Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Epirus, mountain region, greece... for all of you fed up with islands...For action like mountain biking, rafting, trails, authentic food, snow, rivers, amazing people and much more - check out Epirus - Greece this summer
Citation preview
about us
ZEN values
Born out of a need to feature the best Zagori and the surrounding areas have to offer to the visitor, ZEN
(the Zagori Excellence Network) is an initiative by a group of outstanding tourism, catering and activi-
ties businesses of this majestic region of Epirus, Greece. Aiming to stimulate excellence in the services
provided, as well as to promote Zagori as a destination all year round, ZEN is a collaborative, private
effort whose goals include:
Excellence, authenticity, sustainability: These are the three words that best summarize the approach and
vision of ZEN, the Zagori Excellence Network. Looking to create healthy, sustainable economic growth
for the region of their fathers and their children, the ZEN members are dedicated in providing authentic,
meticulously tended for experiences to their guests.
Offering them the best this beautiful land has to give, they are also working hard to set the corner stones
of a sustainable, respectful and steady paced regional growth, one that respects the environment as well
as the local traditions, preserving them for their families and their visitors to enjoy for time to come!
The effective promotion of Zagori and its surrounding areas to the world markets through the crea-
tion of a strong, identifiable brand - one that successfully communicates the region’s many unique
characteristics - and a dynamic, 360 communication program.
The protection of the region’s environment, biodiversity, human geography and traditional economic
activities and ways of life, through systematic preservation efforts, digitization of records, the pro-
motion of sustainable practices and well balanced economic growth initiatives.
The promotion of quality and excellence in the services provided to visitors by its members, and by
other businesses of the region, as a means to enhance the travel experience of its visitors.
ZEN is a nonprofit private corporation under greek law.
zagori excelence network
meet
the hotels and guesthouses
accomodation
The choices are endless, no matter how you define the ideal
hotel to spend the perfect vacation in. But while the décor
and upholstery may change, one thing is constant through-
out: the friendly, impeccable services you will enjoy and the
heartfelt welcome you will be received with in any and all of
ZEN’s hotels and guesthouses!
Amaryllis Luxury Guest House Arhontiko Dilofou
Amaryllis Luxury Guest House
www.amaryllis-house.gr(+30) 26530 71132
Arhontiko Dilofou
Housed in a meticulously restored mansion, originally built in 1633 with later additions in
the 1860s, Arhontiko is a beautiful traditional guest house in a village full of beautifully
preserved mansions. Spacious yet cozy, its rooms feature traditional vivid colors and
unadorned furnishings that complement the stone wall elements, the skylights and the
fireplaces.
Set in a lush evergreen village full of interesting architecture and historical buildings,
Arhontiko is the perfect spot from which to explore Zagori!
/Ano Pedina
/Dilofo
www.dilofo.com(+30) 26530 22455
Built around a large courtyard that unfolds in different levels, forming private patios and
discreet balconies for you to unwind and enjoy your breakfast or your afternoon tea, the
Amaryllis Luxury Guesthouse is a luxurious romantic retreat at Ano Pedina, the central
Zagori village that is the perfect starting point for your Zagorian adventures.
Antique chandeliers, english tableware, french country furniture, lavish fabrics, soft
colors, fresh flowers, all create an atmosphere of indulgence and relaxation.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast: you will be spoiled for choice with local and world
delicacies. After you are done exploring, or if in no mood to venture outside, ask for a
relaxing or reinvigorating massage, then cozy up in your lush bathrobe and let your mind
wonder, sipping tea from the porcelain set in your room. In the evening, watch the sun
set from the warm welcoming common room, then make plans for the following day:
maybe some horseback riding? Or maybe you’d like to spend the day in?
Aristi Mountain Resort+Villas Artsistas Houses
Aristi Mountain Resort+Villas
Artsistas Houses
Designed by the owner to the last detail, Artsistas Houses feature all the traditional ar-
chitectural elements that made the Zagori famous, seen through a modern simplicity
approach.
The result is a relaxing, inviting hamlet of nine self-contained spaces, each suitable for
2-5 persons.
Walk-in showers and whirlpools, open fireplaces and central heating, fully equipped
kitchenettes confortable beds, and, of course, breathtaking views of the Astraka “tow-
ers”, the stone peaks of one of Pindus’ mountaintops, will make this hotel a destination
you will want to return!
/Aristi
/Aristi
www.artsista.gr(+30) 26530 41908
www.aristi.eu(+30) 26530 41330
At the highest point of Aristi village, facing the five “towers”, the stone tops of the As-
traka mountaintop over Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis river valley, there lies the Aristi
Mountain Resort Hotel and Spa.
Created to offer unforgettable experiences to its visitors by combining the unique natu-
ral environment of Zagori with the luxury of spacious rooms and its functional and taste-
fully decorated public installations, the hotel is an exercise in understated, luxury.
