Zagorohoria Greece: Everything you need to know

One of our favourite mountain destinations! Zagorohoria (also called Zagori or Zagorochoria) is a mountainous region in Epirus, northwestern Greece, located in the Pindus Mountains north of Ioannina. It consists of 46 traditional stone villages built amphitheatrically across the peaks of Tymfi, Pindos, and Mitsikeli.

In 2023, UNESCO added Zagorohoria to its World Heritage List as a Cultural Landscape, recognising its unique network of centuries-old stone paths, arched bridges, and traditional architecture that has remained largely unchanged for 300 years.

Zagorohoria is the country’s greatest mountain secret, a UNESCO-protected region of extraordinary natural and architectural beauty, home to the world’s deepest gorge, glacial alpine lakes, crystal-clear rivers, and a near-total absence of mass tourism. In our travel guide, you will find all the necessary information before your first visit to Zagorohoria.

General Information

• The Zagorohoria villages are 46 in total.
• They are built amphitheatrically in the mountainous area of ​​Tymfi, Pindos, and Mitsikeli, or in the area of ​​Zagori.
• The local architecture is based on stone, wood, and slate. Many of the villages have been designated protected settlements.
• The villages are built at an altitude of 500 to 2,500 meters, which is the highest peak of Tymfi, Gamila.
• The word Zagori is Slavic and means “place behind the mountains”.
• Zagori is divided into West, East, and Central Zagori.

How to get to Zagorohoria

The gateway to Zagorohoria is Ioannina, the capital of Epirus:

By Air: Ioannina Airport (IOA), direct flights from Athens (~50 min). Limited international flights. Alternatively, fly to Thessaloniki or Athens and drive (4 hours from Athens, 2 hours from Thessaloniki).

Read our guides for Ioannina and Thessaloniki

By Car from Athens: ~430km, approximately 4.5 hours via the Egnatia Odos motorway. A car is essential once in the region, public transport between villages is extremely scarce (at best, one weekly bus to major villages outside peak season).

By Bus: KTEL buses from Athens to Ioannina run regularly. From Ioannina, limited local buses to some villages.

💡 Our strongest tip: Rent a car. It is the only way to properly explore the region. Rent from Discovercars.com and compare prices.

The Villages

Below, we will list the villages we visited and recommend the ones we believe are worth a little more than the rest. However, as a whole, all the Zagorohoria are beautiful and offer their visitor the tranquility they seek, in a beautiful, natural environment.

Asprangeloi

One of the first villages we met and headquartered in Central Zagori, at a distance of just 30 kilometers from Ioannina. It is a martyr village, with an important role in the resistance against the Germans, who in 1943 completely burned the village. You will find many beautiful stone houses and mansions, paved with many large plane trees. You can visit the Monastery of Dovra and the Monastery of Panagia, dating from 1600. Also, the church of Agios Nikolaos is one of the largest churches in Zagori since 1778. For homemade appetizers with a traditional atmosphere, sit at the tavern/tsipouro restaurant “To Lychnari”. Also, for local delicacies, visit the tavern “Virginia” and the restaurant bar “Montaza”.

Dilofo

Dilofo got its name because of its location, at the foot of two hills. The altitude of the village is 860 meters, and the distance from Ioannina is 34 kilometers. For many, the settlement is considered the most beautiful and well-preserved village. Upon entering the village, leave the car in the parking lot, as there are no vehicles in the village. You can wander the traditional cobbled streets, between the mansions (such as the Makropoulos mansion, the tallest house in Zagori, 13.5 meters). Walk to the main picturesque square and climb to the highest point of the village to enjoy the wonderful view. For traditional dishes, we recommend the tavern “Orestis” and the restaurant “Lithos”.

Aristi

It is located in West Zagori and is one of the largest villages of Zagorohoria. It is 48 km from Ioannina and its altitude is 650 meters. The traditional neighbourhoods and the picturesque cobbled streets make it one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece. It has shown significant tourist development in recent years.

In addition to the elegant hotels and hostels, Aristi is within walking distance of the surrounding attractions, the ravine of Vikos, the river Voidomatis and Drakolimni (which you will see below in the article). There are also many other activities you can arrange, such as rafting, horseback riding and trekking. One of the best restaurants in the area is “En Aristi”, with a unique view and delicious dishes. Also, “Hani” in the middle of the square, with a balcony that offers an equally wonderful view.

Vikos

One of the most famous villages in Zagorohoria is due to its name. It is located at the edge of the gorge with the same name, where the Vikos – Aoos national park begins. It is 53 kilometers northwest of Ioannina and its altitude is 770 meters. Follow the signs for the view of the ravine of Vikos, where you will find two kiosks that offer amazing views. For traditional dishes, we recommend the tavern “Tsoumanis”.

