunch before heading to Dragon Lake. Visit Dragon Lake, located in the Timfi range, it stands at an altitude of 2050 meters. Hike to Astraka refuge, where you’ll spend the night. Day 7: Mikro Papingo – Ioannina Return to Mikro Papigo, where you’ll be transferred back to the city of Ioannina.

Vikos Gorge has been designated as a world geopark by UNESCO. We start from Aristi or Papigko Bridge in northwestern Zagori where we will enjoy an easy route for all in the third part of the Vikos gorge which is a part of Vikos – Aoos National Park since 1973 The route is accessible all year, and from May up to September is the best season to swim in the crystal waters The name of the river Voidomatis comes from Slavic language (Bode–Mat which translates "good water") During the trail we observe the unique monastery of Spiliotissa, built on a rock and we visit the old church of Agioi Anargyroi which was built in 1658 The route ends to Kleidonia single arched stone bridge, which was built in 1853 in order to connect the locals from the villages Agios Minas and Aristi towards to Konitsa plain, and also people from Konitsa town towards Ioannina city. At the end of the activity visitors can enjoy a meal with traditional recipes of the area beside the river

At this hiking tour you have the chance to see 5 of the most famous traditional bridges of the area in a circular beautiful walk. The walk starts at Kipi village and after you will cross the Kontodimou Bridge, you will climb the rock-steps of Koukouli. Soon after you reach the small beautiful village of Koukouli. There you can have a short coffee break at the shade of the square's plane tree. You continue at the edge of Vikos Gorge,following the ancient trails, cross bridges and finally we return to Kipi. Along the way your guide will explain you a lot of things about the constraction of the bridges and the architecture of the area, as well as about the history and the culture.