Zagori: 46 lovely villages on the mountains of Greece
Zagorochoria is a group of villages with traditional architecture, unique natural landscapes and incredible views in Ioannina. They are surrounded by lush mountainsides, rivers, imposing gorges and enchanting lakes, which are an ideal destination in every season.
Each village has its own history and characteristics. Some of those that surround the Voidomatis River, such as Papigo, Aristi, Vikos, Agios Minas and Mesovouni have fans who visit them every year to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and architecture, walk through the cobbled streets and admire the alleys and nature. Voidomatis is one of the most enchanting landscapes of the region with the best hiking trails and even extreme sports. Its temperature remains stable at 4 degrees Celsius all year round and if you are brave enough you can swim in its clear blue water. The paths along its banks with the centuries-old plane trees around it are ideal for hiking and offer many surprises along the way, such as rare species of animals, plants and landscapes.
If you visit West Zagori, it is worth visiting Drakolimni, where the Alpine newt lives, the rare amphibian species that looks like a small dragon, and the Rogovo stream between the two settlements of Papigo, which forms small ponds.
In the center of Zagori there are two of the most beautiful villages, Vitsa and Monodendri, which are the starting point for the paths to Vikos Gorge. Tradition, stone mansions, stone paved streets, marble fountains with crystal clear water, historical buildings, churches and incomparable views are some of the reasons why the area is worth a visit.
You can start your trip to Vikos Gorge on paths that start from several villages of Zagori. The gorge has the Guinness record, as it has the smallest opening in the world (1100 meters) and a depth of 900 meters.
The eastern side of Zagori is less popular but equally attractive and is recommended for those who are looking for destinations that have hardly changed from the people and tourist development. Some of the villages there are Vovousa, Flampourari, Karyes and Greveniti.
It is certain that a weekend is not enough to discover the beauty of the villages of Zagori, but even a small visit is unforgettable.
Check out our final proposal from 16 amazing villages of Zagori:
Monodenri
Monodendri is one of the most beautiful villages of Zagori, built 1060 metres above the sea level, 39 km from Ioannina. It was named after a very big fir-tree which was situated there until 1840. Until 1753 it was a settlement which consisted of three quarters (Vitsa, Ano Mahalas, Agios Georgios). Nowadays, Monodendri is an attraction pole for all the visitors from Greece or abroad the whole year round.
Ano Pedina
Ano Pedina (Over Soudena) is one of the oldest Zagorohoria hotels. It is located 35 kilometers north of Ioannina City and at an altitude of 900 meters. The name probably Soudena is Slavic and means "cool place", possibly because the cold airstreams coming from the five hills' slope to the village Ano Pedina that is allocated among the hills.
Vikos
This traditional Zagori village is built on the edge of the Vikos gorge (altitude 770 m) where the national part of Vikos-Aoos begins. After 30 minutes of hiking along the trail, you arrive at the springs of the Voidomatis river, an ideal place for excursions and mountain sports. It is located 53 km NW of Ioannina.
Vitsa
Vitsa is a traditional village in the centre of Zagori, close to Ioannina just 39 Klm.
The houses and the churches , which are built according to the traditional architecture of the area are connected by uphill cobbled paths.
Tsepelovo
Tsepelovo is the biggest of Zagorochoria villages. It is located 36 klm from Ioannina city. It is build on an altitude 1140 meters. Tsepelovo is a traditional village, known since the 16th century. In 1868 it was the capital of the Turkish authorities Zagoriou. The village is immersed in the mountain surrounded by forest.
Papigo
Papigo is one of the 46 villages of the residential, cultural and historical unity of Zagoria.
The particular layout, lush vegetation of the region and the unique wilderness of the landscape attract many visitors from Greece and abroad, all year round. Divided into two "neighborhoods", the Big and Small, which is built at the foot of Astraka beneath imposing towers and fabulous Drakolimni, Papigo has a tradition of exceptional hospitality and unique way of maintaining the territorial and cultural organization of local community.
Dikorfo
Dikorfo or Dikorifo (older name: Tzontila) is one of the most picturesque villages of central Zagori in the prefecture of Ioannina. It is built on the north side of Mount Mitsikeli in a lush forest of beech, fir, oak and hazel. The mansions and murals, stone paths, traditional fountains with tap water, combined with the wild vegetation, is a typical example of Zagori village, well worth the visit of everyone. In the village square there is a traditional cafe and restaurant with traditional cuisine.
Aspraggeloi
Aspraggeloi is a totally green village and belongs to Zagorochoria.
It is located 25 klm far from the city of Ioannina and offers hotels and guesthouses for all preferences.
Kipoi
Village Kipi or Mbagia in Zagori / Zagorochoria is abstains just 38 km from Ioannina city. "Mpagia" is a Slavic word and means "bath". The village was called like that due to the impressive nature and the natural "pools" featured by the rivers around it. Mpagia or Kipi is the only village that is built amphitheatrically in a slope. So the travaller can admire all the region just with a glance.
Kapesovo
Kapesovo is a village in Zagoria, belongs to the Municipality Timfi. It is 43 kilometers from Ioannina. The village is a short distance from the Vikos Gorge, where some parts of the village, the view is panoramic. Noteworthy is the stone path that connects Kapesovo with neighboring Vradeto (ladder Vradetos).
Elafotopos
Elafotopos stands out from the rest of Zagorochoria for its wonderful traditional architecture, its elaborate town planning and the impressive location it is built in (altitude 1,100 m). The churches of Aghios Georgios and Kimisi tis Theotokou contain gold-plated rood screens and old icons. The location “Kastro” contains traces of the fortified settlement of the Molossians. It is located 40.5 km NW of Ioannina.
Aristi
A gorgeous traditional Epirus village, where findings from the Paleolithic period have been discovered. The “Stamatis Mansion” is an exceptional sample of the local architecture. The Monastery of Panagia Spileotisas (16th century), built in a beautiful location near the banks of the Voidomatis river. “Kastraki”, with its panoramic view, contains ancient findings. The route at “Kagelia” from the Voidomatis bridge towards Papigo, is charming. It is located 48 km NW of Ioannina.
Koukouli village
A traditional village with large mansions and fountains of exceptional popular architecture, birthplace of national benefactors and intellectuals, such as folklore scientist and herb collector Kostas Lazaridis (1904-1987), whose large herb collection is on display at the Rizario Museum of the Ecclesiastic School “Kostas Lazaridis”. It is located 38 km NW of Ioannina.
Vradeto
Skala tou Vradeto, a cobblestone trail from the 18th century is the village’s famous landmark. Vradeto is built on a rugged slope (altitude 1,340 m). You can enjoy the wonderful view of the Vikos gorgejust 2 km away from the village, at the “Beloi” location. It is located 51.5 km NW of Ioannina.
Negades
A traditional village of Zagori (altitude 1,060 m). The triple-naved basilica of Ag. Georgios was founded in 1792. It is located 44.5 km N of Ioannina.
Vovousa
A traditional village (altitude 1,000 m) traversed by the Aoos river and built in a lush location containing rare animals and plants. The stone arched bridge dates back to 1748. Vovousa is very near the national park of Pindos (Valia Kalda). It is located 71.5 km NE of Ioannina.