Zagori
Peculiar geographical and cultural unity consisting of 46 traditional villages that are scattered in the east, central and west Zagori. It is geographically located between Ioannina, Metsovo and Konitsa with natural borders mainly Mitsikeli, Gamila and Aoos. The area is a combination of scattered pines and firs, crystal clear waters, traditional stone-made bridges, old manors, beautiful churches and lush vegetation. An area with flora and fauna of the richest in Greece not only in number of species but in rare ones also. Here one meets the bear, deer, wild-goat, jackal and others.
East Zagori
Kaberaga Bridge
It spans the Zagoritikos River, near Miliotades. A single arched bridge, its name is taken from Kaber-Aga; the gentleman who donated he gave the money to built it.
Tsipiani Bridge
A single arched bridge, over the Vardas River. Was constructed in 1875 with funds from Anastasis Paspaliaris and the people of Greveniti.
Flabourari
Nested in a forested slope of Tsouka Rossa Mountain, at a height of 1000m. The old houses of the village were burnt by Germans during Second World War. However the church of St. Nikolaos was saved, a building dated back to 1774. Flaburari attracts, many tourists, since it is on the road that leads to Vovousa and from there to Grevena, through a landscape of exceptional beauty.
Doliani
One of the prettiest villages of East Zagori, drenched in greenery. Although old manor houses were burnt by Germans, the central church of the village still stands and is dedicated to Panagia Theotokos dating back to 1791. It has wonderful wall paintings and a tower campanile on the east side.
West Zagori
Aristi – Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa
Dedicated to Virgin Mary the Monastery is built on a rock, over the west bank of Voidomatis River. The temple is dated back to 1665. It was an important monastery with cultural activity in the region of Zagori.
Papingo
A famous traditional settlement, built on the sides of Mt. Astraka (at a height of 2.436m). It consists of two settlements Small and Great Papingo that have kept their traditional appearance unaltered with big manor houses, stone paved streets and springs with crystal clear water.
Drakolimni
It is the biggest lake of the national park of Vikos-Aoos and is located in the mountains of Timfi at a height of 2.050m.
It stretches to about 5 acres. Here lives the alpine triton, a rare amphibian species.
For the visitor to get there, a road leads from Papingo to Astraka refuge, after 3 hours of walking. From there follow the marked path to Drakolimni (approximately one hour walk).
Central Zagori
Vikos Gorge
Vikos gorge is at the west side of the National Park Vikos-Aoos and crosses West and Central Zagori. Its length reaches approximately 12 km., and the height of steep cliffs exceeds 1200m. In many spots, while its width is around 100 to 1000m. The gorge is water-made formation and is cut through by Vikos River, the water is seasonal.
it takes 5 hours to walk to the springs of Voidomatis River, in a magnificent landscape, characterized by the grey rocks and the green vegetation
Vitsa (ancient settlement)
Between Monodendri and Vitsa are located the ruins of a small settlement of Molossi, dated in 9th C. up until the end of 4th C. B.C. Excavations brought into light ruins of stone houses as well as two cemeteries with important findings. (Today is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina).
Vitsa (contemporary settlement)
One of the most important traditional settlements in Zagori. Well- maintained stone manor houses, built with grey stone, perfectly fit in the environment, present special architectural interest. Stone-paved streets, churches, house gates, create together with the environment a scenery of outstanding beauty.
Tsepelovo
A well-preserved settlement, at a height of 1.100m height. During Turkish occupation it was the administrative centre of Zagori. Its manors are famous for the folk wall paintings.
Giftokambos
Well known for the meeting of Epirotes Sarakatsani which takes place every year on the first weekend of August. It is near the villages of Skamneli and Laista, at 1600m. It is a place with big huts representing the life of Sarakatsani.
Mastorochoria Konitsa
Built on the green slopes of Trapezitsa at a height of 630m it is a border town with its own dynamic features; old manors, stone paved streets next to Aoos Gorge where the famous single arched bridge is built.
Konitsa Bridge
It is located next to Konitsa settlement and spans Aoos Gorge. It was built in 1870 by Chief artisan Ziogas Frontzos, who came from Pirsogianni (famous village for artisans) with donations from rich Epirots and people of Konitsa.
Manor of Housein Sisko
It is at the centre of the old town of Konitsa and remains one of the most representative examples of urban architecture. The manor, as it is today, is dated back to 1845, but it is well known that it was built in 1771.
Hamko’s Manor
The deserted manor of Hamko, mother of Ali-Pasha of Ioannina. It is about a number of buildings resembling a fortress expressing its importance. In a better state is the two-storey-tower (Koulia) and arched columns with stone-curved decoration.
Klidi
It is a rock shelter at a height of 30m. above the banks of Voidomatis River, well-known for the findings of pre-historic times that excavations brought into light. Human presence in Klidi is dated 16.000-10.000 years ago and is due to exploitation of the favourable ecosystem of the area.
