Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Zagóri and the Víkos Gorge
Few parts of Greece are more surprising or more beguiling than the part of the Píndhos
mountains known as
ZAGÓRI
. A wild, thinly populated region, it lies just to the north
of Ioánnina. The beauty of its landscape is unquestionable: dense forest and rugged
mountains are furrowed by foaming rivers and dotted with
traditional villages
(the
Zagorohória), many sporting grand stone houses or
arhondiká
, dating from the late
eighteenth century. Here, also, you can seek out evocative ancient
monasteries
set in
improbably remote spots.
Wildlife
is impressive too: there's good birdwatching,
increasing numbers of wolves, plus legally protected brown bears.
The best way to enjoy the countryside is by
hiking
the numerous paths connecting the
villages. The most accessible and rewarding target is the magnificent UNESCO-
protected
Víkos Gorge
(see box opposite), while
mounts Gamíla
and
Smólikas
provide
several days of serious trekking. Even if you don't plan on hiking, the area deserves
some time. Its remoteness, traditional architecture and scenery all constitute a very
different Greece to the popular tourist stereotype and, despite growing popularity, the
area remains relatively unspoilt.
3
Monodhéndhri
Near the south end of the gorge, at 1150m elevation, stands handsome
MONODHÉNDHRI
, the main accommodation base in the area. The village survived
World War II more or less intact - though it's now slightly spoilt by tourist shops and
Kastoriá
Kónitsa
Lake
Dhrakólimni
Trapezítsa
Smólikas
(2637m)
Stomíou
Áno
Klidhoniá
Paleosélli
Kalývi Klidhoniás
Lake
Dhrakólimni
Astráka
refuge
Pádhes
Klidhoniávista
Megálo
Pápingo
Gamíla
(2497m)
Ármata
Áyii Anáryiri
Vryssohóri
03
Spiliótissas
Astráka
(2436m)
Víkos
Mikró
Pápingo
Karterós
Pass
Arísti
Kímisis
Theotókou
Megála
Lithária
(2467m)
Tsoúka
Roússa
(2377m)
Víkos
Gorge
03
Láïsta
Elafótopos
Kalpáki
Oxiá
Belóï Overlook
Monodhéndhri
Vradhéto
Tsepélovo
Áno Pedhiná
Kapésovo
Skamnélli
Evangelístria
(convent)
Vítsa
Koukoúli
Rangovoú
Dhílofo
Kípi
ZAGÓRI
Vovoússa
Plakídha
Kókkoros
Negádhes
Eláti
Frangádhes
Elatohóri
Makrinó
Flambourári
Leptokaryá
N
Dhíkorfo
Mánasi
Petsióni
Kaloutás
Greveníti
Kambér Agá
0
10
ZAGÓRI & AROUND
kilometres
Ioánnina
