Vikos – Aoos National Park
Vikos – Aoos National Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
236 reviews
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25
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Dimitris K
Thessaloniki, Greece255 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We've been visiting the area of Zagorohoria for a few years and we keep coming back. The area is just amazing! This time we decided to walk the path starting for the bridge of Konitsa to the Monastery of Panagia Stomiou next by the river Aoos.
What to say? An amazing experience. It takes about 1.5 hours to get the Monastery, the last 30 minutes is a little difficult since it's uphill.
At the monastery there's a post where you can see the Aoos gorge and the view is simply breathtaking. The monastery has a very old church which is beautiful. All around you can see the mountains still having snow on the top.
One of the best walking paths I've ever taken!
What to say? An amazing experience. It takes about 1.5 hours to get the Monastery, the last 30 minutes is a little difficult since it's uphill.
At the monastery there's a post where you can see the Aoos gorge and the view is simply breathtaking. The monastery has a very old church which is beautiful. All around you can see the mountains still having snow on the top.
One of the best walking paths I've ever taken!
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexanderP6308
Uppsala, Sweden4 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We walked from Monodendri to Vikos. Prior to our walk, the owner of Karpouzis Guesthouse at Vikos gave us a ride to Monodendri (40 min, 35 EUR).
We had a problem finding good descriptions of the route. Neither it is well marked. Most of the way one should follow red marks "03". It took us 7.5 hours including a 1-hour picknick lunch break.
The weather was hot and there was no running water in the gorge, just few poles inhabited by frogs. Water that we dared to drink was available in only one (!) location, in the middle of the route.
The first half of the path is quite uneven, stony, up and down. The second half is much easier, except the final steep ascend to Vikos.
Views are magnificent, especially closer to Vikos where the landscape is more open. Otherwise one needs to enter the river path to enjoy the views. But: don't even think continuing along the river path instead of the trail. In other words: don't leave the trail.
We managed to see a turtle in the forest soon after leaving Monodendri.
At Vikos, we enjoyed a dinner at Karpouzis Guesthouse a lot - recommended!
We had a problem finding good descriptions of the route. Neither it is well marked. Most of the way one should follow red marks "03". It took us 7.5 hours including a 1-hour picknick lunch break.
The weather was hot and there was no running water in the gorge, just few poles inhabited by frogs. Water that we dared to drink was available in only one (!) location, in the middle of the route.
The first half of the path is quite uneven, stony, up and down. The second half is much easier, except the final steep ascend to Vikos.
Views are magnificent, especially closer to Vikos where the landscape is more open. Otherwise one needs to enter the river path to enjoy the views. But: don't even think continuing along the river path instead of the trail. In other words: don't leave the trail.
We managed to see a turtle in the forest soon after leaving Monodendri.
At Vikos, we enjoyed a dinner at Karpouzis Guesthouse a lot - recommended!
Written August 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OphirB
Israel5,851 contributions
Sep 2016
Surprising as it is, these observation points provide some fantastic and really breathtaking views, even compared to similar places in the US and Central America. The huge vertical drop, is like only very few other places in the world, and with that comes the excitement and the beauty. It is even increased by the fact, that these places are far less touristic than you would imagine. The Eastern observation point requires also a relatively easy hike of about 1 KM (or 2 KM if you park the car, as most people do, at the village of Vradeto). The observation point north of Monodendri is fantastic, but be carefull (!!!!) if you take kids.
Written November 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greekcypriot2009
Athens, Greece8,970 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Famous for their unique architecture, the villages of Zagorochoria are hidden gems tucked in the natural wonder known as the Vikos-Aoos National Park.
In Zagorochoria, the splendor of nature is harmoniously complemented –unlike anywhere else- by human intervention.
Builders from Epirus used stone to construct houses, monasteries, arched bridges, stairs and cobblestone streets that are a joy to see and stroll along in all four seasons of the year.
The region draws natural enthusiasts from all over Greece as well as the best-known adventure tour companies and offers many activities (rafting, kayaking, trekking, paragliding, horse-back riding, climbing).
The region is divided into West, Central and East Zagori, with ten, twenty and sixteen villages respectively.
The stunning view of the Vikos gorge from Oxia, a few kilometres from the village of Monodendri, is not to be missed.
Visit the tiny and perfectly presented Mikro Papingo (30 minutes hike from Megalo Papingo) at the foot of Mount Asraka.
The village of Central Zagori, Dilofos, Koukouli, Kapesovo and Vradeto, are among the best preserved settlements in the region.
