Forty-six beautiful villages, hanging in the mountains northeast of Ioannina, Zagorohoria charm the visitor, both with unique natural beauty and with the traditional architecture. Framed by kataprasines slopes, running water, impressive canyons and beautiful lakes, are an ideal destination all year round.
With area around a thousand square kilometres, divided Zagori in the western, eastern and central part, each with its own particular characteristics, its own history as well as its own, unique villages.
Northwest of Ioannina, western Zagori includes some of the most popular and perhaps most beautiful villages in the region. The Papingo, Aristi, Vikos, the Agios Minas and Mesovouni, occupying the valley Voidomatis, have become fanatical fans who return here every year to admire the unique architecture, to navigate the cobbled alleys, to enjoy the spectacular views and to feel close to nature.
The same river Voidomatis is one of the mageftikotera landscapes of the region, the ideal, perhaps setting for pezoporikes routes, endless tours, but also extreme sports, for lovers of nature. The blue, with a constant temperature of 4 degrees Celsius throughout the year, causing the brave for a dive during the summer months.
This time, framed by trees aionovia trails located on the banks are ideal for hiking, and hide countless surprises almost every step.
Stone gefyrakia resembling vgalmena from a fairy tale, dense vegetation and unique images created as sunlight reflected on the crystal clear waters - note that the Voidomatis is one of the few rivers where the water is drinkable-compose a scene that charms and rewards even their enemies orkismenous walking.
Still in the western Zagori, deserves to visit the magnificent Drakolimni, where he lives the alpikos Tritonas, rare amfiviou that resembles a small dragon, but the stream Rogkovo between the two settlements of Papigkou, forming small ponds, called ovires.
The core includes Zagori villages Vitsa, Monodendri, gardens, Dilofo Cocoon, Tsepelovo, DIPOTAMO, FRAGKADES, Leptokaria etc. Two of the prettiest villages in the region, and Vitsa Monodendri, are the points from which starts paths will lead you in the Vikos Gorge. In central Zagori collected and some of the most beautiful bridges in the region, such as Kalogeriko, with three arches, located between the villages and gardens Cocoon.
Traditionally, stone mansions, stone-built cobbled streets leading to picturesque squares, stone and marble fountains that anavlyzoun crystal water, historical buildings, churches, kataprasines unparalleled views of the slopes and in the Vikos Gorge, claiming all the time and, of course, your admiration, deleazontas you to do "another attitude" at each step of your periigisis.
Here you'll also an opportunity to visit the Folklore Museum Agapiou Toli, in Gardens, with 40 thousand objects of everyday life across the region of Zagori, the Museum of Traditional Ascholion, Elafotopo, and the Library of Paschaleiou School in Kapesovo , Where store, among other things, one of the three surviving copies of the Hellenic Charter of Riga Fereou.
The descent in the Vikos Gorge is through the paths ranging from several villages of Zagori, such as Vitsa, Monodendri and the Vikos. Owner of record Guiness of the gorge with the smallest opening to the world - just 1100 metres-and depth of over 900 metres, the gorge is with the Voidomatis, the core of the National Forest Vikos - Aoos. The rich vegetation, rare species of animals and birds as hosts, the crystal waters of the river which crosses will definitely impress you.
Less popular, but equally charming, the eastern region of Zagori impresses those seeking destinations outside the beaten track, landscapes anengichta for tourism development and promotion. Villages such as VOVOUSA, FLAMPOURARI, Karyes and GREVENITI deserve some of your time, not only for its natural beauty but also by their traditional paint, which seems to remain alovito over time.
It is, of course, clear that a weekend is not enough to discover all the beauty of the Zagori villages, to admire the natural scenery and it was in the picturesque cobbled streets and squares lithoktistes each of them. The charm of the region operates like a magnet, making even the most amyitous to return again and again to experience again the magic of the natural environment, what years they spend, and stops surprising.
Accommodation
The villages of Zagoria have a wealth of options regarding your stay, as many of the traditional mansions of the region have been converted into hostels combining air time with all modern amenities.
One of the best options is Aristi Mountain Resort, a complex of stone buildings across from the towers of Astraka and the ravine of Voidomatis, which has a total of 14 rooms and suites, heated pool with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, sauna and reception area with fireplace. Prices start at 100 euros for double rooms and reach up to 200 euros for suites.
Great choice is the traditional guesthouse Primoula, Amarandos, which has seven rooms and one independent, two-storey suite, all with traditional furniture, wooden floors, stone walls that give off a feeling of warmth and fireplace in some rooms. Prices start at EUR 90 for double rooms without a fireplace and 100 euros for double rooms with fireplace.
Cheaper, but equally good option is a traditional guesthouse Moon, renovated traditional mansion in the village Vitsa, with eight rooms and a splendid view of the surrounding area. Prices of rooms start at 40 euros.
Where to eat
In almost all of Zagori villages will have the opportunity to taste traditional flavors - definitely try the famous pies-prepared with pure, local materials.
Two of the best choices for meals are "Vikos Gorge" in Monodendri, which will try the traditional Kasiopita and other local specialties, and the restaurant's Stone, in Dilofo.
