To Aristi
You travel to Ioannina on your own account. Here you’ll be met and taken to the accommodation in Aristi. From the square, below the plane trees, you may admire
From Aristi over the Grabala summit to Elafotopos (PZ19031x)
You leave Aristi village and turn into a country road. You cut a wide bend by a path and reach the road again near the Agia Paraskevi chapel. You again leave the road and climb the Grabala summit by the gently ascending slope. On this spot an important battle has been fought in the Balkan War; later you’ll pass the monument for the fallen.
From the summit the views are magnificent: over the plateau of Pedina and the Aoos river and past the Vikos gorge over the Astrakas plateau and summit. Then you descend to the asphalt road with the afore mentioned monument. You follow a cattle path around the hill, cross the asphalt road and enter Elafotopos by a country road.
walking time/distance: 4h20’ / 9,7km
ascent/descent: 740m / 285m
start/finish: Aristi / Elafotopos
Along Oxia viewpoint to Monodendri (PZ03011x)
You ascend along mountain paths towards the pass with a remarkable red iconostasis and views back to Elafotopos. Then you descend by mountain paths and meadows to Ano Pedina. You’ll pass through the village, then past a chapel en the (deserted) Agia Paraskevi monastery. From there you’ll ascend to the stony Stouros plain, cattle area.
Upon arrival on the plateau you’ll soon reach the Oxia ‘balcony’. with spectacular views into the Vikos gorge. You are right above the Klima spring which services the hikers in the gorge, but 900m higher! You descend through the ‘stone forest’ with the particular Zagorian piles of stone (schists). An easy descent by a lovely forest path brings you in Monodendri village.
(You may skip Oxia and take the asphalt road to Monodendri.)
walking time/distance: 5h50’ / 17.8km
ascent/descent: 545m / 585m
start/finish: Elafotopos / Monodendri
Through the Vikos gorge to Mikro Papingo (PZ01081x)
Hike through the Vikos gorge. The descent from Monodendri is steep and can be slippery but the path is not too difficult. The morning shade helps you enjoy the weed-covered slopes.
After about an hour walking and 350m further down you arrive at stream level and sometimes even walk through the rocky stream bed. Mostly, however, the path is good. You gradually descend another 200m until you reach the Voidomatis springs: the clearest water you’ve ever seen! From there you ascend again about 500m to the village of Papingo at the foot of the impressive ‘black towers’.
walking time/distance: 7h / 15.8km
ascent/descent: 710m / 825m
start/finish: Monodendri / Mikro Papingo
Along the Dragon Lake to the Astrakas mountain refuge (PZ08091x)
With your overnight gear in your daypack you leave Papingo and start the long ascent to the Astrakas mountain refuge. You’ll pass 4 springs on your way up. The views are getting ever more panoramic. At the refuge you may leave part of your luggage and continue to the Dragon Lake.
Here the small ‘dragons’ (Alpine newts) swim in the cold lake. Behind this special lake the slope is almost vertical down to the Aoos river: a splendid sight. You return to the refuge by the same route.
walking time/distance: 6h / 12,5km
ascent/descent: 1385m / 440m
start/finish: Mikro Papingo / Astrakas mountain refuge
Over the Astrakas plateau to Tsepelovo (PZ09101x)
You leave the refuge and walk over the Astrakas plateau with the Astrakas and Gamila summits on your sides. Here is a good chance to spot chamois. You’ll pass the ‘bride hole’ and walk over meadows and barren limestone plains and along the Mega Lakas side gorge. Then you’ll descend into Tsepelovo which you’ll see when you still have 700 altimeters to go.
In Mrs Gouris traditional guest house you’ll find your luggage waiting for you. High time for a drink in one of the local cafees in the lovely square!
walking time/distance: 5h40’ / 15,0km
ascent/descent: 325m / 1165m
start/finish: Astrakas mountain refuge / Tsepelovo
Along Beloi viewpoint and the Vradeto steps to Kipi (PZ10131x)
From Tsepelovo immediately starts the ascending path to the plateau. After another stoney descent you’ll find yourself on a lovely restaured kalderimi leading to the Beloi viewpoint, opposite Oxia (near Monodendri). From this balcony the views into the Vikos gorge are marvellous.
From Beloi you continue to Vradeto village. Besides the square with traditional taverna this village is famous for its ‘Vradeto steps’, a winding kalderimi down to Kapesovo. You cross the asphalt road, follow an old connecting route, cross the asphalt again and finally descend by a forest path to the Vikakis stream and the village Kipi.
walking time/distance: 6h40’ / 18.2km
ascent/descent: 705m / 1015m
start/finish: Tsepelovo / Kipi
The arched bridges of the Zagoria (PZ13011x)
A relatively easy walk past the splendid arched bridges of the Zagoria.
From Kipi you cross the small Milou bridge (with old watermill) and follow the path the famous tri-arched bridge Plakida or Kalogero. Then a mountain path over a small summit to the Arkouda bridge to cross the Vikos river.
By paths and dirt roads you ascend to Dilofo, a traditional and sleepy village. Enjoying the magnificent view you ascend further to Vitsa, where you may enjoy a drink on the central square with age-old plane tree. A forest path along a small brook finally leads you to Monodendri.
walking time/distance: 4h25’ / 11.8km
ascent/descent: 720m / 395m
start/finish: Kipi / Monodendri
Departure from the Zagoria
After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. You’re taken back to Ioannina.
NL: +31 6 282 505 64