To Tsepelovo
You travel on your own to Ioannina, where you’ll be met and taken to the accommodation in Tsepelovo. This lovely village has a cosy square with various tavernas and two little shops.
Past the Chatsiou bridge to Kipi (PZ10133x)
You leave Tsepelovo by country roads descending towards the Vikakis gorge with the Chatsiou arched bridge. You may follow the river for a short while until a second arched bridge; past it lies a gorge which always contains water and invites you to swim, if you can stand the cold. From the river you ascend through forest roads with sometimes views on the slopes past Tsepelovo. After 3 kilometer the descent starts towards Kipi.
There’s an alternative walk by a forest path past the bridge. This walk is more than 2km and 1h20’ longer. You may choose on the spot.
walking time/distance: 2h30’ / 8,8km
ascent/descent: 240m / 540m
start/finish: Tsepelovo / Kipi
Along the Zagoria bridges to Monodendri (PZ13012x)
You leave Kipi by the asphalt road and a path over the ‘Miller’s bridge’. You make a small detour to the famous triple arched bridge Plakida or Kaloyero. You proceed by a mountain path over the hill to the Kokoros bridge. From there you follow the stream bed of the Vikos river until you’ve reached the Misiou bridge (1748). Enjoying the views you ascend the ‘Vitsa steps’ to the lovely village with it’s plane-shaded square and a café with view.
The plane tree is over 600 years old: the planting is mentioned in the records of the Panagia monastery. From Vitsa you ascend further by a forest path to Monodendri.
walking time/distance: 3h30’ / 9,5km
ascent/descent: 585m / 260m
start/finish: Kipi / Monodendri
Circular walk through the Stone Forest to Oxia viewpoint (PZ01015a)
You make a circular walk from Monodendri. You ascend through the ‘Stone Forest’, limestone formations looking like piles of coins, specific for the Zagoria. Then an easy stretch through a flowery meadow until you’ve reached the Oxia ‘balcony’ for a great view into the Vikos gorge.
You walk back through the meadow and then about 1 kilometer of asphalt road. You head back into the forest and descend by forest paths back to Monodendri.
walking time/distance: 3h30’ / 9.5km
ascent/descent: 305m
start/finish: Monodendri
Along Ano Pedina to Elafotopos (PZ01032x)
You descend through Monodendri by a kalderimi, then a bit of asphalt road. By a small archeological site you take forest paths and gravel roads to the derelict monastery Profitis Ilias. Another bit of asphalt and then you’ll descend by a stony plateau to Ano Pedina, enjoying great views.
You pass the village Ano Pedina and start to ascend again over meadows. At the red iconostasis on the pass you’ll see the village Elafotopos ahead of you: just a last descent by cattle paths until you’ve reached the village.
walking time/distance: 3h30’ / 9,9km
ascent/descent: 375m / 365m
start/finish: Monodendri / Elafotopos
Over the Smindela plateau to Vikos (PZ03041x)
From Elafotopos you ascend gradually by gravel roads until you reach the Smindela plateau, a peculiar and little trodden landscape. From there you descend over grassy meadows and later through forest, with at intervalls splendid views over the Aoos river valley. Probably you’ll only encounter the goats of the old Vikos shepherdess.
Leaving the woods you’ll pass yet another characteristic iconostasis and see Vikos village below you. A stony descent to end the walk and then a well-deserved rest in the quiet village with some cosy tavernas.
walking time/distance: 3h30’ / 8.9km
ascent/descent: 285m / 600m
start/finish: Elafotopos / Vikos
The plane tree valley of the Voidomatis (PZ04051x)
You descend from Vikos to the Aristi bridge, a well-known spot for a swim in the Voidomatis river and start of rafting tours. You cross the bridge and ascend to the start of the ‘Ice age path’. The path takes you along the river valley of the Voidomatis, idyllically surrounded by plane trees. You may see trout and dippers forage in the clear water of the purest river of Greece. On the way you’ll find a lovely swimming spot at a small beach in a river bend.
After 1½ hours along the Voidomatis you’ll reach Klidonia arched bridge, a very photogenic place with artificial waterfall and fish pass. From the picknick area you may paddle in the river and admire the rafters who have to overcome the waterfall.
From here it’s just 10 minutes to your accommodation.
walking time/distance: 3h10’ / 9,8km
ascent/descent: 130m / 495m
start/finish: Vikos / Ano Klidonia
Departure from the Zagoria
After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. You’re taken back to Ioannina.
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