Unmissable highlights in Vikos Gorge and the Zagori Villages
Introduction
If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, hiking, heights, valleys, swimming in rock pools, quaint mountain villages and a cold beer at the end of a day with unparalleled views, then Vikos Gorge & the Zagori Villages in Greece are for you!
Vikos Gorge is one of the most off the beaten track locations in Greece albeit a privilege to visit. It is a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece and lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi. With a length of 20km and a depth of up to 490m, its narrowest point is only a few metres wide.
The Vikos Gorge region in Zagori, Greece, has a few places that can’t be missed! It is flanked by some gorgeous little mountain villages in the Zagori region. There are 44 traditional stone villages in the Zagoria area, named Zagorochoria. These have been protected by modern civilisation until very recently and include Aristi, Monodendri, Vradeto, Vikos and Papingo.
For travelers following my adventures through mainland Greece, as part of the best of Greece in 3 weeks itinerary, then this forms day 9.
Accommodation
I have discussed each recommended accommodation option for the various days on this journey through mainland Greece in my posts above, however in Vikos Gorge we stayed in the beautiful Aberratio Hotel in Aristi. We booked through Booking.com (as always) because of their best rates and return customer perks such as free breakfasts and discounted rates! Click here to check out Aberratio Hotel on Booking.com! You’ll find many photos to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Transport
Unless you are on an organised tour (in which case you’ll be on a fixed timetable and unlikely able to visit many of these sites), then you’ll need a hire car. I’ve booked many times through Rentalcars.com as they have an amazing choice of well looked after cars through many of the most reputable car hire companies. Best of all: they have incredible rates! Click here to score a sweet deal for your trip!
12 Unmissable Highlights of Vikos Gorge & the Zagori Villages
- Oxya Viewpoint
- Stone Forest
- Lunch at Monodendri Town
- Kokkoris Stone Bridge
- Vradeto Steps
- Scenic drive to Vradeto for views along the entire Vikos Gorge
- Dinner in Vikos Village
- Balcony drinks at Aberratio Hotel terrace, Aristi
- Voidomatos River
- Papingo Rock Pools
- Lunch in Papingo
- Konitsa Old Stone Bridge
For other unique ideas in the Vikos Gorge and Zagori Villages region, be sure to click here to view the amazing offers and experiences from Viator!
1. Oxya Viewpoint
As you can see in my video above, Oxya Viewpoint is one of the absolutely not-to-be-missed sites in Vikos Gorge! The views will leave you spellbound and we found it to be largely unpopulated compared to many of the more well known touristic sites in Greece.
The classic viewpoint will take you down a stone path towards some viewing platforms.
However, for the true adventurers, there is a dirt track to the left of the stone path near its beginning. Visitors will walk up a gentle hill a short way and then scramble up some rocks and find themselves almost suspended above the canyon, with no fences, restrictions or signage.
For those with a passion for extreme nature views, you’ve hit the jackpot. We did not see this pathway advertised anywhere and happened upon it by accident. It was one of my favourite memories and undoubtedly one of the best hikes of mainland Greece.
2. Stone Forest
Near to Oxya Viewpoint is the Stone Forest, a remarkable natural vision of slated panels of rock that weave their way through the vegetation. It can be seen from the car on the road to Oxya but is well worth a stop along the way to investigate their intriguing formations more closely!
3. Lunch at Monodendri Town
The quiet, laid back charm of Monodendri town will stay with you long after you’ve left. We stopped in for lunch and some rehydration at Cafe Matzato, one of a few restaurant options in town. Shaded under umbrellas and vines, we experienced delightful Greek hospitality whilst raised on a terrace overlooking the main street.
There are also a few souvenir shops where visitors can find a unique keepsake from the region. I found a pottery vase inscribed with ‘Zagori Villages’ which now sits proudly on my dining buffet at home! It’s also a great place to stock up on snacks and water for any hikes in the region.
4. Kokkoris Stone Bridge
Dotted throughout the Vikos Gorge region are several old stone bridges. The architectural masterpiece of Kokkoris Bridge is located close to the road and current day modern bridge and is one of the most popular in the Zagori area.
5. Vradeto Steps
Hiking the Vradeto Steps is a great way to spend a half or full day in Vikos Gorge. We parked near the town of Kapesovo, walked down the gorge on one side and then up the Vradeto Steps on the other. The pathway leads past the stone balcony Beloi viewpoint and to the small town of Vradeto which has an altitude of 1350m. There is a small coffee house in Vradeto however this was closed on our arrival.