In its stone-built complex it features 18 spacious rooms, suites and villas with breath-
taking vistas, a fully furnished spa complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and indoor
heated pool and a restaurant that serves classic dishes with a modern twist.
Astra Inn Gamila Rocks
Astra Inn
Gamila Rocks
Six independent residences, all with kitchenettes and fireplaces, one with its own private
sauna, make up this welcoming guest house.
Combining traditional and modern elements, its simple, distinctive decoration employs
soft, earthy tones and mood lighting to bring out the traditional architectural features
and create a warm, comfortable ambience.
Featuring a delicious restaurant, serving in a shady patio in the summer and by the huge
fireplace in the winter, Astra Traditional Inn’s cozy, relaxed atmosphere will make it hard
for you to leave the premises – but do venture outdoors: the Papigo village, where the
Inn is, the rest of the Zagorohoria and the magnificent nature of the Pindus National Park
are not to be missed!
Named after the highest peak of the Timfi mountain, Gamila Rocks is a welcoming friendly
place from which you can set out to climb the tall Pindus mountains – or drive around the
rest of the Zagorohoria.
With its English country décor, its traditional Zagorian exterior and its outdoor hydropool,
indoor gym and office center, Gamila Rocks is perfect for a family visit, a longer vacation
or a quick getaway.
Plus, its well-stocked wine cellar and billiard room offers you a chance to discover little
known wine labels, relax and unwind from a long day of discoveries, or a long year of work!
/Papigo
/Aristi
www.astra-inn.gr(+30) 26530 42108
www.gamilarocks.com(+30) 26530 41070
Hotel Metropolis Kipi Suites
Hotel Metropolis
Kipi Suites
In one of the most beautiful cities of Greece, this historic hotel has been in the owners’
family for three generations now.
When it opened in the 1930s, it made the news as it featured central heating and hot
running water in its rooms.
Completely renovated in 2012, it is now an oasis of modern discreet luxury. Retaining its
retro exterior and some wonderful interior details, such as French doors and bear claw
bathtubs, it also has state-of-the-art soundproofing, modern amenities, luxurious bed-
dings and serves a most delicious Greek Breakfast!
Traditional on the outside, modern on the inside: the Kipi Suites design guesthouse is a
surprise to its guests: Everything you’d expect in a Zagorian guest house is here, only
different: the bright accent walls, the open fireplaces, the cozy beds, the local produce
and the traditional recipes, are all reinterpreted into a minimal vocabulary, distilled to
their essence and incorporated in a sleek, modern hotel, adding another layer of peace
and relaxation to that of the amazing nature of the Kipi village.
/Ioannina
/Kipoi
www.metropolishotel.gr(+30) 26510 30004
www.kipisuiteszagori.gr(+30) 26530 71995
Pirrion Hotel Sweet Hospitality Papaevangelou Ηotel
Papaevangelou Ηotel
Austere yet warm, the decor at the Papaevangelou hotel lets the sturdy wood take front
stage, complementing and warming up the traditional stone.
With fully furnished studios that include dining areas and kitchenette facilities and cozy
double, twin and triple rooms with fireplaces this hotel is perfect whether you are on
your first weekend together or on a week-long exploring vacation with the kids.
Situated at Papigo village, one of the most popular of the Zagorohoria, the hotel features
breathtaking views of the Astraka peaks that seem to be growing out of its summer ter-
race end!
/Papigo
Pirrion Hotel Sweet Hospitality
Featuring ten rooms each with its own character, each named after one of the owner’s
spoon sweets, this is a sweet, sweet guest house!
Rich and cozy, friendly and hospitable, Pirrion’s rooms are warm and welcoming, combin-
ing traditional architectural elements with modern playful details such as wrought iron
canopy beds, wooden bathtubs, intricate headboards and custom made decorative ele-
ments.
Situated at Ano Pedina, an ideal location to explore Zagori, it dons beautiful shady veran-
das that will make your breakfast (and dinner) an amazing experience!
/Ano Pedina
www.pirrion.gr(+30) 26530 71141
www.hotelpapaevangelou.gr(+30) 26530 41135
Zagori Suites Primoula
Primoula
With a Green Hotel certification and a Greek Breakfast one, Primoula is one of the more
sustainable hotels in Zagori.
But it is more than that: a boutique hotel in a restored mansion, it is friendly and unpre-
tentious, traditional and bright. Primoula features rooms and suites with private patios
or verandas, fireplaces and panoramic views of the village and the valley below it.
Its location, at Ano Pedina village, is ideal if you want to explore the whole of Zagori!
/Ano Pedina
Zagori Suites
Featuring suites and 1-, 2- and 3 bedroom chalets, the Zagori Suites is a luxury retreat for
all times of the year.
