Spectacular Vistas
from Cliff Tops and High Passes
Ancient Settlements
and Friendly Hospitality
ZAGORIA VILLAGES
Walking in the Pindos Mountains of Greece
The Greeks have more reason than most to be proud of their architectural
heritage. However, far less well known than the great works of the
classical age are the stone-built villages of Zagoria, an unspoilt region
of the Pindos mountains. This is a dramatic wilderness of 2500m/ 8000ft
peaks, deep chasms, and extensive natural forests.
The
prospect of a self-guided walking tour in Greece, where both the signposts
and the maps are in an alien script may appear daunting, but it is not so.
The route is now well marked, route notes are detailed and our local
representative, Konstantinos, is an experienced mountaineer, well
qualified to check this easy-to-follow self-guided walk. As well as
keeping your eye on the notes, maps and impressive scenery, you may even
spot a wolf, lynx, bear or wild boar; all of which are still found in the
Pindos. In Spring, the mountain meadows are also a mass of colour with
crocus, orchids and gentians.
From
the traditional stone built village of Tsepelovo we have a day to stretch
our legs and test our stamina by walking uphill to the highest village in
Zagoria and on up to a superb viewpoint at Beloi. Leaving Tsepelovo for a
second time, heading for Vitsa and the head of the Vikos Gorge, the route
passes the 1000-year-old ‘Paliojefira’ stone building, the villages of
Kipi and Koukouli, the "Misiou" bridge and finally climbs the
Vitsa steps to the village perched on the edge of the gorge. Descending
into the 1000m deep gorge is the start of a spectacular day’s walk
through some truly incredible scenery. The ascent to the village of Vikos
can be punctuated with a quick dip in the crystal clear Voidomatis springs
that should refresh you sufficiently to complete the climb to the coffee
shop. There is still plenty to see as our route
crosses the gorge once more and passes below the imposing massive Papingo
Towers before reaching the delightful village of Papingo itself. By now
you should be feeling fit and ready for a big day ascending towards
Astraka peak. You can either rest around the Hellenic Alpine Club Hut,
where we stay for the night, or walk on to the beautiful Dragon Lake on
the edge of the great limestone cliff that borders the Aoos Valley. The
last walk retraces our route to Papingo, from where a transfer is arranged
to Ioannina for a relaxing evening near the shores of Lake Pamvotis.
7
nights/8 days - Your accommodation is in comfortable
village pensions usually in traditional Zagoria houses. Most rooms
have ensuite facilities. The building of hotels is simply not
allowed in this protected area. One night is in a mountain refuge
and two nights are spent in hotels, one in Ioannina near the old
castle, the other in Aristi. The hospitality of the Greek mountains is legendary and you
will enjoy food far removed from the kalamares and chips variety to
be found in the coastal resorts.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
The trail is waymarked but maps are poor and route-finding requires
care. Our route notes will ensure safe passage.
Accommodation
and Meals Village pensions on 4 nights, mountain refuge 1 night and hotel
2 nights. Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8,
except lunch and dinner on day 7.
Arrival On arrival at Preveza airport you will be met and transferred to
your 1st hotel (included).
End
of Tour
At the end of the tour in Ioannina you will be transferred to the
airport for your return flight (included).
