A guidebook to 30 day walks, plus 3 mini-treks, in the Zagori region of north-western Greece. Taking in both the stunning mountain scenery of the Pindos and the region’s historic architecture, the graded routes range from easy strolls on clear waymarked paths to strenuous mountain hikes calling for good fitness, route-finding skills and experience in high mountain terrain.

The day walks vary from 3 to 24km (2–15 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–8 hours; the treks span 2–3 days. Routes are split between five geographical areas covering central Zagori; Vikos Gorge; Mount Timfi; Konitsa and Mount Smolikas; and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo.

• Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping
• GPX files available for download
• Local points of interest, plus history, geology, plants and wildlife
• Includes the Drakolimni ‘Dragonlakes’ and ascents of Mount Smolikas (Greece’s second highest mountain) and Mount Timfi
• Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket

Map key
Regional overview map
Location of walks and treks

Introduction
Zagori: a historical and cultural overview
Geography and geology
Plants and wildlife
When to go
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation
Food and drink
Language
What to take
Maps and GPS
Weather forecasts
Staying safe
Emergencies, rescue and health services
Using this guide

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
Trekking in Mt Timfi
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 round of Mt 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

Appendix A    Route summary table
Appendix B    Useful contacts and other practical information
Appendix C    English-Greek glossary and expressions
Appendix D    Further reading

Seasons

The best time to walk the routes is in springtime (end of May - June) and autumn (September - October) when the sun and temperatures are milder and the region quieter.

Centres

Kipi, Dilofo, Tsepelovo, Monodendri, Elafotopos, Papigo, Konitsa, Pades, Metsovo, Vovousa

Difficulty

Routes range from easy one-hour strolls on clear and well-waymarked paths suitable for all hikers (Grade 1) to strenuous ascents and rugged non-technical mountainous routes for which a very good level of fitness, route-finding skills and experience in high mountain terrain are required (Grade 4).

Must See

Vikos Gorge; scenic villages with unique architecture; amazing 18th-century stone bridges and cobblestone path network; Drakolimni alpine tarns (also known as the Dragonlakes); rafting opportunities on the Voidomatis River; stunning mountain scenery; the mystical Valia Calda National Park

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