Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vikos Gorge Χαράδρα του Βίκου
The 12km-long, 900m-deep
Vikos Gorge
, bisecting the Zaorogoria, is the world's deep-
est, according to Guinness. It begins south of Monodendri, running north until the
Papingo villages.
Ioannina's EOS (
Click here
)
advises on weather conditions and provides maps and in-
formation. You'll need water, stout walking boots and some endurance for the almost
seven-hour hike.
Monodendri is a popular starting point. Survey the gorge from the 15th-century
Moni
Agia Paraskevi
. A steep, marked path into the gorge begins the four-hour walk; at
canyon's end a right-hand trail leads to Mikro Papingo (2½ hours). Megalo Papingo is a
further 2km west, but the track splits at the hike's base. The only water is at
Klima
Spring
, halfway along the gorge.
If you stop hiking at
Vikos
, south of Papingo, the square's
kafeneio
owner will drive
you to Monodendri for €40 (taxis cost double). Vikos, 5km northeast of Aristi, has ac-
commodation and excellent views.
Oxya Lookout
, 5km beyond Monodendri on a good dirt road, has fantastic gorge
views, as does
Beloi Lookout
opposite. To get there, drive 9km on a winding road or go
to
Vradeto
(from the signposted turn-off near Kapesovo), and hike 1.5km along a
marked trail after the dirt road (it's a bumpy drive). Vradeto is set along striated lime-
stone cliffs. For the Beloi Lookout, climb the rock stairway,
Skala Vradetou
, signposted
outside
Tsepelovo
, another relaxing base for hiking northern Zagorohoria sites like the
Drakolimni
(Dragon Lake). It has a post office, card phone, and good accommodation
and eating options.
Activities
Pedina)
organises hiking, skiing and mountain-biking. In winter, Compass offers a ski
school and leads off-piste skiing on virgin terrain.
ter.gr
; Aristi)
offers rafting, kayaking, hiking and even archery and paintball.
Sleeping
Arhontiko Dilofo
GUESTHOUSE $