Vitsa

It belongs to Central Zagori and has been declared a traditional protected settlement. The distance from Ioannina is 36 km with an altitude of 960 meters. It is built amphitheatrically on the borders of the Vikos – Aoos national park and at the beginning of the Vikos ravine. In the picturesque square of the village, between the traditional cafes, there is a 600-year-old plane tree. The Zagorian architecture with many mansions, the stone cobbled streets, and the churches, offers a picturesqueness of Vitsa that you will love. For homemade dishes (with mushrooms as the main ingredient), we recommend  “Kanella kai Garyfallo”(Cinnamon and Clove).

Kipi

It is located at an altitude of 800 meters and is 38 kilometers from Ioannina. In Kipi, you will find most of the administrative services of Zagori, such as police, court, justice of the peace, mortgage office, forestry, etc. In addition to the impressive architecture and cobbled streets, the Gardens are characterized by rich natural beauty. They are renowned for the ornate arched stone bridges on the rivers Vikakis and Bagiotikos. We recommend the traditional taverna “Stou Michali”, on the main road of Kipi.

Ano Pedina

It is located in Central Zagori and has an altitude of 960 meters. The distance from Ioannina is 36 km. They have been declared a traditional settlement, as the architecture of Zagori is well preserved.

Papigo – Small Papigo

One of the most famous villages in Zagorohoria, with a developed tourist infrastructure. They are 59 and 61.5 kilometers respectively northwest of Ioannina and are located at an altitude of 960 meters. Their location is within the boundaries of the Vikos-Aoos National Park. There is a path that connects the two villages, which are the starting point for your excursions around. To reach them, you will cross a bridge over the river Voidomatis. The route includes several turns until you climb the villages.

In the villages, you will find elegant accommodation, taverns, and cafes. For food, we recommend the restaurant “Kalliopi”, where, in addition to the beautiful space of homemade traditional products and the kind staff, we had the ultimate gastronomic experience (we ordered wild boar with plums, paprika, and mushroom pie). We also recommend the tavern “Aris” with very good quality meat and traditional desserts “Bimtsa”.

Monodendri

A village that has also been characterized as a traditional preserved settlement in Zagorohoria. Its altitude is 1060 meters and it is 39 kilometers northwest of Ioannina. You can walk amongst the stone houses and the picturesque cobbled streets and visit the Rizareio Handicraft Center. There you will find traditional, woven embroidery and many more works of traditional art. We suggest you follow the signs to the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, which will lead you through a beautiful cobbled path up to the Monastery.

From there it continues to one of the views of the gorge of Vikos. Try the traditional pies at “Pies of Kikitsa”, the first shop in Zagori that has been feeding tourists since 1958. Mrs. Kikitsa made the famous flour pie, which is still available today.

What to do in Zagorohoria

Dracolimni

It is located in the mountain range of Tymfi, at an altitude of 2050 meters. It is a lake between the mountains that offers breathtaking views. Its shape is elliptical, and although the landscape around the lake is bare, the panoramic view of the mountain peaks is stunning. It is filled with water permanently, and its special feature is the Tritons, a rare species of amphibians that look like a dragon.

To reach Drakolimni, you must follow the hiking route, which starts from Mikro Papigo, a route of 4 hours. Alternatively, you can start from the Astraka shelter, from which it takes 1.5-2 hours hiking.

The routes below are some of the most popular for hiking enthusiasts, and are relatively relaxing:

• Mikro Papigo – Astrakas Shelter: approximately 5.6 kilometers in 3: 30-4: 00 hours.
• Shelter – Drakolimni Tymfi: 2.8 km approximately in 1: 30-2: 00 hours.

In total, about 17 km on the way back.

Altitude difference: about 1,080 meters.

Vikos Gorge

A wild and imposing landscape with amazing views. It is a landmark in Zagorohoria. Vikos Gorge is one of the natural attractions with significant ecological value. It has entered the Guinness World Records as the deepest gorge in proportion to its width, as at one point the depth is 900 meters and the width is 1100 meters.

The gorge of Vikos is located in the core of the national park Vikos-Aoos, one of the most important ecosystems in Greece due to the rare flora and fauna. More specifically, the special fauna of Vikos includes the brown bear, wildcats, wolves, the rare and endangered Eurasian otter, and many more animals, but also 110 recorded species of birds, rare and not so rare. Also, 2,000 species and subspecies of flora have been recorded, of which 250 are considered medicinal herbs, and there were many “Vikiatrists” as they were called, who helped people heal with them.

The spots that offer the best view of the gorge are in Beloi, the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, and the Oxia spot. Many consider the Beloi spot the most impressive, which you will walk to from the village of Vradeto (10 – 25 minutes). You will reach the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi from the village of Monodendri by a beautiful path, where you will find the sign that states the location of the gorge in the Guinness World Records.

Bonus Tip: For us, the best viewpoint was in the area of ​​Oxia. There is a path that literally leads to the edge of the cliff, where you can see how imposing the gorge is. Not suitable for those who have height phobia and acrophobia.

