Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour
Discover the spectacular Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour Overview
Spend 7 days exploring the Zagori region in northwest Greece on this self-guided walking holiday. This tour features hikes between the mountain villages of the impressive Vikos Gorge, one of the most impressive spots to explore by foot in all of Greece.
Spend your days hiking through dramatic cliffs and beside scenic rivers, and then enjoy the local Greek hospitality at the end of the day. During your walks, you’ll explore the enchanting stone bridges in Kipi, the Stone Forest of Mondendri, natural springs and pools, and of course, the incredible canyon itself. For a walking holiday in an awe-inspiring place, the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour should be at the top of your list!
Trip highlights
Walk ancient paths and stone bridges that have served historic villages for hundreds of years.
Admire the natural beauty of the Vikos Gorge, contrasted with the remains of ancient civilizations.
Take a refreshing dip in the Voidomatis Springs and rock pools along your walking route.
Enjoy authentic local hospitality by staying in family-run guesthouses and B&Bs in quaint mountain villages.
Day By Day Itinerary
When you arrive in Ioannina, you can take a taxi to Kipi or pre-book a transfer so that a driver will be waiting for you.
Tonight, you’ll stay in the village of Kipi, which is known for its remarkable stone bridges that arch over the rivers.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kipi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Your walk today will be along the lush pathways that follow the Voidomatis River. You’ll go from bank to bank a few times over ancient stone bridges.
After crossing the Misiou Bridge, you’ll walk through the village of Vitsa, which sits precariously at the edge of the gorge. Your walk will end in Monodendri, where you’ll be staying the next two nights.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Monodendri
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 9km, 450m of ascent, 150m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today, you can choose to take one or all three short walks to some of the nearby stunning viewpoints.
The first walk leads to the ruins of the Agia Paraskevi monastery, which looks out over the Vikos Canyon. Then, you can take the famous walk through the strange forest of natural stone pillars to the Oxya viewpoint. Finish your day with the walk to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Monodendri
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 11km, 430m of ascent, 430m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your trail today brings you down 400 metres to the bottom of the Vikos Gorge. You’ll spend the afternoon following the riverbed through the canyon—feel free to dip your feet or have a swim!
You’ll then ascend a cobbled path from Voidomatis springs to the village of Vikos. Spend the night in this authentic village that overlooks the gorge.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Vikos
- Distance:
- 4.5 hours, 12.5km, 475m of ascent, 760m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Once again, you’ll descend into the gorge and walk to the Voidomatis springs. You can choose to take a short detour to visit the monastery of Panagia tou Vikou.
Then, you’ll continue by the river until your path starts to zig-zag up the hill to Megalo Papingo. This village sits under the imposing limestone peaks of the Towers of Astraka.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Megalo Papingo
- Distance:
- 2 hours, 5.3km, 450m of ascent, 530m of descent OR 2.5 hours, 6.3km, 475m of ascent, 760m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your walk begins through the villages of Mikro and Megalo Papingo. You’ll have the option to take a short loop to the “Kokkino Lithari,” or Red Rock, before hiking to the Rock Pools. These natural formations are the ideal spot to rest and enjoy a swim before returning to your hotel.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Megalo Papingo
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 8.6km, 600m of ascent, 600m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After you’ve enjoyed your breakfast and checked out of the hotel, you can take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer back to Ioannina.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts are included in this tour.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Kipi and after the tour in Papingo are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Luggage transfer is included in your package and is normally done via the hoteliers. For the hike to the Astrakas Hut you need to take limited luggage with you, including a sleeping bag liner and pillowcase and small hiking towel. When you travel on public transport you always take your luggage with you.
- 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Luggage Transfers
Not included
- Tourism tax to be paid locally at each hotel (amounts range from 0.50 to 3 EUR per room per night)
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional night in Kipi
- Transfers or bus tickets:
-
- Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens bus station, and KTEL bus ticket to Ioannina
- KTEL bus ticket between Ioannina and Athens
- Transfer from Athens bus station to Athens Airport
- Bus ticket Ioannina to Thessaloniki
- Transfer Thessaloniki bus station to Thessaloniki Airport
- Transfer Ioannina Airport or bus station to hotel in Kipi
- Transfer from hotel in M. Papingo to Ioannina Airport or bus station
- Additional nights at any of the accommodations along the way
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you ’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour includes moderate walks up to 4 hours per day on hilly paths. The trails are mostly well-maintained and are occasionally on cobbled tracks.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
6 breakfasts are included in this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
To get to Kipi, you can arrive at the Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) or Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, you can take public transportation to Ioannina and then a taxi to Kipi. You can pre-book your transportation for any leg of the journey from Athens or Thessaloniki.
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route maps and a destination guide in English.
This tour ends in Papingo, where you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer to the Ioannina bus station. From Ioannina, you can take the KTEL bus to either Athens or Thessaloniki.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Greece for this walking tour is from April to October. Spring, summer, and early fall have warm, dry days, perfect for hiking.
Why book Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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