Handmade furniture and antiques, oriental rugs, precious upholstery fabrics, in-room
massage services, a huge kids playroom and many more exclusive services, all make up
for an indulgent stay.
Located at Vitsa, Zagori Suites is a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Vikos Gorge.
Its central location makes it ideal to become your starting point to explore the nature and
other villages of the Zagorohoria!
/Vitsa
www.zagorisuites.gr(+30) 26530 71076
www.primoula.gr(+30) 26530 71133
Zagoriou Philoxenia Aberratio
Situated at Monodendri, the Zagori village that features two of the four spots one can
see the Vikos Gorge in all its awe, the Zagoriou Philoxenia hotel is a welcoming family
hotel for all times of the year.
Offering child care services and combining classical decorative elements with the tra-
ditional Zagorian architectural features, it is the perfect base from which to explore the
mountains, meadows and villages of Zagori.
The hotel features double or twin, triple and suite rooms, all with fireplaces, that will suit
every family – and a library and reading room, with all sorts of books about the area, that
will help you solve any questions the little ones – or you – may have about this place’s
great history and nature!
In the village Aristi in Zagorohoria, over the valley of the river Voidomatis
we have built a small stone luxury hotel, a Boutique Hotel, based on traditional architec-
ture.
We implemented a different proposal on the aesthetics for your accommodation, while
respecting the architecture and tradition of Zagorohoria.
The relaxation and well-being of the visitor is our primary concern, it is also the name of
“ABERRATIO - HOTEL”.
In 5 acres across from the rocks of Astrakas with spectacular views of incredible beauty
created omiomorfa three buildings with 12 rooms, living rooms, small multipurpose hall,
café and restaurant.
Zagoriou Philoxenia
Aberratio
/Monodendri
/Aristi
www.zagoriphiloxenia.gr(+30) 26530 71040
www.aberratio.com(+30) 26530 42202
zagori excelence network
meet
expert activities organizers
activities
With high mountains, the world’s deepest gorge, alpine lakes
with rare fauna and flora, tame and not-so-tame rivers and
streams, countless trekking paths, lush shady forests, rolling
valleys and bare rocky peaks, Zagori and the rest of the Pin-
dos national park is an outdoor paradise in its truest sense:
beautiful every season, it features amazing opportunities to
take in nature in all its unspoiled glory, enjoy your favorite
outdoor activity and discover new exciting things you can
do in the Great Outdoors (the capitalization will become ap-
parent as soon as you get here).
Zagori is known the world over for its longer and shorter
treks and river runs of various difficulty levels – but this is
just the beginning: there’s horseback riding, archery and
mountain bikes. There’s paragliding, exploring with 4X4s and
canyoning. There’s skiing, snowboarding and bird watching.
And there’s more.
So take a moment to let your imagination run wild: what
would you like to experience in Zagori? Then, ask our expert
activities organizers, below, to set it up for you. That’s all!
Welcome to your mountain paradise!
Alpine Zone Trekking Hellas
Alpine Zone
All around Pindos, all year long!
Alpine Zone’s outdoor activities and sports will leave you wanting for more …time! Because
there are mountains to climb, footpaths to trek, slopes to ski, rivers to paddle and bikes to
pedal, valleys to fly over and so much more to do with one of its experienced, well – trained
guides and instructors: archery, snowboard, bungee trampoline, ski, 4X4 excursions, canyon-
ing, horseback riding, kayaking, paragliding, snow scooters, trekking, rafting, even lake rowing!
The choices are endless, whatever the season, wherever you are: at the Vasilitsa ski resort dur-
ing the winter, or the magnificent Zagori rivers during spring and summer, into the mystical
Ioannina lake, or over the eternal alpine mountain tops and into the lush forests all year long,
with adrenaline – pumping or laid – back activities, the Alpine Zone programs will spoil you for
choice and fill your days with fun!
Book one of the Alpine activities now, or ask them to design a program just for you, your fam-
ily or even your corporate event – and brace yourself for the time of your life!
/Ioannina
Trekking Hellas
These guys are serious river enthusiasts and know every nook and cranny of every river,
stream and brook flowing through the Pindos mountains – whether you are looking for a
relaxed paddle, want to introduce your friends or children to rafting or yearn for an excit-
ing run full of twists, turns and rapids, the guys at Trekking Hellas Epirus are your guys.
But that’s not all they are: with them, you can explore easy and more challenging trekking
paths, climb down (and back up) canyons and river valleys and ride mountain bikes along
river banks, rich forests and evergreen valleys.
Knowledgeable and well trained, they are guaranteed to take you to amazing places,
show you a great time and make your stay at our mountain paradise one to remember
for years to come!
Book your activity with them today and let them show you around the magnificent nature
of Zagori, unraveling its secrets and beauty for you!
