Traversing the Vikos Gorge & discovering Zagoria, (Epirus, Greece)

The Zagoria region in the Pindos Mountains is a hidden gem where sleepy villages nestle beneath towering pine-clad peaks, and the heat of the summer is tempered with cool mountain air and dips in natural pools. Even at the height of summer, temperatures are pleasant in the high mountains, while dense forest shades the lower canyons.

A hiking heaven it offers spectacular routes through the deep Vikos Gorge which averages 700 metres in depth and is the second longest in Europe after the much busier Samarian Gorge, Crete.

The 12-kilometer gorge itself can be hiked in two or three parts:

• Monodendri north to Vikos
• Vikos to Papingo
• Monodendri south to Kipi

Highlights of a trek through this region includes the deserted monastery of Agia Paraskevi, perched in an eagle's nest position high over the Canyon; the cobbled streets of tiny rural hamlets with their preserved Zagorian styled old mansions, ancient tracks over elegant stone packhorse bridges, the Vaidomatis River that runs through the gorge and the ascent up to Drakolimni (Dragon Lake) which offers breathtaking views out over the mountains and gorges. However it’s recommended not to try hiking alone in this region as it is very easy to get lost and the gorge is still refuge to many wild animals such as bears, boars and birds of prey. Hence it’s best to engage the services of an experienced guide to hike around the Vikos Gorge.

Most trails up the demanding Gamila Massif (2497 metres) are steep and lengthy. Using the Gamila refuge as a base, day hikes can be made to Drakolimni of Gamila, the peaks of Gamila and Astraka and explore the Mega Lakko Ravine. Arrangements for use of the refuge must be made at the EOS office in Megalo Papingo (Tel. 30-265-3041138). They also provide information and maps.

For more information visit the following links:
Map of Zagori Villages; A Vikos Hike Travelogue complete with pictures of the region
The Daily Traveller - The Grand Canyon of Greece; About Zagori; Matt Barrett's Greece Travel;
HOW TO REACH

By Car - From Athens via Ioannina which is a seven hour drive. take the National Highway to Larissa. An excellent primary road travels west from Larissa to Ioannina via Trikala and over the Katara Pass. This portion is an interesting and scenic drive that passes the famous monasteries of Meteora and through gorgeous mountain landscapes. Most of the access roads to Zagoria are located between Metsovo and Konitsa along the main highway from Ioannina to Kastoria. Past Ioannina, the first villages of the Zagori is only 16 kilometres away. However extreme caution needs to be taken while driving as apart from the mountain road being steep, narrow, and winding, local drivers do drive a bit recklessly around hairpin curves.

By Bus - From Athens to Ioannina post that onward connection to the Zagori villages. Do visit the website for more information.

By Flight – Nearest airport Ioannina which is served by domestic connections including flights from Athens