But crossing the gorge is the best way to get to know it. With an experienced guide, you will walk on the marked paths. The route takes 5-7 hours and starts from Monodendri and ends at Vikos.

Stone Forest

Near the area of ​​Monodendri, there is the strange phenomenon of the Stone Forest, which is very exciting to see. Tower-like structures of limestone rocks rise majestically through a forest of maples and oaks.

Hiking

There are many mapped trails for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The natural diversity of Zagori, with the dense forests, the deep ravines, rivers, and impressive bridges, completes the natural beauty of the landscape. Many hiking trails are available, as the hiking trails are dense and vary in difficulty. The most famous is the passage of the ravine of Vikos (12.5 km, 5-7 hours).

It starts from the village of Vikos and reaches Monodendri or vice versa. The second best known is the Astrakas – Drakolimni refuge route (2.8 km, 1 hour). You will also find many more routes, and accompanied by an experienced guide, along with the necessary equipment, you will enjoy the impressive landscapes that Zagori has to offer

Voidomatis

It is a small tributary of the Aoos river with a length of about 15 km. Its special feature is its crystal clear waters, the clearest in Greece and perhaps in Europe. Its crystal clear waters will impress you, and many say that the water is drinkable. You can walk on the river and admire the landscape, or test your endurance among the extreme sports offered by Voidomatis, such as canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.

Kolimbithres

The well-known Kolimbithres, or “ovires”, are limestone pits, which were created by the flow of water and formed these natural pools. One of the must-visit places in Zagorohoria. The landscape is magical and, in summer, ideal for diving. Arriving at Mikro Papigo, you will see a sign to the Rogovo stream and the swimming pools. From there, after a few meters, you will see the first swimming pools, and moving upwards, the landscape becomes more and more wild and impressive.

Balta Di Striga Waterfalls

Near the village of Iliochori are the impressive waterfalls of Balta Di Striga. These are 3 waterfalls, with the largest having a height of 25 meters, forming 2 large and 1 small pedestals (lakes). The landscape that is created is fairytale-like and in the summer you can live the experience and swim in one of the lakes. It takes about 20 minutes to walk.

Best time to visit Zagorohoria

Zagorohoria is beautiful in every season, uniquely so:

Spring (April–June): Wildflowers carpet the gorge floor, rivers run high and crystal-clear, snowcapped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop. The ideal season for gorge hiking.

Summer (July–August): Best weather for Drakolimni and high-altitude hikes. Busiest but still far less crowded than any Greek island.

Autumn (September–November): The forests turn gold and amber, arguably the most photogenic season. Cooler temperatures make hiking perfect.

Winter (December–March): Snow-covered stone villages straight from a fairy tale. Wood fires, tsipouro, and silence. Nearby ski centres (Vasilitsa, Politsies) open a completely different, and magical Greece.

Where to stay in Zagorohoria

All villages offer traditional stone guesthouses in authentic Zagorian style. Expect warm hospitality, log fires, and exceptional home cooking:

Monodendri: Most convenient for gorge hiking. Several hotels and tavernas.

Papingo (Megalo & Mikro): Most spectacular setting, under the Astraka Towers. Best for Drakolimni hikes and rock pools.

Aristi: Best tourist infrastructure. Excellent restaurant scene. Close to Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis.

Kipi: Best base for stone bridge exploration (Central Zagori).

Browse all Zagorohoria accommodation on Booking.com. We recommend booking well in advance for summer and winter weekends.

For our stay in Zagorohoria, we chose the 19.40 Luxury Guesthouse, which is located in the area of ​​Kalpaki. The location of the accommodation is ideal, since Kalpaki is a crossroads to Zagorohoria. The first villages started within walking distance, something that made it much easier for us, as far as distances were concerned, as we had planned to visit different villages in different directions.

In terms of quality, the rooms are spotless and state-of-the-art, with a special style and luxury that meets tradition, in a building dating back to 1940. The hotel has 3 rooms and 3 suites, which combine traditional architecture with modern tourist infrastructure. Whichever room you choose to stay in, when entering it, you will feel its warmth and tranquility. All rooms have a large double bed with an anatomical mattress and a choice between a hard or soft pillow by COCO MAT. At the welcome tray, you will find the essentials for coffee and tea.

Apart from the beautiful and comfortable room, the owners are helpful and friendly, and won us over from the first moment we met them. They gave us tips on the surrounding areas, what to see, and where to eat. This is a family business, which started its project in 2019, and they run it with love and passion, constantly having in mind its evolution and improvement.

Bonus experience: The most beautiful experience we had was enjoying our breakfast overlooking the green mountains, relishing the absolute peace. What they offered us was homemade and very fresh, and we honoured it by finishing it to the last crumb.

Useful Sites

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Find offers and rooms on Booking.com.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to TripAdvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travellers find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found on Skyscanner.

Zagorohoria, Greece FAQ — Everything you need to know