/Agios Minas
www.alpinezone.gr(+30) 26510 23222
www.trekking.gr(+30) 26510 71703
zagori excelence network
meet
cuisine of zagori
gastronomy
Certainly, there are the legumes and beans, the vegetables,
mountain greens and the olive oil. Certainly there are the
meats and sausages. But there are also cheeses and mush-
rooms and spices and the countless, delicious savoury pies
and handmade pasta and the famous spoon sweets and the
strong tsipouro drink and the freshest ingredients you can
imagine, all mixed up in ingenious ways, all combined in age
old traditional recipes, all mouthwatering.
So prepare to look for words, when asked to describe the
epirotic cuisine. And kali oreksi, as we say in greek, meaning
“may you have a good, healthy appetite” – you will need it to
enjoy all our amazing dishes!
Astra Restaurant En Aristi
Astra Restaurant
The flavors and recipes at Astra Inn restaurant would remind you of your mother’s cook-
ing – if your mother was a dexterous lady from Zagorohoria with a talent to transform
her backyard produce into heartening comfort food that makes you feel like everything
is OK in the world.
There’s nothing humble in the “humble” flour pies or lentil salads this restaurant offers, as
the locally produced high quality ingredients and the recipes perfected after generations
of practice, elevate even the simplest of concoction into a feast for the senses. Around
the fireplace in the winter or in the cheerful summer patio, simplicity rules here – and for
a good reason too!
/Papigo
En Aristi
At the center of the picturusque Aristi, a 200 year old traditional coffeehouse was fully
restored and a restaurant was added, to create an oasis for the traveller:
local tsipouro, the famous spirit of Epirus, and rich wines await you here. Plus, the home-
grown meat dishes, the fresh salads from the owner’s gardens and Mrs. Niki’s savory pies
take greek cooking to the next level, while at nighttime the bar’s select playlist make En
Aristi the reference point for the whole area!
/Aristi
www.astra-inn.gr(+30) 26530 42108
www.artsista.gr(+30) 26530 42103
Kanella & Garifallo Salvia
Kanella & Garifallo
Its name means “Cinnamon and Clove” but its cuisine is based on the numerous local va-
rieties of mushrooms, both wild and cultivated, Zagori is famous for.
At Vitsa village, overlooking the gorge of Vikos, the deepest in the world, the taste of its
dishes will make you forget the views!
If you just like mushrooms, you will fall in love with them here. If you are a mushroom afi-
cionado, you are in heaven: the risottos! The mushroom soups and pies! And even if you
are a mushroom skeptic, you will definitely find something to your liking here, from the
well thought out meat and seasonal dish menu.
And try to save some room for the famous yogurt and (local) wild berries cheesecake –
and the handmade desert liqueurs! Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss them!
/Vitsa
Salvia
Salvia is an indigenous herb of the Zagori area, a type of sage, used in local cuisine.
Together with other greek herbs, it colors Salvia’s dishes, enriching the flavors and aromas
of local produce: game and wild boar from the surrounding mountains, free range eggs,
cheese from small local producers, hand-kneaded dough for the famous Zagori pies.
Featuring classic dishes, Salvia’s cuisine nods to European favorites, enhancing them with
the warmth of the Epirotic mountains and complementing them with a well – thought
wine list. Served in a modern, elegant but unpretentious setting, a meal in Salvia is always
an unforgettable experience!
/Aristi
(+30) 26530 71671
www.aristi.eu(+30) 26530 41330
Pirrion Restaurant Sta Riza
Pirrion Restaurant
At the bright, happy hall with the big fireplace, or in the cool, shady terraces overlooking
the entire village, Mama Helen, the mother of the Pirrion guest house owners, at AnoPe-
dina village, is waiting for you with dishes prepared carefully, with love, as only a mom
would cook. Is it the combination of family secrets and traditional, Mediterranean and
global recipes that makes her dishes so delicious? Could it be the fresh, local produce she
chooses daily and letsdetermine her menu?
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: that the traditional savory pies, the rich meat
and game, the mouthwatering pulse dishes flavored with countless spices and herbs, the
fresh, light seasonal salads full of color and aromas and the select wine list, will captivate
all of your senses!
/Ano Pedina
Sta Riza
During the winter, cozy up in the traditionally decorated indoors restaurant – try to get
a table by the windows, to enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains and the Zagori
villages.
In the summer, enjoy your meal under the shady plane tree. Any season, try the game
dishes – you will be sure to come back for more!
Featuring a refreshing mix of traditional recipes and modern approaches to local staples,
the menu at Sta Riza (meaning at the foot of the mountain) has something for every-
body: game, pulses, and, of course, amazing savory pies! Working with age old recipes,
the co-owner has perfected the region’s pie-making tradition, creating tasty dishes to
complement the game and meat ones, that are not to be missed!
