Carved in stone and spread in the National Park of Vikos Aoos, rivaling one another in natural beauty and charm, the villages of Zagorohoria remain one of the most popular mountain destinations in Greece. They are located at the north of Ioannina, with the imposing Vikos Gorge at the background. Divided in Central, East and West Zagori, they are more than 46 in total and are characterized as traditional settlements. Let’s discover them!

Aristi

Perched on the mountain with a view to Papigo and Astraka’s peak, Aristi is considered the gate to the majestic world of Zagoria. Located 48 km. away from Ioannina, the beautiful Aristi is the main village of West Zagori. You will be impressed by the imposing church of the Assumption, the picturesque paved alleyways and the old fountain. Do not miss the monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa, built on the cliff side of a cave, dating back to 1579!

Papigo

Papigo is without doubt the most beautiful village of Zagoria. There, you will enjoy snowy stone roofs, smoked chimneys and the smell of the burnt wood combined with the crystal clear mountain air, in the most authentic of the 46 villages of Zagori. In Megalo Papigo you will be charmed by the traditional Zagori architecture, the cobbled streets and the fairytale atmosphere.

Located 3 km away from Megalo Papigo, at the end of the road, you will see its "little brother", the Small Papigo, a haven of peace and tranquility. Do not miss the hexagon steeple of Saint Vlasios, as well as the “Ovires”, the natural pools with the crystal clear waters. Also from here, you can follow plenty of trails that will introduce you to the beauties of Tymfi mountain.

Vikos

One of the most famous villages of Zagoria, thanks to Vikos gorge, Vikos village is perched at an altitude of 770 meters, and is definitely worth visiting for the breathtaking view of Vikos Gorge and Papigo village.

Ano Pedina

In the heart of Zagoria, in central Zagori, Ano Pedina is perched at an altitude of 900 meters. Discover major attractions including the Monastery of Evangelistria dating from 1793 and the monastery of Agia Paraskevi dating from 1750.

Vradeto

Raised to 1,340 meters, Vradeto is not only the highest village in Zagori, but also one of the oldest. Here you will find the beautiful and elaborate Vradeto stairs, a wonderful path built by renowned craftsmen of Zagori in order to link Vradeto village with Kapesovo village.

Dilofo

Built at an altitude of 880 meters, Dilofo is an impressive village in Central Zagori, where you can admire some of the most beautiful mansions of Epirus, the highest house of Zagori with a height of 13.5 meters and the school of I.Anagnostopoulos.

Monodendri

One of the most touristic villages of Zagori, Monodendri is located at the opposite side of Vradeto, at an altitude of 1,060 meters. There you will enjoy the slopes of Tymfi and Astraka. Also  in Monodendri you will find multiple dining options.

Kipi

Photo by Vicky Laz

Kipi village is one of the oldest settlements in the area, dating from 1431. Take photographs of the stone bridges, enjoy walks in the woods and the fountains and strolls in the beautiful cobbled streets.

Vitsa

One of the biggest villages of Zagori, Vitsa has winding streets, well built houses, many churches and monasteries. From here you have access to Vikos stairs and Misios bridge.

For your stay at Vitsa, choose Zagori Suites. Perched at an altitude of 1,000 meters, just a breath away from Vikos gorge and the stone bridges of Voidomatis,  Zagori Suites is the top choice in Zagorochoria for the lovers of comfort and luxury.

For your stay at Mikro Papigo, choose the beautiful boutique hotel Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel & Spa. Located at Mikro Papigo village, the first "green" hotel of Epirus offers everything you wish from a boutique hotel. a fairytale landscape, an immense choice of outside activities, traditional concepts, design aesthetics and unbeatable services. With the occasion of Epiphany holiday, go on a memorable 5day trip to Zagori, with a stay at Mikro Papigo 1700. 

From: Anthi Sasmatzoglou

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