Zagori
Zagori is a network of 46 beautiful villages spread all over the mountains on the north east of Ioannina . The word Zagori first appeared in a document of 1321 and it means “behind the mountains ”. It is one of the many toponyms that come from the Slavic language.
The villages of Zagori are famous for their unbelievable natural beauty, their unique architecture and their long history. Not without a reason of course, since the smashing natural landscape, the picturesqueness of every single village and the unlimited opportunities for sallies and every kid of activities really charm and impress the visitor. There are so many things that one can admire that we cannot say for sure which is more impressive.
Zagori is an area of about 1.000 sq.m. and it is divided into three geographical sections: West, East and Central Zagori. Each section has its own special beauty and history.
West Zagori Voidomatis valley, which are Megalo Mikro Papigo, Aristi, Vikos, St. Minas Mesovouni
Papigo
At Megalo Papigo you will find churches, old mansions made by white stone such as numerous narrow streets.
Mikro Papigo is situated precisely under the imposing mountain Tymfi. There you will be impressed by the hexagon bell-tower of Saint Vlassios church, the “Kolimbithres”, such as the natural piscine with its clear water, which shapes on the way to Mikro Papigo.
Here you will find the starts of many paths which lead to Tymfi Mountain, the shelter of Astraka and Drakolimni. The landscape is impressing and the view is magical!!
The pretty Aristi
Don’t miss to visit the Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa which is built on the edge of the rock of a cave, above the river and the bridge at Voidomatis River, in 1579.
East Zagori Greveniti, Elatochori, Makrino, Flabourari, Tristeno Anthrakitis, Karies, Doliani, Kavallari) Vovousa Demati, Itea, Petra, Kastanona St. Paraskevi and Potamia
Vovousa
Central Zagori Vitsa, Monodendri, Vrisochori, Iliochori, Laista Vradeto, Elati, Ano and Kato Pedina ). It also includes the villages Dikorfo, Manassi, Kalouta, Dipotano, Fragades Leptokaria
Monodendri gorge of Vikos , which is located at GUINESS book as the gorge of the smallest aperture, just 1100m at its most narrow spot. In the meantime, its depth is over than 900m.
Kipi
At the gardens you will find stone paved roads, stone houses, the clock and the tall bell-tower, the church of Saint Nikolaos such as the fantastic museum of Agapios Tolis with the wonderful folklore exhibits.”Ontades”, spaces for men are also very interesting, such as the known bridge of Kokori where many advertising spots have been filmed.
You can visit:
– Voidomatis River , it is a paradise on earth with its spotless water and dense platens that are found in the area around the river.
– Traditional Bridges . We meet one of the traditional stone bridges almost in every step. You will be impresses by the excellent architecture and the picturesqueness of Zagori’s bridges!
– The imposing Gorge of Vikos is a magical natural location and it has a big ecological value. Vikos gorge is listed in the Guinness book as the gorge with the smallest opening, only 1.100 m. in its narrowest point and at the same time for its depth that exceeds 900 meters.
In region of Zagori , you can also visit the archeological sites some of which have a particular historical importance, lakes with the beautiful wild nature that surrounds them, the picturesque cobbled such as the museums for those of you who are lovers of history and folkloric tradition.
– From Thessaloniki – Konitsa. Distanse: 320 km.
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