/Elati
(+30) 2653 071550
www.pirrion.gr(+30) 26530 71141
On steep mountain slopes or in cool river valleys, the villages of Zagori, or Zagorohoria as they are collectively known, dot the Pindos National Park and its mighty peaks, ever charming, ever welcoming. All make up the ideal destination for your quick getaway or longer vacation, no matter the season.
Come, join us here: our mountain paradise awaits you
AGIOS MINASTrekking Hellas
ANO PEDINAAmaryllis Luxury Guest HousePrimoulaPirrion Hotel Sweet HospitalityPirrion Restaurant
ARISTIAberratioAristi Mountain Resort+VillasSalvia RestaurantGamilla RocksArtsistas HousesEn Aristi Restaurant
VITSAZagori SuitesKanella + Garifallo
DILOFOArhontiko Dilofou
ELATISta Riza Restaurant
IOANNINAMetropolis Hotel Alpine Zone
KIPIKipi Suites
MONODENDRIZagoriou Philoxenia
PAPIGOAstra InnAstra RestaurantPapaevangelou Hotel
ZAGORI EXCELLENCENETWORKMEET THE MEMBERS
PAPIGO
AGIOS MINAS
ARISTI
Trekking HellasActivities
ANO PEDINA MONODENDRI
Sta RizaGastronomy
Metropolis HotelAccommodation
Alpine ZoneActivities
Kipi SuitesAccommodation
Arhontiko DilofouAccommodation
IOANNINA
DILOFO
VITSA
ELATI
KIPI
Αmaryllis Accommodation
PrimoulaAccommodation
PirrionAccommodation
PirrionGastronomy
Zagoriou PhiloxeniaAccommodation
Kanella + GarifalloGastronomy
AstraGastronomy
PapaevangelouAccommodation
Zagori SuitesAccommodation
Astra InnAccommodation
Aristi Mountain Resort+VillasAccommodation
SalviaGastronomy
Gamilla RocksAccommodation
Artsistas HousesAccommodation
En AristiGastronomy
AberratioAccommodation
mountain paradise
explore
welcome to #mountainparadise
experience
The experience of a lifetime!
In and around Zagori, a mountain paradise is waiting for you
to experience it: Lush nature, awe inspiring mountains and
pristine rivers; beautiful architecture all around; fun, adrena-
line pumping activities and relaxed, stress-free ones. What-
ever your definition of an ideal vacation is, no matter the
time of year, here is the place to be. Read on to discover all
the amazing things this blessed place has to offer and start
dreaming of your Zagori vacation!
Villages carved out of stone Canyoning
Villages carved out of stone
Taken from the land, carved, then placed back on it to form houses, fences, roads, seats: stone is what Zagori is made of.
It is not always easy to see the villages of Zagori from afar, unless the fireplaces are burning and the plumes of smoke catch your eye: that’s how well they blend with their rocky environment. Stone-built with local stone, perched on mountain slopes, caped with slab covered roofs, the Zagorian houses are an exercise in efficiency: really thick walls (60 - 70cm!), tall stone fences, thick, heavy doors and small windows help keep the winter elements, and bandits, outside. Shapes are basic, efficient. Basements keep supplies cool. Use of wood is minimal, unless there is lumber nearby. During the era of prosperity, at the end of the 18th century, houses get a small balcony on the first floor and some indoor decora-tion – mainly in the form of geometrically adorned ceilings (most houses you will see nowadays are from that era, as older ones were either destroyed or added upon).
Public and private space is strictly delimitated, both within houses and within each village: houses congregate around one central square, with all public buildings in it: the school, the church, the coffee house, the local authority’s seat. From the square, stone-paved streets lead to the various neighbor-hoods, then onwards to the fields and the next village. When two roads cross, stone-paved seats facili-tate rest and interaction between the villagers. And when a road, or stone-paved footpath reaches a river or brook, a stone bridge helps travellers cross it. Zagori is literally, carved out of stone!
Canyoning
Zagori being the home of the deepest gorge in the world, the gorge of Vikos, canyoning comes natural here.
Among the steep mountaintops of Pindos numerous dry and wet canyons are waiting for you to explore them: at Vradeto, the village with the highest altitude of them all, and at Vikaki, near Papigo village, vertical ravines are waiting for you to get your adrenaline pumping and reveal the hidden beauties of the Pindos mountains.
Churches and monasteries Corporate Zagori
Churches and monasteries
Corporate Zagori
Featuring stunning nature and well equipped hotels, serviced by a national airport and modern high-ways coming from all major Greek cities and offering many opportunities for fun, outdoor group activi-ties for all skills and ages, Zagori and the surrounding area are an ideal destination for your corporate event. Whether the goal is to build a closer – knit team or to reward the best employees with a week-end getaway, here you will find what you need: rafting and hiking routes, gourmet cuisine, state-if-the-art equipped hotel conference halls, spa and wellness centers and everything else you might need to have a restful and fruitful business trip!
