Walking and Trekking in Zagori túrakönyv

Walking routes in Greece's wild and beautiful northern Pindos mountains

Guidebook to 30 walks and 3 treks centred on Zagori and Konitsa in mainland Greece. From easy strolls to demanding hikes along remote mountainous traverses, including the rugged peaks of Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas in the Pindos range, Drakolimni Lake, and the dramatic Vikos Gorge. With background information on architecture, history and wildlife.

Seasons

The best time to walk the routes is in springtime (end of May - June) and autumn (September - October) when the sun and temperatures are milder and the region quieter.

Centres

Kipi, Dilofo, Tsepelovo, Monodendri, Elafotopos, Papigo, Konitsa, Pades, Metsovo, Vovousa

Difficulty

Routes range from easy one-hour strolls on clear and well-waymarked paths suitable for all hikers (Grade 1) to strenuous ascents and rugged non-technical mountainous routes for which a very good level of fitness, route-finding skills and experience in high mountain terrain are required (Grade 4).

Must See

Vikos Gorge; scenic villages with unique architecture; amazing 18th-century stone bridges and cobblestone path network; Drakolimni alpine tarns (also known as the Dragonlakes); rafting opportunities on the Voidomatis River; stunning mountain scenery; the mystical Valia Calda National Park

CONTENTS

Map key

Regional overview map

Location of walks and treks

Introduction

Zagori: a historical and cultural overview

Geography and geology

Plants and wildlife

When to go

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Food and drink

Language

What to take

Maps and GPS

Weather forecasts

Staying safe

Emergencies, rescue and health services

Using this guide

The routes

1 Central Zagori

Walk 1 The round of the stone bridges

Walk 2 Kipi to Dilofo and Vitsa

Walk 3 Kipi to Kapesovo and Missios Bridge

Walk 4 Kipi to Tsepelovo and Kapesovo

Walk 5 The Vradeto staircase and Beloi viewpoint

Walk 6 Vikaki (Selato) Gorge

Walk 7 Mt Mitsikeli

Walk 8 Iliochori waterfalls

2 Vikos Gorge and vicinity

Walk 9 Vikos Gorge crossing

Walk 10 Oxia viewpoint

Walk 11 Voidomatis Springs and Theotokos Monastery

Walk 12 Voidomatis Gorge crossing

Walk 13 Kokkino Lithari viewpoint

Walk 14 Papigo villages and Ovires Rogovou natural pools

Trek 1 An alternative approach to the Vikos Gorge

3 Mt Timfi

Walk 15 Astraka Refuge and Drakolimni Lake

Walk 16 Robozi Lake

Walk 17 Gamila summit

Walk 18 Astraka summit

Walk 19 The round of Astraka

Walk 20 The Davalista trail (Astraka Refuge to Konitsa)

Walk 21 Astraka Refuge to Konitsa or Vrisochori over the Karteros Pass

Walk 22 Tsepelovo to Vrisochori traverse

Trek 2 The ultimate Zagori trek

4 Konitsa and Mt Smolikas

Walk 23 Mt Trapezitsa and Roidovouni Peak

Walk 24 Stomiou Monastery

Walk 25 Konitsa to Vrisochori traverse

Walk 26 Pades to Drakolimni of Smolikas Lake

Trek 3 The classic ascent to the Dragonlake of Smolikas

5 Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo

Walk 27 Valia Calda National Park

Walk 28 Avgo Peak

Walk 29 The Flega Lakes

Walk 30 Following the footprints of the brown bear in Metsovo

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Useful contacts and other practical information

Appendix C English-Greek glossary and expressions

Appendix D Further reading