Hiking Adventure in Zagori, Ioannina, Greece

Hiking route from Kipi village to Monodendri.

Our day starts from the main square of Kipi village where our guide will first brief you and soon we will start our tour by hiking parallelly to the main road until we reach the famous old stone bridge of Plakida.

From there we will follow a beautiful path inside a forest of beech and oak trees. We will walk down into the Vikos gorge and after crossing the Misiou old stone bridge, we will continue onto the old steps of Vitsa to reach this traditional village which is built just at the edge of the gorge. Very soon after that, we will reach the village of Monodendri. We can optionally visit the main square of the village and taste local pies together with homemade wine.

Distance: 9.3 km

Estimate Time: 5 h

Elevation: Gain 353 m., Loss 654 m.

Overnight at Monodendri

Hiking tour from Monodendri to Vikos gorge.

We will start our day from Monodendri and after we pass through the village we will find the entrance of the path (Monodendri steps) that will take us to the core of the gorge (1.5 km downhill - elevation difference of 375 m).

For the next 9 km. we will hike to different elevation rates in a wonderful scenery with big laminated stones. We will always have Vikos river at our right hand side. Upon request, we can visit the springs of Voidomatis River that flow underground. Afterwards we will continue in the same path that will lead us to the village of Vikos. We will conclude our route to Megalo Papingo village and rest for the night in a guest room or hotel. In the afternoon, you can walk through the narrow streets of the village and enjoy its traditional architecture.

Distance: 12 km.

Estimate Time: 6-7 h

Elevation: Gain 699 m., Loss 1011 m.

Overnight Megalo Papingo

Papigo - Natural Pools

Our 3rd day starts by hiking the scenic route to Mikro Papingo, a village very popular for its caves which were inhabited since the Neolithic time.

We will continue our route uphill until we reach the red Lithari which is between the towers of Astraka and the Gorge of Vikos with stunning views of the Albanian mountains. We will use the same path to return but this time we will go through the gorgeous little village of Mikro Papigo, which was built in the 14th century. We will rest and enjoy our lunch there. After exploring the village, we will continue towards the gorge Rogovou with its unique natural pools with cold running water - a great place for a relaxing bath.

At the end of our tour, we will return to the tour's starting point at Kipoi village.

Distance: 8 km.

Estimate Time: 4-5 h.

Elevation: Gain 677 m.,Loss 660 m.