Zagori Trekking Tour

After your arrival at Ioannina Airport, transfer to Papingo (can be booked in advance). During the last part of the ride, the road ascends through a series of impressive hairpin bends, making for a beautiful drive. Your overnight stay is in the village center in a traditional mansion.

We recommend booking an additional night in Papigno to allow ample time to explore this charming village and enjoy a walk to the view point of Kokkino Lithari, Mikro Papingo and the Kolymbithres.

It is a very pleasant hike from Papingo to the village of Ano Klidonia today! The route is made up of long flat stretches on an easy trail, allowing you ample opportunities to fully enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the Towers of Astraka. You’ll descend to the arched bridge near the village Kato Klidonia, from where you enter the valley of the Voidomatis River. The path along the river is mostly flat and walking under the plane trees is very pleasant. Your walk ends at the Aristi bridge today.

This morning it’s time to pack up for a brilliant adventure, taking a few items (and a sleeping bag liner) with you to make the 2-day hike across the high Astrakas plateau.

Via Mikro Papingo you climb the 1000m up on an excellent path to the Astrakas Hut. After lunch at or near the refuge, you walk further up through captivating alpine scenery to reach Dragon Lake, situated at 2,050m. The lake is aptly named after the Alpine newts (dragons) who abound here. Looking out across the lake, you’ll witness remarkable, breath-taking views over the Aoos Valley that plunges deep down below.

You’ll leave the Astrakas Hut behind this morning to cross the alpine meadows between the peaks of Astraka and Gamila. This area is home to livestock and chamois. Further south you descend to the gorge Megas Lakos, a very deep gorge that connects to the Vikos gorge and measures more than 600m in depth! A final descent takes you to Tsepelovo where your luggage is waiting for you. Time to relax at the cozy village square after an adventure filled 2-day trek.

On this last walking day of the trip, you’ll enjoy a beautiful hike to take in some of the highlights of this stunning region. You first ascend to a higher plain and then follow an old, cobbled foot path to the viewpoint of Beloi, said to offer the best views over the Vikos Gorge!

Later, in the small village Vradeto, enjoy a break at a traditional café here to re-fuel. The village is also well-known for its Vradeto steps, a steep zigzagging paved path between Vradeto and Kapesovo. After a stop in Kapesovo you’ll descend through shady forest to the Vikos River and follow the river until you reach Kipi. Don’t forget to visit some of the stone arched bridges, such as the unique three-arched bridge of Plakida!

After breakfast your adventure in Zagori comes to an end. It’s a great idea to book an extra night in Kipi to explore all that it has to offer.