Considered as a hidden mountain treasure, Zagori with the Vikos Gorge and 46 traditional villages is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Zagori
Zagori is a mountain range in the Pindos range. Zagoria refers to the 46 towns that make up the region called Zagorohoria. Among them stand out Aristi, Monodendri, Dilofo, Kapesovo, Tsepelovo, Kipi, Papigo and Vovousa.
It is one of the most recommended destinations for a trip in nature. Zagoria is considered a treasure hidden in the mountain with the beauty of nature in its entire splendor.
Small towns are linked by quaint narrow lanes and arched stone bridges to attractive accommodations, pricey boutique hotels and on-site dining that appeals to all tastes.
Adventure sports lovers will find here ancient trails, ravines and rivers for trekking, hiking, horseback riding and much more…
The splendor of nature
The Vikos Gorge is a one-of-a-kind geological phenomenon: an earthly schism that could only have been shaped by a heavenly hand. The narrowest part of the two sides is 1,100 meters wide, at a depth of 900 meters. Vikos is home to eagles, rare medicinal plants, and high vertical cliffs. It goes from the Kokoros Bridge to the Aristi Bridge. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to go through it.
The glacial lakes of the Dragon Lakes Paleoglaciation: ice age lakes 2 kilometers above sea level. The biggest ones are in Smolikas and Gamila, and they are just beautiful. They were named after tiny amphibians known as alpine newts. A four-hour walk is required to reach Drakolimni.
Crafts and traditions
Megalo Papigo and Mikro Papigo are two towns of great beauty. The Megalo Papigo is the first one we found coming from Ioannna and the Mikro Papigo is 3 km from Megalo Papigo. A walk through these beautiful villages will leave you with beautiful images. Between the two villages you will find an unexpected surprise, Kolombithres or Rogovo Ovires, natural pools where you can bathe during the summer months.
The majestic towers of Astrakas are huge rock formations, one of the peaks of Mount Timfi with an altitude of 2,436m. The view from below of the snowy peaks is spectacular.
The towns are built in a circular shape, with a square in the center that contains a huge plane tree, a fountain, a church and a cafeteria. Houses made of carved white stone and old churches with rich history will amaze you. Zagorohoria architecture serves as a source of inspiration and instruction for architects. The stone art of the artisans is unique.
Skala Vardetou, built with exceptional art and in perfect harmony with the landscape, used to be the only way to go from the village Vradeto to Kapesovo. Step by step you can admire the skill of the craftsman and his infinite patience with which this unique path was built.