Staircases like these were built in the 18th century and previously provided the only means of connection between the small villages. The pathway consists of 1200 steps (although this is variable amongst websites).Nowadays a road connects the villages, constructed in the 1970s.
The view from the top of Vikos Gorge is simply indescribable! See my video above for a quick snapshot of its grandeur!
6. Scenic drive to Vradeto for views along the entire Vikos Gorge
If hiking is not your thing and you can’t fathom making it up 1200 steps, then don’t despair! You can also drive along the road from Kapesovo to Vradeto and take in some of the most awe inspiring views along Vikos Gorge!
7. Dinner at Vikos Town
For the ultimate in romance, drive to Vikos Town for a meal. Arriving at dusk, we first joined a few locals out walking their dogs around the small village, which has another superb view across Vikos Gorge. It is also the start of the Voidomatos Springs Trail through the gorge.
Finishing back in town after a small loop walk through the old stone buildings, we had 2 or 3 small home owned restaurant options to choose from to satiate our growing hunger. We took a seat on the front stone verandah of Hristoforos Tsoumanis Restaurant which was decorated in bright blooming flowers. Here we were treated to some hearty home cooked meals: pork in white wine sauce and fried potatoes, and lamb in lemon sauce with rice.
As mentioned in a previous post, Greek hospitality extends to complimentary desserts and in the small village of Vikos, this was no exception. When the sweet cream kataifi was placed in front of us, we could have died and gone to heaven.
8. Balcony drinks at Aberratio Hotel terrace, Aristi
Fortunately we had booked accommodation at Aberratio Hotel because it was here that we found one of the most serene patio terrace bars where we could enjoy evening drinks. The hotel is on the perimeter of Aristi town in Zagori and has unobstructed views of Vikos Gorge and in particular, it’s stellar sunset.
As a side note, the hotel breakfast comprises a strong selection of home made Greek delicacies. Combined with the luxury interiors and quiet surroundings, these are definitely some compelling reasons to stay here!
Visit Booking.com to secure Aberratio Hotel at a stellar rate!
9. Voidomatos River
I have one word: icy. The Voidomatos River has a length of 15 kilometres and converges with multiple other river tributaries at the base of the mountains. It is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and popular for rafting and kayaking. We visited during the height of summer and were brimming with excitement for a dip after a long hot hike.
Sadly, we could not! With only one foot in the river we quickly realised it was the equivalent of an athlete’s ice bath! We did see two daring individuals plunge into the waters ever so quickly, escaping to the river bank after about 15 seconds. The remaining visitors were seated on the bank with picnics and books, enjoying life in the warm air!
A number of traditional stone bridges also span the river along its length.
10. Papingo Rock Pools
Another much more palatable swimming option are the Papingo Rock Pools. These pools snake their way through a narrow gorge and you’ll find many locals and holiday-goers alike enjoying a refreshing dip on a weekend.
Find your spirit of adventure and walk through the famous stone structures to explore deeper within the canyon. Take a dip and enjoy one of the most popular experiences in Zagori, Greece!
The pools are suitable for adults and children alike and make for a wonderful family option on a holiday to mainland Greece.
11. Lunch in Papingo
If you’ve forgotten to pack a picnic for the Papingo Rock Pools above, then be sure to stop by in Papingo town. Here you’ll find a few restaurants that provide a homely and natural scene to enjoy some lunch after a swim.
Our favourite was Astra Restaurant, set within the local forest and brimming with trees, quaint potted plants and bright blooming flowers. We enjoyed a delicious light lunch of stuffed zucchini blossoms, a Greek salad and tzatziki.
12. Konitsa Old Stone Bridge
One of the most striking bridges that requires a turn off from the main highway is Konitsa Bridge, close to the Albanian border of northwestern Greece. The architecture and intelligent construction of this bridge will have you feeling as if you’d stepped into medieval times. This single span pedestrian bridge crosses the sparkling Aoos River and is 20 metres high and 35 metres in length, making it one of the largest single arch bridges in the Balkans.
The fact that it is still standing today is no mean feat. It has survived unsuccessful attempts by the Turkish Army to burn it down and blow it up!
