Hidden Greece–Hiking the Zagoria

The Pindus Mountains

Zagoria!  “The Land Behind The Mountains!”  The word reflects the enchantment and mystique of this unique region of Northern Greece.  An excellent hike awaits the active traveler who appreciates inspiring vistas of a simple yet majestic countryside. Our trek takes us through the Pindus Mountains, the most beautiful, interesting, and lofty of the Greek mountain ranges.

The rugged, craggy quality of the Greek mountains sets them apart from most mountains of the world. At 8000 feet, they cannot boast of loftiness. However, their beauty stems from a preservation of old village life alongside a fast disappearing monastic and shepherd culture.

Nomadic Sarakatsanis shepherds pursue an occupation unchanged for centuries. It is common to see them milk their sheep, tend their flocks, and pack out fetah cheese by mule and donkey. You may feel that time has stopped as you walk the cobbled village streets lined with stone houses, and peer into flowering courtyards. You may get an invitation for coffee!

Anyone of good health and fitness can do this trek. Daily hikes, four to seven hours long, do not require specialized mountaineering skills. We hike marked but remote mountain trails, not level paths through the forest. We lodge in small hotels with one night in a mountain hostel. Luggage is transferred by van; you carry only a day pack.

The mountains of northern Greece represent a climate zone drastically different from Athens. Late May - June temperatures are generally in the 70’s.

Daily Itinerary

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Day 1.  Meet in Ioannina. Walking tour of the old city and visit to Dodona, an ancient Greek religious site. Transfer to Vitsa/Monodendri, a scenic village perched on the edge of the Vikos Gorge.  Visit Oxia, a stupendous overlook above the gorge, and the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi.

Day 2.  A loop hike out of Vitsa will take us to the remote village of Dhilofo before ascending to Kapesovo, noted for its medicinal herbs.

Day 3.  Descend to Vikos Gorge; hike to remote Papingo. Enjoy spectacular mountain views and sample village life where time goes back 100 years.

Day 4.  Wake to the bells of goats on their way through the village to the pasture land. Hike to Ano Klidonia for lunch; descend to the Vikos River and hike along the river banks. Visit abandoned Anaghieri Monastery.

Day 5.  Enjoy spectacular views as we pass through Micro Papingo, then ascend to Astraka Mountain Refuge.  The Pirgi Towers offer interesting mountain views.  Hike to the glacial lake of Drakolimni.

Day 6.  Pass by Gamila Massif and Astraka Mountain, descend into the head of Megas Lakkos Canyon, on our way to Tsepolovo.  Tour restored early Greek Orthodox church.

Day 7.  Visit several remote Zagoria bridges on our hike to Kipi and Koukouli.  In Kipi we’ll visit the famed triple arched bridge and folklore museum. 

Day 8.  Hike to Vradeto, most remote of all Zagorian villages, famous for its mountain stairway more than 500 years old.  We’ll visit the beautiful Beloi overlook above the Vikos Gorge.

Day 9.  Transfer to Ioannina Airport or continue to Metsovo, for the optional 3 day extended itinerary.  In Metsovo, visit Tossitsa Museum or stroll the village.
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Day 10.  Spectacular alpine hike with amazing views of villages, meadows, and sheep herds.  This hike starts at a nearby ski resort and passes through forested areas before descending into a valley on our return to Metsovo.

Day 11.  Transfer to Meteora for a visit to the renowned monasteries perched hundreds of feet high on rock outcroppings.  Return to Metsovo.

Day 12.  Morning transfer to Ioannina Airport, where tour ends.