Explore Vikos Gorge: Hiking, Rafting, and Food in Zagori

Why go this time of 12 months

The Vikos Gorge lies on the coronary heart of the Vikos-Aoos Nationwide Park, which is house to many endemic, uncommon, and endangered plant species. Spring is when nature within the Zagori area involves life: flocks of birds fly over the rivers, whereas bears and wild goats roam the forests. The rivers swell with melting snow, flowers start to bloom, and the climate is excellent – not too chilly, not too sizzling – making it preferrred for hikes and out of doors actions.

Easy methods to get pleasure from nature

The crossing of the Vikos Gorge is without doubt one of the most enjoyable and difficult mountain climbing routes in Greece. It’s not technically tough, nevertheless it does require stamina and good bodily situation. The preferred route begins from Monodendri and ends within the village of Vikos (or the reverse). The full distance is 12.5km (about 7.8 miles) and it consists of vital elevation adjustments and steep inclines. Relying in your tempo and breaks, it will probably take between 5 and seven hours to finish. The path is well-marked and takes you thru varied landscapes, from steep limestone cliffs alongside the riverbed to lush, forested areas larger up. Greater than 1,800 plant species are discovered within the space, and plenty of will be seen contained in the gorge.

One other nice approach to expertise the park is rafting down the Voidomatis River. Out of your inflatable boat, deep throughout the Vikos–Aoos Nationwide Park, you’ll see centuries-old airplane timber, arched stone bridges and thrilling small waterfalls. Simply remember that the river stays chilly all 12 months, even in spring. The descent normally begins on the Aristi bridge and ends simply after the Kleidonia bridge.

What if I’m up for extra miles?

Zagori is a paradise for street journeys. Forsaking the villages instantly across the gorge, you possibly can head towards Tsepelovo and Skamneli, or to Japanese Zagori, to the village of Vovousa, a gateway to the Valia Calda area, the place you’ll additionally see the Aoos River. The drive to Konitsa can be fascinating, and you can also go additional north to the villages of Mount Grammos: Pyrsogianni, Vourbiani, and Kefalochori.

Dishes value making an attempt and the place to seek out them

Don’t miss the native pies of Zagori, or traditional “mountain” dishes similar to soups, mushrooms and greens, wild sport, and native grilled, spit-roasted, or oven-baked meats. On the taverna Sta Riza (Vitsa, Tel. (+30) 26530.715.50), strive shepherd’s lamb with contemporary mushrooms and ewe baked in parchment paper – slow-cooked in a clay pot for 12 hours. In the identical village, Kanella & Garyfallo (Vitsa, Tel. (+30) 26530.716.71) focuses on mushrooms, which you’ll get pleasure from in salads, risottos, or in wealthy sauces with meat. For a style of the well-known pies of Zagori, head to Virginia (Asprangeloi, Tel. (+30) 26530.226.28), the place they make village-style pies with greens, rooster, mushrooms, cheese, or the native “alevropita” (flour pie) day by day.

Select guesthouses that really feel like locations

Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel (Aristi, Tel. (+30) 26530.413.30, ) is a mannequin mountain lodge very near the Voidomatis River. Dias Guesthouse (Mikro Papigo, Tel. (+30) 26530.412.57, ) is ready in a dramatic location beneath the imposing Astraka Towers. Heat hospitality has made Anemi Guesthouse (Kato Pedina, Tel. (+30) 26530.720.03, anemi-zagori.gr) a favourite within the space. At MounTrace Suites & Spa (Monodendri, Tel. (+30) 26530.711.11), the suites are trendy and spacious, and when the climate is nice, breakfast is served on a balcony with views of the village and the Vikos Gorge.

Don’t neglect to take house

At Rogovo (Papigo, Tel. (+30) 26530.250.03), you’ll discover scrumptious forest fruit jams, native tsipouro (a robust distilled spirit), honey, conventional pasta, natural teas, and herbs. Additionally cease at Sterna (Papigo, Tel. (+30) 26530.250.90) for do-it-yourself jams, aged house-made tsipouro, dried mushrooms, and ornamental objects.