Nothing compares to waking-up within the surroundings of the atmospheric Monopatia Resort in Zagorohoria and a satisfying day spent amidst the lush nature provided at the countless attractions of the northern Pindos mountain range. Read on and discover a small selection of them all...19 locations within the beautiful Zagorohoria village complex that you should visit while in Epirus. 

Kato Pedina village

Amphitheatrically positioned upon three hills, Kato Pedina village dominate the large plateau. Discover the six old stone-built wells and visit the central square where the church of Agios Athanassios built in 1704 and the church of the Taxiarches built in 1591 will amaze you with their architecture.

Elafotopos village

At 1.100 metres altitude, Elafotopos or Tservari village await your visit and in return they give you natural beauty in abundance and the best climate you have ever experienced - zero humidity and eternal sunshine -. Admire the two-storey, stone-built housing and the main village square where the church of Agios Nikolaos with its seven chapels provide a spectacle. Visit the Folklore and History Museum of Elafotopos wich boasts a rich collection categorised according to the 24 professions and occupations of the locals and cherishing more than 1.000 exhibits dating back to the 19th century.

Monodendri village

Significant traditional settlement located above Vikos Gorge holding the Guiness record of a gorge with the narrowest width (1.100 meters) and a depth of over 900 meters. Monodendri cherishes the church of Agios Minas (17^th century with wonderful hagiographies dating back to 1620 and the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi (15^th century) nestled in a small plateau above the gorge. Seek for the Rizarios Exhibition Centre, the Rizario Handicraft Centre and the Open Air Theatre which all constitute great attractions of the village. Between Monodendri and Vitsa village you will come across the most archaic settlement of Epirus which is worthy to see. In Vitsa you may visit the church of Our Lady Panagia (16^th - 17^th century) and a series of well-preserved traditional mansions that belonged to traders of the area. Also between Monodendri and Vitsa lies the ancient Monastery of Prophet Elias Vitsas (1400 AD). 

Photo by Flickr_RobW

Koukouli village

Yet another beautiful village boasting remarkable mansion houses one of which hosts the Botanical Museum with at least 1.300 kinds of herbs from the region and a significant library. You may also visit the old School and the Church of the Assumption (1788).

Kipi village

The village cherishes six stone-built bridges dating back to the 18^th century which you can get across no matter how swollen the rivers of Zagori may be. Mountains Mitsikeli and Gamila form a maze of small but wild gorges which you could discover with guidance. At Kipi village you will also find the Folklore Museum Agapios Tolis which boasts collections of old embroidery, traditional costumes, silver jewelry and other treasurous exhibits.

Dilofo village

Next to Kipi village there is Dilofo village bearing its pure beauty absolutely untouched. Upon entering Dilofo, you will see the highest house of Zagorohoria with a height of 13.5 metres. Search for the church of Panagia amidst the oak forest and the stone-built bridge of Noutsos (1750 AD).

Vradeto village

Vradeto village is located at an altitude of 1.340 meters. There, we will discover the famous stone-paved stairs under the name Scala of Vradeto (1200 steps). Have lunch at its small tavern and then walk to the petrified forest formed by trees and rocks, thus, resulting to a 3D painting that will astonish you. Towards Tsepelovo you can visit the Monastery of Rogovou built in 1749 AD.

Kapesovo village

In Kapesovo we will seek for the Paschaleios School (1861 AD) which now houses a folklore museum and a wealthy library. At the heart of the village we will visit the church of Agios Nikolaos for its significant central altar and the wonderful hagiographies.

Tsepelovo village

Picturesque village and the largest out of the 44 villages of Zagorohoria where we will admire countless mansions at splendid condition. Walk through the stone-paved alleys of the settlement until you reach the central church of Agios Nikolaos bearing a hexagonal tower, 12 domes and 16 arches and constitutes a real gem of ecclesiastical architecture.

Skamneli village

Skamneli is one of the oldest villages of Zagorohoria bearing significant religious monuments such as the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi and the church of Agioi Apostoloi (Holy Apostles) at its main square. Take the road towards Iliochori and Vrissohori for a 20 kilometer drive amidst a stunning nature.

Mikro and Megalo Papigo villages

Beautiful, picturesque settlements at the foot of Mount Astraka, where you will discover beautiful churches and significant mansion houses. Pick and choose among a number of hiking trips towards the dragon lake Drakolimni, or Vikos gorge and the peak of Mount Gamila. If you are there during summer, discover the Rogovou lagoons and take a refreshing dive.

Aristi village, Vikos village

Head to Aristi village for a rafting session down Vikos river. Discover the beautiful nature that surrounds the Spiliotissa Artsistas Monastery (17^th century) and climb a bit further up to reach Vikos village cherishing spectacular views over the springs of Voidomatis river.  Also worthy to visit are the three dragon lakes up on the mountains Smolikas, Timphi and Grammos.

Aoos - Voidomatis  - Vikos

The gorge between river Aoos (9 km in length) is the northern boundary of the National Park while the southern boundary is that of Vikos Gorge (10 km long). This is where river Voidomatis steams from - a river bearing the cleanest and coldest waters of all rivers across Greece -. Abundant nature to which is worthy to feast your eyes. 

Mount Gamila (Timphi)

The most challenging project of the region for mountaineers and nature lovers. Fifteen peaks of 2.500 meters height each, hiking paths, stone-built bridges, forests, lakes, gorges, springs and tributaries…all awaiting to be discovered and admired. A paradise on earth with specimens of touristic development that were specially crafted with respect to the environment but also to manage the accommodation of the 500.000 tourists and visitors approaching the region on an annual basis.

Photo by Alpine Zone

Konitsa

Amphitheatrically built town at the slopes of Pindos and above the valley where the rivers Aoos and Voidomatis meet and which is extensively used for farming purposes. Discover the largest stone-built arch bridge in the Balkans which was been constructed from 1823 to 1871, as well as, the Monastery Stomiou built in 1774 AD.   

Church of our Lady Panagia Molivoskepasti

Located in Bourazani and at only 400 meters from the Albanian border, this magnificent monastery was built 1.300 years ago in 670 AD and it is totally worthy to see from close up.

Perama Cave

Near Ioannina city and within Goritsa hill we discover famous Perama Cave which was created 1.500.000 years ago and was discovered in 1940 by locals. Its exploration begun in 1956 by Greek cavers Anna and John Petrocheilos and now takes us to a tour of 1.500 meters of marvelous stalactites and stalagmites within successive chambers.

Dodoni archaeological site

At the foot of Mount Tomaros and 22 km southwest of Ioannina city we find the Dodoni archaeological site with the famous oracle and theater which have survived total destruction despite the odds and against the sufferings of the region of Epirus in general.

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From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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