Canyon of Vikos and Villages of Zagori

Did you know that Greece is not only about beaches, but also about incredible mountain reserves? Discover the Pindus National Park! Here you will find Vikos Gorge, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest in relation to its width. Vikos is breathtaking in its beauty and special atmosphere. Along the gorge there are traditional villages with colourful stone houses that complete the picture. For a long time this region was very difficult to reach. Its beauty has been revealed to the world only recently, with the development of roads. That's why these villages are fully preserved and there one feels as if one has gone back in time a couple of centuries! Another trademark of the region are the stone bridges. They are situated in amazingly picturesque places. Along the Vicos there are many viewing platforms with incredible views. Of course, I included the most impressive ones in my programme of the trip. However, the Vikos Gorge is not just something to look at; there are numerous hiking trails along its bottom. Back in the days when there were no roads, people used to take these paths and bridges to get between villages. You can therefore get down there from any village. There are signposts everywhere. If you are keen on hiking, you can stretch the route over more days and move between villages that way. The main thing is to time it well so that you can make it in the daylight hours, and take water and something to eat with you. Zagori is a nice place to relax without the crowds and the hustle and bustle. It's nice to walk leisurely, feel the harmony of nature and listen to the silence. Helpful hints Be prepared for active walking: take sporty non-slip shoes or trekking boots. If you go to Zagori in March/April or October/November, evenings can get quite chilly. Take warm and comfortable clothes. I wouldn't recommend going in winter, as there is snow and all travel can be problematic. The optimal time is from April till October. No petrol stations in Zagori! Get petrol in Metsovo or somewhere near the entrance to the region. There is also a lot of serpentine mountain roads. You can save time and not have lunch in the tavernas, but take a snack beforehand. The sites are so beautiful that sometimes you want to sit down somewhere along the way and enjoy the view instead of sitting in an establishment. In the evening, shortly after sunset, the villages fall silent. That's the way of life here. Itineraries are therefore planned to visit the most important sites while it's still light. In the evening you can have a leisurely dinner in a tavern. The food in Zagori is predominantly meat. There is no point in ordering fish, as it is not a traditional product for this region.