At a distance of 40 km. from the city of Ioannina, Kipoi is one of the best-known villages of Zagori. True to its name, the village is built in a lush green spot, while around it lie the most beautiful stone bridges in the area.
The Zagorohoria are among Greeces most beautiful mountain destinations. An authentic, wild, evocative place. Visit once and youll surely want to return soon to discover anothervillage, another hidden treasure.
It is hard to single out the most beautiful village of Zagori. However, if you want a village that will serve as a starting point for many excursions and at the same time give you the chance to admire up close the areas finest bridges, Kipoi in central Zagori is an ideal choice.
Kipoi Zagori: Jewels of stone
At a distance of about 40 km from the city of Ioannina, Kipoi is one of the best-known Zagorohoria. The village was once the capital of Zagori and took its name from the many gardens around the Bagiotiko stream that flows along its southern side. True to its name, Kipoi is built at an elevation of 800 m, among tree-clad hills.
In Kipoi you will wander along beautiful cobbled lanes, see the impressive Church of Agios Nikolaos (1779) and the Monastery of Bagia dating back to 1620, and visit the Folklore Museum of Agapios Tolis, which hosts a wonderful collection of household objects, traditional costumes and a wealth of other folkloric exhibits.
For your stay in the village you will find well-kept stone guesthouses. We recommend Machalas, Rodia Boutique Hotel and Heavens View.
A walk among the bridges
Around Kipoi are gathered some of the most beautiful and most photographedarched bridges of the area, true monuments set within the beauty of nature. Among the most renowned and distinctive bridges of Zagori isPlakida Bridge or Kalogerikowhich lies west of the village. What impresses those who see it up close is that its three semicircular arches, standing in harmonious array, create a sense of light movement, giving the impression of a moving caterpillar.
Also famous is theKokkoros or Noutsos Bridge, located between the villages of Koukouli, Dilofo and Kipoi and approximately 24 meters long and 13 meters high. Next to the bridge rises an imposing vertical rock while beneath it flows the Voidomatis with its crystalline, pristine waters.
The single-arched Kontodimos or Lazaridisbridge lies just before the western entrance to Kipoi, over the Vikakis stream and is surrounded by lush vegetation. From this bridge you can reach Koukouli by following a beautiful trail.
