A Journey Through Nature, History, and Unique Experiences
Zagorochoria is a destination filled with enchanting natural beauty, historic villages, and unique experiences. This proposal for a three-day adventure in Zagorochoria is just one of the many possible routes you can take in the area.
This itinerary is quite intensive and is perfect for those who love exploration and are not afraid to drive on mountain roads to discover the hidden gems of the region.
If you enjoy adventure and exploration, this route is ideal for you!
Day 1: Monodendri and Vitsa – The Perfect Start
Accommodation in Zagorochoria
For your first day in Zagorochoria, we recommend staying in either Vitsa or Monodendri. Both villages offer strategic locations for exploring the area. After checking in at your accommodation, take some time to relax from your journey.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Guesthouse “KATIKIA ZAGORI”: A warm and welcoming guesthouse with views of central Zagori. Book your stay here.
- “Guesthouse Selini”: A beautiful mansion from 1846 that has been restored into a traditional guesthouse with all modern amenities. Book your stay here.
- Hotel “Monodendri”: A charming hotel in the center of the village with atmospheric traditional architecture. Book your stay here.
- Hotel “Zagori Philoxenia”: A cozy and welcoming place with all modern comforts. Book your stay here.
Stroll in Monodendri
Begin your exploration with a leisurely walk around Monodendri. Visit the Church of Agia Paraskevi, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Vikos Gorge, an amazing spot to admire the region’s vast natural beauty.
Afternoon Exploration in Vitsa
End your day with a walk around Vitsa. This picturesque village offers beautiful scenes and a traditional atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional dinner at one of the local tavernas, where the authentic cuisine of Epirus will enchant you with its flavors.
Recommended restaurants:
Day 2: Oxya, Aristi, and Papingo – Nature and History
Oxya – The best view of Vikos gorge
On your second day, start with a walk towards Oxya, one of the most magical landscapes of Vikos Gorge. The gorge is 12 kilometers long, over 900 meters deep, and 1,100 meters wide, holding a Guinness World Record for being the deepest gorge in the world in proportion to its width.
Exploring the Stone Forest
On the way to Oxyia, visit the Stone Forest, a magnificent formation of limestone rocks that appear to be human-made. These stone slabs, stacked one on top of the other, are aged between 160 to 35 million years. The erosion from rain and wind has created this result.
Coffee in Aristi
Next, head towards the village of Aristi for a coffee or snack in the village square, enjoying the serene atmosphere and picturesque views. Aristi is one of the most well-known traditional settlements in Zagorochoria, located at an altitude of 640 meters, offering views of the impressive rocks of Tymfi.
Visit to the Voidomatis River and the Monastery of Spiliotissa
Leaving Aristi, in about 3 kilometers, you will reach the Voidomatis River and the aristocratic bridge of Aristi. It’s one of our favorite spots in Zagorochoria.
Cross the bridge, park your car, and walk the short but enjoyable path along the river.
Before crossing the bridge, you can visit the Monastery of Spiliotissa, located on the left bank of the river, about 5 kilometers after Aristi on the road to Papingo.
When you are at the Spiliotissa monastery, go up the steep but distinct little path that leads to the bell tower. From there the view is fantastic.
Exploring Megalo and Mikro Papingo
The next stop on your route is Megalo Papingo. Under the imposing shadow of Astraka, this stone village looks like a jewel. The view towards the Tymfi mountain range will take your breath away. Park your car at the entrance of the village in the spacious parking lot and explore the village on foot, walking through its narrow alleys.
Leaving Megalo Papingo and heading towards Mikro Papingo, just 1 kilometer away, you will notice a small bridge and a sign. Park there and follow the path to admire the Rogovos Pools, also known as Kolymbithres. These pools in the limestone rocks were created by the movement of the Rogovo stream.
Day 3: Tsepelovo and Balta di Striga Waterfalls – A Refreshing Experience
Stroll in Tsepelovo
Start your day with a visit to the village of Tsepelovo, another beautiful village of Zagori. The route itself offers stunning landscapes, and the village’s stone architecture is enchanting. The small stone paths lead to the village’s landmark, its square with a large tree.
Kapetan Arkoudas Bridge and Kokkoris Bridge
On your way to Tsepelovo, you will encounter Kapetan Arkoudas Bridge and the impressive Kokkori Bridge. Then, head towards Iliochori, one of the Vlach villages of Zagori.
A visit in Iliochori
In the square, the huge plane tree, the pride of the village, is said to be over a thousand years old and is the largest in Zagori and one of the largest in Greece. Next to the square is the Church of Saint Nicholas, renovated in 1850.
Balta di Striga Waterfalls
Don’t miss the chance to walk to the Balta di Striga Waterfalls. The hike is relatively easy and leads to the enchanting waterfalls, offering a refreshing experience in nature.
A visit in Sarakatsaniki Stani
End your trip with a visit to the Sarakatsani Settlement, a faithful representation of a Sarakatsani seasonal settlement. Covering a total area of 16 acres, it includes the traditional “konakia” and the animal pens.
Whether you are a nature lover or an enthusiast of history and tradition, Zagorochoria has something special to offer. We hope this guide inspires you and helps you organize an unforgettable trip to this magical destination.
Other options
- If you want to change your schedule a bit, you can stay one night in Vitsa and one night in Megalo Papingo. In this case, we recommend the Avragonio accommodation, which offers breathtaking views. Check it out here.
Enjoy your stay and happy exploring!
