Home to 46 authentic villages known as Zagori villages (Zagorochoria) and the town of Ioannina, the provincial capital, the region lies in northwestern Greece, 104 km west of Meteora, and 260 km southwest of Thessaloniki.
The region is an area of great natural beauty, with striking geology, mountain peaks, rivers, and forests. There are two National Parks in the region, one around Valia Kalda east of Mt Tymphe, and the other The Vikos–Aoos National Park include the river Aoos and the Vikos Canyon.
The Vikos Canyon is one of the major nature attractions of Zagori, considered one of the deepest in the world, offering outdoor activities opportunities and great scenery.
The villages are typically built around a central square with a fountain, a large plane tree, and a large central church. Cobbled streets and footpaths which exit the square are home to rough stone built houses. The villages of Zagori were interconnected by mountain roads and more than 150 arched stone bridges, many of which are still in use enabling travelers to cross the numerous rivers and streams in the region.
To appreciate the beautiful scenery and culture Thetjoy.com recommends;
- Visit the viewpoints of Beloi Viewpoint near Vradeto, the Oxya Viewpoint, and the Vikos Gorge View Point near the village of Vikos.
- Visit the famous Papingo villages and enjoy the cultural and authentic vibes, and the great landscapes of the Vikos Canyon.
- Enjoy the Kolymbethres beautiful and tranquil rock pools, or hike to the Drakolimni of Tymfi (Dragonlake), a beautiful glacial lake overlooked by the peaks of Ploskos and Astraka.
- Stroll the narrow streets of Monodendri village and take a short walk to the 15th century Monastery of Saint Paraskevi, located on the edge of a rock standing above the Vikos Canyon.
- Enjoy rafting on The Voidomatis river, starting at the beautiful old stone bridges, the Kledonas Bridge, and the Aristi Bridge.
- In the Zagori capital town of Ioannina, sail to the island in the center of the Pamvotida lake to enjoy one of its restaurants and cafes, and the beautiful landscapes. Near the town’s lake north tip, visit the Cave of Perama, the 2nd largest in Greece, for a 1 hour tour of its amazing stalagmites and Stalactites.
Plakidas Bridge
Vikos National Park
Ioannina
- To view one or more of the beautiful stone bridges of the Zagori villages, explore the triple-arched Plakidas (Kalogeriko) bridge near the village of Kipoi, the bridges between the villages Monodendri and Vitsa, the bridge of Kokkori between the villages of Dilofo, Koukouli and Kipoi, and many more.
The region offers vast outdoor activities opportunities including hiking, skiing, climbing, mountain biking and more. The rivers of Epirus, Arachthos River and the Voidomatis River that flows through the Vikos Canyon, offer additional outdoors activities such as kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.
Visiting Zagori is enjoyable in any of the year seasons, for skiing in the winter, the blooming in Spring and the Red and Yellow colors of Autumn. Spend at least 2-3 days in the region.
On the way to or from Zagori, you will drive through the Tzoumerka region, where you can visit the beautiful authentic villages, the monasteries and churches, and enjoy the impressive and beautiful natural beauty, hiking the beautiful trails, bike the beautiful roads, and enjoy rafting in the Arachthos river. Also on the way to the region it is highly recommended to visit the overwhelming Meteora Monasteries region.