Most churches and monasteries you will see at Zagori, predate most houses: houses were built, destroyed and added on as history progressed and most houses standing today, renovated or otherwise, have the form they acquired in the era of prosperity, at the end of the 18th century.Churches and monasteries however are much older: some date as far back as the 16th century, even further back, though later additions are not unusual.Stone-built like everything else here, the churches and monasteries in Zagori are austere on the outside and beautifully decorated on the inside, invoking feelings of piety and calm. Featuring tall, square or hexagonal bell towers (sometimes found across from the main building), covered porticos to help weather the pious from the elements and tiny doors to discourage horse mount sacrilege, they are discreet and serene, some-times even eerie.
On the inside they burst with religious murals and hagiographies and wooden carved templons, most works of local artists, as the travelling hagiographers and wood carvers from Kapesovo were famous and sought after in the 18th and 19th centuries, establishing their own distinct style and adorning churches near and far.During the big religious holidays, or on the day of the celebration of their namesake saint, the churches and monasteries come alive with people from all over Zagori, sometimes from further away, coming to Mass, then celebrating in the sometimes days’ long “panygiria”, or religious feasts.If one is happening while you are here, do not miss it. But the churches and monasteries of Zagori are worth a visit even if there is no celebration around: their simple, artful beauty will capture your heart and mind. And who knows? Maybe you will decide to have your celebration in one of them, a christening or a wedding!
Dragons live around here! Rafting and Kayaking
Dragons live around here!In the tall Pindos mountains, at Zagori and the nearby areas, alpine lakes dot the treeless landscape.
Looking calm, dark and mysterious, they breed awe and legends: In the tallest of the tall mountaintops of the Pindos range, mighty dragons live. Once, many many years ago, a few of them started a brawl, for one reason or another, throwing rocks at each other: huge rocks, making dents in the mountains, but also smaller ones, gravel to them, regular rocks to humans. The mountain dragons fought a lot; this is how the alpine lakes on top of Timfi, Smolikas, Grammos in the north and Mavrovouni were formed: from the dents the huge rocks made in the alpine meadows. This is also why the black banked Dra-kolimni (meaning Dragon lake) of Timfi is dotted with white pebbles, while the white-pebbled banks of the Smolikas Drakolimni has scattered white gravel all around. What, you don’t believe us? Go see for yourself: the dragons will probably be hiding (and that is for the best) but you may see their youngsters in the shallow lake waters: alpine newts they call them in the science books, but you know what they really are, don’t you?
The outworldy landscape of the alpine lakes of Pindos, popular with the herdsmen of the Pindos villages and modern mountaineers, gave rise to many myths and legends, but the dragon one, stemming prob-ably from the local newt and giving the lakes their name, is probably the most captivating one. You can explore the Timfi Dragon lake with day-long hiking trips that start usually at Papigo – it’s an 8 hour hike both ways, or you can spend the night at Astraka mountain shelter to make the route easier and have more time to enjoy the nature there!
Rafting and KayakingThe mighty Aoos. The multi – faced Arachthos. The mild Voidomatis: three thrilling, unspoiled rivers.
Tens of rafting routes. Hundreds of hours of fun and excitement: put your rafting skills to the test in the moody waters of Aoos.
Scale it up a notch at the many routes of different grades at Arachthos. If you are a novice or curious about the sport, or if you want to introduce your family to it, Voidomatis, the cleanest river in Europe, will be happy to welcome you in his grade I and II waters.Ask our activities organizers for details, let them plan a route tailored to your wishes, and have an amazing time in the Epirotic rivers!
Stone bridges of Zagori Summer in Zagori
Stone bridges of ZagoriPerched on mountaintops, the 46 villages of Zagori were connected with an intricate network of foot-paths and “skalas” (stone-paved paths) that go up and down steep slopes and cross rivers, seasonal brooks and ravines. In this system, the stone bridges of Zagori – and the whole of Epirus for that matter – were instrumental in ensuring uninterrupted commutes throughout the year.
But that is not what they are known for: they are architectural and engineering feats, delicate yet sturdy, massive yet subtle, disappearing in the landscape, held together by their weight, built skillfully to last in the centuries to come. Featuring one, two, even three arches, they dance over rivers and can-yons, ever graceful, ever robust.
Built by dexterous craftsmen, the famous travelling stonemasons of the Mastorohoria (the villages of the stone artisans just north of Zagori) they are usually known by the name of the benefactors who paid their construction. Check out the Konitsa Bridge, the biggest of the Balkans – it still dons the bell that was used to warn crossers of high winds making the crossing dangerous.
