Walking and Trekking in Zagori - Cicerone Press

Zagori in Greece's Northern Pindos National Park is among the last relatively undiscovered and unspoilt hiking destinations in Europe. This guide presents a selection of thirty walks and three short treks showcasing the region's captivating scenery, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, crystal-clear turquoise rivers, rugged alpine peaks and characterful mountain villages. Routes vary from easy walks on clear paths to strenuous ascents and mountain traverses, meaning that there is something to suit most ambitions and abilities.

Clear mapping accompanies the route description, and the introduction to the guide covers all the practicalities, including getting to Zagori, accommodation, equipment, maps and safety. There is also a wealth of information about the region's rich history, architecture, geology, plants and wildlife, as well as fascinating notes on points of interest encountered on route.

The routes are presented in five chapters, covering Central Zagori, Vikos Gorge and vicinity, Mt Timfi, Konitsa and Mt Smolikas, and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo, with highlights including Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas (Greece's second highest mountain), the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, traditional stone arch bridges and the alpine tarns of Drakolimni (Dragonlakes). With so much stunning scenery, this is a region that cries out to be explored.

THE ROUTES:

1 Central Zagori
Walk 1 The round of the stone bridges
Walk 2 Kipi to Dilofo and Vitsa
Walk 3 Kipi to Kapesovo and Missios Bridge
Walk 4 Kipi to Tsepelovo and Kapesovo
Walk 5 The Vradeto staircase and Beloi viewpoint
Walk 6 Vikaki (Selato) Gorge
Walk 7 Mt Mitsikeli
Walk 8 Iliochori waterfalls

2 Vikos Gorge and vicinity
Walk 9 Vikos Gorge crossing
Walk 10 Oxia viewpoint
Walk 11 Voidomatis Springs and Theotokos Monastery
Walk 12 Voidomatis Gorge crossing
Walk 13 Kokkino Lithari viewpoint
Walk 14 Papigo villages and Ovires Rogovou natural pools
Trek 1 An alternative approach to the Vikos Gorge

3 Mt Timfi
Walk 15 Astraka Refuge and Drakolimni Lake
Walk 16 Robozi Lake
Walk 17 Gamila summit
Walk 18 Astraka summit
Walk 19 The round of Astraka
Walk 20 The Davalista trail (Astraka Refuge to Konitsa)
Walk 21 Astraka Refuge to Konitsa or Vrisochori over the Karteros Pass
Walk 22 Tsepelovo to Vrisochori traverse
Trek 2 The ultimate Zagori trek

4 Konitsa and Mt Smolikas
Walk 23 Mt Trapezitsa and Roidovouni Peak
Walk 24 Stomiou Monastery
Walk 25 Konitsa to Vrisochori traverse
Walk 26 Pades to Drakolimni of Smolikas Lake
Trek 3 The classic ascent to the Dragonlake of Smolikas

5 Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo
Walk 27 Valia Calda National Park
Walk 28 Avgo Peak
Walk 29 The Flega Lakes
Walk 30 Following the footprints of the brown bear in Metsovo