Klidoniavista Bridge
It takes its name by the neighboring village of Klidonia and joins Voidomatis River banks. It is a single-arched bridge built at the entrance of the Gorge of Vikos built in 1853.
National Park of Vikos – Aoos – Aoos Gorge
South East of Konitsa in northwest Pindus between Timfi and Smolikas the Gorge of Aoos, is a part of the National Gorge of Vikos-Aoos. The access to the Gorge is through a path near the old single-arched bridge, at the edge of Konitsa. The area is characterized by changes in scenery, intense contrasts, where the steep gorges and calm mountain slopes are found one next to another.
In the National Gorge of Vikos-Aoos find shelter the most rare birds and animals like the bear, the wolf, the jackal, wild goat and the rarest species of Greek fauna.
Metsovo
Metsovo, a cattle-raising settlement initially, became in time an important commercial centre, exploiting its geographical place and historical events. It is a representative example of resistance to the abandonment of the Greek countryside. It is built amphitheatrically in one of the mountain slopes of Pindos (1160m height). It attracts visitors with its wealth, the diversity of the scenery and the way of life the people lead and experienced.
Vallia Kalda
The National Park of Valia Kalda (warm valley) one of the most important in Greece, is included in the list of the world’s most endangered areas requiring protection. It is one of the most significant nature areas in Europe, providing shelter for over 80 species of birds.
Tsoumerka
Walking through the mountains and gorges around Arachthos River, four stone bridges help the visitor to reach Tzoumerka village and to be conquered by its evergreen natural beauty and human creativity
Pramanta
Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mt. Strogoula (840 m. height) this is one of the most well known artisanal villages in Tzoumerka. Near the settlement there is the Anemotripa Cave, where stalagmites and stalagtites create a magical world. The waterfalls ‘Kamili’ and ‘Vasilis’, watermill and gorge of St. Athanasios are the most remarkable sights in the area.
Plaka Âridge
A big single-arch bridge (length 40m. and height 20m.) that impresses with its symmetry. It spans the Arachthos River and eases communication of villages built on the slopes of Tzoumerka. It was built in 1866. The bridge of Plaka is today a starting point for impressive routes for rafting or canoeing in the Arachthos River
Zaravina Lake or Delvinaki Lake
Located on the road that leads to Delvinaki. The ecosystem of the lake is rich and is a habitat for birds and plants, many of which are rare, like the vidra.
Zitsa
Zitsa is built near the foothills of Prophet Elias and is surrounded by famous vineyards famous all over Ioannina. It underwent economic growth and flourished during the Turkish domination. The church of St. Nikolaos at the centre of the settlement was built in 1890. Each year, in the last week of August the wine festival is organized in Zitsa, near the monastery of Prophet Elias, where visitors may enjoy local famous wines.
Lithino – Theogefiro (God’s -Bridge)
This natural bridge over Kalamas River made communication for local people easier, until recent times. It is actually a rock connecting two sides of the river that nature gave the shape of a bridge. Folk tradition has connected it with many legends and gave it the name God’s bridge. Under God’s bridge flow clear waters of Kalamas.
Kalpaki -War Museum
It includes exhibits relevant to Greek Italian war, of 1940. In the premises of the small museum are exhibited army costumes, weapons, arms, publications, charts and other material relevant to the intense fighting that took place here during the Greek-Italian war.
Dodoni
Northeast of Ioannina and at a distance of 22 km. is one of Greece’s most ancient Sanctuaries, Dodoni. The landscape has exceptional beauty and in combination with mythology (Hades Gates), historical memory (Souli), paths of Souliotes etc.
Dodoni Sanctuary
The origins of the sanctuary, known for its historical reputation, go back to Copper Age (2600-1200BC.) Initially the sanctuary was outdoor and in it was worshipped the Great Goddess, deity of land fertility and welfare, who later was replaced by the worship of Dodoneos Dias.
Serziana -<Hades Gates>
Near the settlement of Serziana are the ‘Gates of Hades’, the entrance to a grandiose gorge, known as ‘Acheron narrows’, through which River Acheron’s waters flow. Ancient Greeks believed that the river led the souls of dead people to Acherousia Lake, where kingdom of Hades was located.
Louros River
Louros River crosses the area, creating small glades with clusters of sycamores, a perfect place for rest and recreation.
Gramenohoria
A special area in the west of Ioannina on the road to Igoumenitsa, crossed by Kalamas River creating a valley of infinite natural beauty. The area is scattered with late- byzantine monuments (Panagia monastery, Gribovo, Paliouri Monastery, Monastery of Agelomahos), full of wall paintings. Here one finds the monastery of St. Dimitrios Dihounios where the bishop of Trikki Dionisios, philosopher, in September of 1611, set off his revolution against Turks.