Or, head towards Kipoi village: Having served as the seat of local government at one point, many bridges were built around it to serve the village’s traffic. Among them, the three arched Plakidas (a.k.a. Kalogeriko) Bridge has become one of the iconic Zagori vistas, as has the impressive Noutsos Bridge nearby. But there are many more, equally beautiful: some in plain view from the road, others waiting for you along the hiking paths and rafting routes. So keep your eyes open: there might be one magnificent Zagori stone bridge just around the corner!
Summer in ZagoriZagori might be better known as a winter destination but those that choose the beaches for their sum-mer vacations are missing out a lot: the heat is bearable, the forests are lush, the rivers are refreshingly crystal and the villages are bursting with life: during the summer months expats flock back here. Reli-gious feasts, the famous greek “panigiria” are abound and there seems to be one every other day in one of the villages: celebrating a patron saint, people set up tables for everyone to feast under a centuries – old plane tree. There is folk music and dancing and endless tsipouro (the local spirit) and food and more dancing and more music…
And in between there are parties and music festivals and exhibitions. There’s also swimming: in the crystal clear waters of Voidomatis, the cleanest river in Europe, along its pristine shady banks, or in the amazing Ovires – a series of natural formed stacked pools with fresh running water, tucked in a beauti-ful ravine just outside Papigo village. And of course there’s hiking, horseback riding, archery, delicious meals, rolling green meadows and the occasional summer storm that makes everything smell fresh and shine bright!
Three days at Zagori Trekking
Three days at Zagori
There are never enough days at Zagori, especially if you are here for the hiking, rafting or other out-doors activities this blessed land has to offer. Still, if you only have three days to spend here, there is still plenty to do.
You can follow our suggestions for a weekend – long stay, then dedicate a whole day into a hiking, canyoning or mountaineering activity: walk up to Gamila rocks, one of the Astraka peaks, or through the Vikos gorge. Or, if you prefer something more laid back, you can visit the villages around toward Tsepelovo: start at Vradeto (either by car or, if you are courageous, by climbing the Vradeto “skala”, the stone paved footpath leading there) and marvel at its views: it is the highest of the Zagorohoria, the Zagori villages, and offers breathtaking vistas throw-out.
Then head to Tsepelovo – its alpine ambience will amaze you, and its small gallery, in a beautifully preserved building, is well worth a visit, both for the permanent collection (by artist Petros Papavas-siliou) and for the temporary exhibitions held there. On your way back check out Kapesovo: the village is known for its religious artists and you can find some fine specimens of their distinctive style here, as well as a very interesting folk museum.
TrekkingWhether you are a seasoned trekker or a casual nature walker, in Zagori you will find countless trails to walk, from 45 minute long walks through brook valleys to 12 hour long hikes up the mountains to the alpine lakes. The European Long Distance Path E6 crosses through Epirus, going from west to east.
The national, comprehensive 03 will take you through most of the Zagori area. Plus, numerous local and traditional paths, used by the people of Zagori for centuries, are waiting to show you to all the magic Zagori holds: Shady evergreen forests and rich deciduous ones; mellow meadows in full spring bloom; canyons and ridges; adventurous trails and old traditional intravillage paths; rare, indigenous flora and rich fauna; the famous Vradeto “skala” and the even more famous Zagorian stone bridges.
The best of Zagori lies off the asphalt roads, among the picturesque villages.If you are a hiking buff, here you will be spoiled for choice: chose a route towards (or through) one of the Dragon Lakes (Drakolimni in greek), the alpine lakes found on the mountain tops of Smolikas and Tymfi (and Grammos and Mav-rovouni), to challenge yourself, or walk the Vikos gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. If you are looking for an easy pleasant nature walk, you can try the Kapesovo – Koukouli – Kipoi route, a downhill trail going through a beautiful oak forest. If you are not sure what you will enjoy, ask one of our activities organizing members to plan and guide you through a route that’s just perfect for you!
Weekend Getaway World’s deepest gorge
Weekend Getaway
World’s deepest gorgeStarting between Koukouli and Monodendri villages and ending at Vikos village, the Gorge of Vikos is a natural wonder, a beauty and a world record holder: with walls that reach 900m, it has been character-ized by the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest gorge in the world! But this accolade is not the only reason to hike, or at least marvel it from one of the natural observatories scattered around the Za-gorohoria, the villages of the Zagori: its nature is pristine, a haven for many endangered, rare fauna and flora species. Carved out by the mild flow of the Voidomatis River during thousands of years, its steep slopes reveal strata upon strata of the geological history of the mighty Pindos mountains.There are four sites from which one can see the Vikos Gorge in all its glory: one is at Vikos village, where hikes begin or end. Another is from Beloi, at Vradeto village, the highest of the Zagorohoria, and the second hiking start / end point. The other two are in and above Monodendri: at the Agia Paraskevi mon-astery, a monastery built literally hanging from the cliffs above the gorge, with open balconies between the buildings that offer magnificent views, and at Oxia, where most of the iconic Vikos Gorge pictures you see around are taken.
