By: Heather Keys
Located in the mountains of Northern Greece, the region of Zagori was an important center for trade and commerce during the Ottoman Empire. Today, the area attracts adventurers and nature lovers eager to hike its trails and see its beautiful stone villages.
Home to the Tymfi and Smolikas mountain ranges, the Vikos Gorge, and the Aoos River, Zagori is a great place to get beyond the beaten path—let’s look at a few highlights!
Zagori’s Stone Villages
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
Papigo (Megalo and Mikro)
The twin villages of Megalo (Big) Papigo and Mikro (Small) Papigo are among the most popular destinations in Zagori. These villages have traditional stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Megalo Papigo is known for its 18th-century church of St. Vlasios, and Mikro Papigo offers access to the beautiful natural pools known as the Rogovo Ovires.
Monodendri
Monodendri is characterized by its stone mansions, slate roofs, and elegant courtyards. Monodendri is also home to the historical Monastery of St. Paraskevi, located on the edge of the Vikos Gorge, with gorgeous canyon views.
Vikos
Near the entrance of the Vikos Gorge, the village of Vikos is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions. The town has traditional stone houses and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Kipi
The lovely village of Kipi is known for its arched stone bridges, such as the Kontodimos or Lazaridis Bridge, the Plakidas Bridge, and the Mylos Bridge.
Vitsa
Vitsa is another charming village with traditional stone houses, cobbled streets, and lovely floral courtyards. It’s an excellent starting point for hikes towards the nearby Vikos Gorge and the Monastery of St. John the Baptist.
Aristi
Aristi, with its old-world charm, has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Vikos Gorge. The village is known for its well-preserved stone houses, ancient churches, and proximity to the Voidomatis River, a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
Zagori’s Beautiful Landscapes
Photo by Feri & Tasos on Unsplash
The Vikos Gorge
One of Zagori’s most outstanding natural attractions is the Vikos Gorge, a canyon that stretches over 30 kilometers and reaches depths of approximately 1,350 meters. This gorge is a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife, like Balkan lynxes, wolves, bears, and birds of prey.
Drakolimni—The Dragon Lake
Drakolimni—or Dragon Lake—is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Tymfi mountain range. Local legends tell of dragons that once dwelled in these lakes, engaging in fierce battles that produced the thunderous sounds of avalanches reverberating through the mountains.
The region’s landscapes support a wide variety of plant life, with beech, oak, and pine trees throughout the forests. These forests provide a habitat for many smaller species of animals, including squirrels, foxes, and many types of birds.
Hiking Trails and Treks in Zagori
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
Vikos Gorge and Drakolimni
Two of the most popular hiking destinations in Zagori are the Vikos Gorge and the Drakolimni trails. The Vikos Gorge trail takes hikers on a journey through the canyon, with amazing views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains, plus a chance to spot rare wildlife species. Meanwhile, the Drakolimni trail leads to the enchanting Drakolimni Lake high in the mountains.
The Tymfi Summit and Other Hikes
For experienced hikers seeking a more demanding challenge, Zagori has more rigorous routes such as the Tymfi summit trail. This strenuous trek takes hikers to the summit of Tymfi’s highest peak, necessitating exceptional fitness, experience, proper equipment, and thorough preparation.
You can find easier, guided hikes and tours throughout Zagori as well—this will give you a more comprehensive view of the area and its history.
Wild camping isn’t recommended here, but there are accommodations throughout the area suitable for hikers on multi-day treks. You can join a guided tour with housing already arranged, or choose your own adventure. If you’d like to truly unwind and enjoy a bit of luxury after a strenuous hike, there are fantastic hotels, mountain resorts, and spas throughout the region.
Wrapping Up
While Greece is famous for its gorgeous beaches and ancient architecture, the mountainous regions definitely shouldn’t be ignored! If you’re looking for a different kind of experience and the chance to explore areas of the country that are a little less touristy, Zagori is a fantastic choice.
Have you had the chance to travel to Greece? Share your stories and advice with the Frayed Passport community!
Related: 7 Best Greek Island Hopping Cruises: Cruise the Mediterranean
About the Author
Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.
Featured image by Feri & Tasos on Unsplash
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