From Vikos Gorge to Tymfis Dragon Lake, the hiking trails in the Zagori villages promise unique thrills for nature lovers. Especially in spring, with the landscape lush and green and before the heat sets in, hiking the areas trails is a delight.
Cobbled lanes, arched stone bridges, deep gorges and lush vegetation are just some of the scenes you will encounter if you decide to spend a little time in the lovely corners of Epirus and specifically in the Zagori villages, one of Greeces most beloved mountain destinations.
The best way to fully enjoy the nature of this landisby traversing some of the well-designed trails that will lead you into beautiful landscapes where cars cannot approach. Especially at this time of year, with the scenery a vibrant green and before the heat becomes intense, conditions for hikingare ideal. Some of the most exciting routes in Zagori are difficult and long, however if you are in good physical condition they are worth trying. Below are 4 hiking routes in the magical nature of the Zagori villages that will stay with you forever.
Vikos Gorge: Monodendri - Vikos
Vikos Gorge is the areas ultimate attraction. It is one of the most renowned gorges in Greece, and it holds a place in the Guinness Book as the gorge with the smallest opening in the world.Crossing the Vikos gorge is a unique experience for lovers of hiking. The best-known route in Zagori is ideal for those who love cool hikesamid the lush vegetation and the observation of flowers and herbs. The herbs from the Vikos area were used in the 17th century by the famed Vikogiatroi, the healers who roamed from village to village selling their herbs to the inhabitants.
The route is 12 km long and can be covered in about 7 hours, depending on walking pace and stops. Starting the hike fromMonodendri,you descend to the bed of the gorge and then move alongside it. The traverse offers variety: ascents, descents, flat sections, dense vegetation, cobbled paths. The whole route has constant changes, with shade for most of the way thanks to the thick vegetation. About halfway along there is a spring where you can rest, in a beautiful spot by the river.
Continue towards the springs of Voidomatis as well as the Monastery of Panagia (near the springs), which makes for another stop. The bold can even dive into the icy waters of the river. Then you will begin to ascend to the village of Vikos. Asyou climb, the view of Greeces deepest gorge becomes ever more impressive. Do not underestimate the route - it is long anddemands good physical condition.
Kleidonia Bridge - Aristi Bridge
In the Vikos - Aoos National Parkthere is a trail that runs parallel to the Voidomatis River, starting from the bridge of Kleidonia and ending at the bridge of Aristi. An easy, nature-filled route of about 5 km (2 to 2.5 hours of hiking). You will be walking constantly through a unique landscape and beside the Voidomatis River with its crystal-clear waters. You can cover this trail starting from either of the two points you prefer.
Starting from the old stone bridge of Kleidonia (you reach it by road from the Konitsa - Ioannina provincial road) you will see along the way the old Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi, the prehistoric rock shelter Kleidi, on the opposite bank the Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa and finally the Aristi bridge which, although it is made of concrete - since the old stone one collapsed - lies within a magical landscape.
Papigo - Dragon Lake
Wild mountains, deep ravines and a landscape that brings to mind scenes from a dark novel await if you set off early in the morning to climb from Mikro Papigo to Dragon Lake of Tymfi.A demanding route that lasts about 5 hours. Legend has it that in the Dragon Lake of Tymfi and in the Dragon Lake of Smolikas lived two dragons who were enemies. When they fought with each other,they threw stones at one another and for that reason, according to the locals, the shores of Smolikas Dragon Lake are white with scattered black stones and the shores of Tymfis lake are black with scattered white stones. In reality, the lake is thought to have taken its name from the small newts that inhabit it and which the locals call drakakia.
At the entrance to Mikro Papigo, final preparations are made. Pack your bag, put in some nuts, a piece of fruit, chocolate, water and set off. The first part of the route follows a fairly well-marked path through the forest, with running streams, lush vegetation and many fountains where you can stop. When you finally reach an altitude of 1,700 m, at the Kruna spring, the landscape transforms. It becomes alpine and begins to resemble a desert.
After 3 hours of hiking and now at an elevation of 1,950 meters, as a first reward, you will reach the stone refuge. A stop on its huge balcony, for food and a chat with the other mountaineers, will give you strength for the huge yet final steep ascent that leads to Dragon Lake. Lost in your thoughts about whether this climb will ever end, you may, if you are lucky, hear the piercing cry of a hawk and before you even realize it you will find yourself at 2,050 meters, withTymfis Dragon Lakeunfolding before you. Its waters are full of little drakakia and swimming in the lake, as tempting as it sounds - after so much walking - is not permitted.
As you approach the mountains corner a strong wind can be heard, and looking down you face the abyss. Nature, clean air and Smolikas in the distance. You are on the summit of Tymfi and every trace of fatigue from the hike has vanished. The only things you feel now are dizziness and awe, not from the height, the great inclines and the dramatic geological formations, but from the impressive landscape that seems unreal.
Vradeto Steps - Vradeto - Beloi
The famed Vradeto Steps which linked the village of Vradeto with Kapessovo and the rest of the world until the 1970s, are today among the most beautiful hiking routes not only in Epirus but in all of Greece. It is a wide cobbled path, an exceptional example of local architecture, crafted by the Epirote master stonemasons. Construction of the steps dates to the early 18th century. The almost one-hour route is easy and far more relaxing than you might imagine, while the views it offers over the surrounding area are enchanting.
As you walk along the path you will stop several times to admire the impressively engineered work, which is said to have taken 20 years to build. In fact, the steps were designed with three lanes of traffic, two for people and one for animals. Its more than 1,000 cobbled steps smoothly cover an elevation difference of 250 meters. FromVradeto,if you walk another 20-30 minutes on an easy uphill path, through a barren and rocky landscape with low vegetation, you reach Beloi. The small balcony overlooking theVikos Gorge(the best viewpoint of the gorge according to some - experienced - mountaineers) that awaits you there is beautiful, and you can return by following the same route.