Zagori is one of those places that once you get there, you instantly regret that you didn’t plan for more days to stay. But worry not: even if you are here just for the weekend we can help you pack a lot of Zagori in your stay - and you can always come back soon!
With only two days to spare, dedicate the first one to the area of Aristi and Papigo villages: have a laid back coffee, explore the stone paved village streets of Aristi and marvel at its architecture, then head to nearby Vikos village, to take a look at the majestic Vikos gorge from above. Then take the road towards Papigo, driv-ing through Voidomatis valley. You can have a picnic there (most hotels and guest houses will be happy to prepare one for you), take a swim if weather permits, or just admire the pristine nature of this beautiful river. The Voidomatis valley is the starting point for many rafting and horseback riding routes, so you may want to try one of these. Outside Papigo take a moment to enjoy the impressive peaks of Astraka and see the Ovires, the natural pools that are hidden in a ravine. At Papigo take your time to explore one of the most beautiful villages of Zagorohoria, then enjoy a meal or coffee (with dessert of course!) at one of its many cafes.
Devote your second day to the area of Kipoi and its surrounding villages. If you are coming from the north, stop by at Ano Pedina to visit the Evangelistria monastery, then go southeast. There are a number of villages worth visiting: cute little evergreen Koukouli is beautiful all times of the year and features brooks that run through the village. Vitsa has amazing vistas over the Voidomatis valley and beautiful mansions. The Agia Paraskevi monastery in nearby Monodendri dons decks hanging over the Vikos Gorge. Further up, the Oxies forest leads to another Vikos observatory. Then head towards Kipoi, marveling at the stone bridges on your way there. End your trip at Kipoi enjoying a meal or coffee, recounting all the beauties you have seen and planning your next trip here!
Zagori for families Zagori pies
Zagori for familiesFeaturing many small, family-run hotels and guestrooms and endless opportunities for fun, outdoors activities, Zagori is ideal for a short or longer family vacation.
Kids here play outside, in the village squares along with local kids: car traffic is minimal or non-existent in the stone-paved narrow village roads, so kids are safe.
The food is local, fresh, simple and delicious. And there’s so much to do! Horseback riding and paddling in the Voidomatis river, swimming in the Ovires natural pools, downhill hikes inside forests. There are snowmen to be built on the hotel room balconies and wild flowers to be smelled in the spring meadows. There are foxes to be seen at night and majestic eagles to be spotted at day.
There are endless shades of green and tales about the dragons that lived in the highest peaks of the Pindos mountains, throwing huge stones at each other (thus forming the region’s alpine lakes, called Dragon lakes or Drakolimnes). For older kids there are music festivals in the summer and ski lessons in the winter and there is also rafting and rappelling and river hiking. There truly is something for every-body at Zagori!
Zagori piesOne of the culinary specialties of the Zagorohoria is its savory pies.
Made with all sorts of ingredients, from mountain greens, to feta cheese, to pasta, to flour and eggs, seasoned with local herbs and spices, they are an art as much as a kitchen staple.
Developed as a way to make limited supplies feed more people, their recipes are simple but their amaz-ing taste is anything but: the result of prime fresh local produce and countless little secrets passed on from mother to daughter through centuries of hardship and prosperity, the pies of Zagori are consid-ered, even today, the ultimate test of a woman’s skill in the kitchen: sometimes the recipe calls for mul-tiple see-through thin layers of pastry (hand-kneaded of course).Oftentimes it is the elusive pitch of this or that herb that makes all the difference. Usually, the order with which each ingredient is added, or the temperature of the stone oven in which the pie is baked is the determining factor. And every time it is the local fresh ingredients, harvested at the right time, prepared in the traditional way, that give the Zagorohoria pies their unforgettable flavors. Honest, hearty and delicious, they are Zagori’s signature taste, perfect for all meals and in-between snacking!
zagorochoria
On steep mountain slopes or in cool river valleys, the villages of Zagori, or Zagorohoria as they are collectively
known, dot the Pindos National Park and its mighty peaks, ever charming, ever welcoming. All make up the
ideal destination for your quick getaway or longer vacation, no matter the season.
Come, join us here: our mountain paradise awaits you
zagoridestination
Agios Minas
Ano Pedina
Aristi
Dilofo
Eastern Zagori villages
Elati
Ioannina
Kipoi
Konitsa and beyond
Monodendri
Papigo
Tymfi villages
Vitsa
![Irrigation Systems Audits in Epirus and Western …...Irrigation Systems Audits in Epirus and Western Greece WP5, Action 5.2. Deliverable 3 1 Front page back [intentionally left blank]](https://img.dokumen.tips/doc/110x75/5e4e149858e0b4661d64ce54/irrigation-systems-audits-in-epirus-and-western-irrigation-systems-audits-in.jpg)
