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Greece · Village Tours
The journey
Zagorochoria, or the Zagori Villages, are a unique residential, historical, and cultural ensemble in the northwestern part of the Pindos mountain range, comprising 46 villages and numerous picturesque, breathtaking places. The inhabitants of Zagori live in harmony with the natural environment, surrounded by snowy peaks, gorges, rivers, wild animals, and birds that create a rich ecosystem. In this idyllic setting, local stone has been used to build picturesque villages with stone houses, churches, monasteries, cobbled streets, and stone-built bridges. Together, these elements form an architectural whole that is unique to the Epirus region.
The trip reaches Oxya viewpoint, where we get the chance to absorb the spectacular view of Vikos Gorge, the Voidomatis River springs, and the breathtaking cliffs.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Our first stop will be at the Voidomatis River, which has been characterized as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, as it does not carry harmful residues for the environment and is regularly cared for.
Later on, we'll visit the most well-known traditional Papigo villages, built at the foot of Astraka Mountain and divided into two districts, Megalo and Mikro Papigko. Their stone houses and cobbled streets can easily take one's breath away, while the five "towers" of Astraka Mountain create extraordinary experiences.
You should also not miss enjoying a coffee or tasting local sweets, as well as seeing the Provatina Gorge, the second deepest in the world.
On the way from Megalo (Big) to Mikro (Small) Papigo, there is a chain of small natural pools called "Ovires Rogovo." This amazing natural scenery has been formed over thousands of years, and it is probably one of the most magnificent in Greece.
The flora and fauna of the area are unique. The forest is covered with oaks, beech trees, maple trees, and plenty of rare flower species.
The trip reaches Oxya viewpoint, where we get the chance to absorb the spectacular view of Vikos Gorge, the Voidomatis River springs, and the breathtaking cliffs.
One of the strangest and most beautiful parts of Greece is the unique Stone Forest. This geological phenomenon, a place shaped by mother nature, leaves a strong impression on every visitor.
It looks like a forest of stones, as these structures have been created from thin limestone.
According to tradition, the village's name comes from "a colossal tree (fir) rising above the Monastery of Saint Minas, struck by lightning and surviving until 1840." Nowadays, only the sanctuary remains, which was built in 1738 AD.
The village is built on the southwest side of the Vikos Gorge, at an altitude of 1,060 meters, and offers access to a stunning view of the gorge.
Enjoy a meal featuring local recipes such as Zagorian pies - cheese pie, thin pie, vegetable pie, and more - or giant beans with vegetables, under the shade of a 200-year-old maple tree.
For lovers of tradition, we visit a handicraft center where clothes, carpets, wedding gifts, and full information about them are provided.
Built in 1750 AD, this bridge is 35 m long, 2.5 m wide, and 13 m high at its highest point. At the same time, there was another use for the bridge connected to punishment: in order to find out if a suspect was a thief, they forced him to cross the bridge carrying a goat on his back. If he managed to pass or admitted his act, he was acquitted. Otherwise, the punishment was drowning in the river.
This bridge connects the villages of Kipi, Dilofo, and Koukouli. Beside the bridge, there is also an amazing climbing field for advanced climbers.
The last stop is at the monument of the glorious women of Zagori.
Where this trip takes you
Voidomatis River, Papigko villages, Vikos Gorge, Stone Forest
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Ioannina.
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