The arched Kokkorou Bridge, which was built in 1750, and the triple-arch Plakida’s Bridge, that connects the two banks of the river Vikos like a caterpillar in motion, can be found on the road to Kipoi.
In Zagorochoria, the splendor of nature is harmoniously complemented –unlike anywhere else- by human intervention.
Builders from Epirus used stone to construct houses, monasteries, arched bridges, stairs and cobblestone streets that are a joy to see and stroll along in all four seasons of the year.
The region draws natural enthusiasts from all over Greece as well as the best-known adventure tour companies and offers many activities (rafting, kayaking, trekking, paragliding, horse-back riding, climbing).
The region is divided into West, Central and East Zagori, with ten, twenty and sixteen villages respectively.
The stunning view of the Vikos gorge from Oxia, a few kilometres from the village of Monodendri, is not to be missed.
Visit the tiny and perfectly presented Mikro Papingo (30 minutes hike from Megalo Papingo) at the foot of Mount Asraka.
The village of Central Zagori, Dilofos, Koukouli, Kapesovo and Vradeto, are among the best preserved settlements in the region.
The arched Kokkorou Bridge, which was built in 1750, and the triple-arch Plakida’s Bridge, that connects the two banks of the river Vikos like a caterpillar in motion, can be found on the road to Kipoi.
Written February 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matyas L
Ekali, Greece771 contributions
A must see for fans of grand vistas. Take the route to Vradeto and take a short hike of 20' to Beloi. You are rewarded by spectacular rock formations, pure nature and finally seeing Europe's Grand Canyon. It indeed loks alike with a 1000m drop, but much greener and less crowded. Unfortunately no walk along the Canyon wall though.
There's another view point at Oxia (near Monodendri), also great, maybe less spectacular.
While walking and driving, continue towards Kip(o)i to see ancient bridges across the rivers, all well marked with parkings and enjoy lunch on some great restaurants either in Kipi, Elati or Vitsa.
There's another view point at Oxia (near Monodendri), also great, maybe less spectacular.
While walking and driving, continue towards Kip(o)i to see ancient bridges across the rivers, all well marked with parkings and enjoy lunch on some great restaurants either in Kipi, Elati or Vitsa.
Written August 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James_Vlake
Thessaloniki, Greece221 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Imagine a city centre. Crowds, polluted air, unbearable noise, no horizons... Now imagine a place that is the exact opposite. Then drive 10 minutes further from Monodendri, walk the last metres and there you have it. Oxia. The most calming place on the planet. Views that have to be seen to be believed and silence. Nothing better.
You have to be careful, though, because the rocks are a bit slippery and the river is a looooong way down!
You have to be careful, though, because the rocks are a bit slippery and the river is a looooong way down!
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarikaLudi
Athens, Greece9 contributions
Aug 2015
Must-see gorge on the mountains of unexplored Epirus region. A not at its whole length safe path, but worth hiking for its natural beauty. One may find a littl difficulty on reaching by car the starting point of the path, for the many turns & lack of road signs. Dangerous for children & elderly people.
Written April 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liv0815
182 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
To hike the Vikos Gorge you can start in Monodendri or Vikos. In Ioannina's KTEL bus station get the bus early in the morning or at 135pm Monday, Wednesday or Friday to Monodendri. You must make a transfer at the cross roads so tell your driver where you are going. In Monodendri there are two churches, one in town just around the corner on the right if you are facing Pita Tis Kikitas in the main square (not on the main road) and the other to the left after a 20 min hike down hill. To see the Gorge go left, to hike to Vikos go right. You will quickly begin the 6 to 8 hour hike just after the little amphitheater. The hike is well marked all the way to Vikos. This is a fairly difficult walk, you have to be ready to climb some rocks and at the end there is a very steep incline to Vikos. There are two hotels in Vikos and one FANTASTIC restaurant called Hpistoforos Tsoumanis. If you are fit you may be able to make it to Papingo or Mikro Papingo (about 2 hours past Vikos) but I did not. We decided to take the other route back going through Elafotopus and Ano Pedina. It took us much longer than the signs indicated (7hours all told), but it was lovely to see the little towns, valleys, mountains and countryside. You will not see the gorge taking this route. Vikos to Elafotopus was well marked, it's the path to the right of the one that goes to Vikos. There is a little peak you can hike to via a side trail after about 1.5 hours, but we found that poorly marked and gave up on it. When you arrive in Elofotopus the path just to your left (avoiding the town) is the road to Ano Pedino. Out of Elafotopus to Ano Pedino some markers are missing and locals have tied plastic to the trees to help you find your way. When you hit Ano Pedino take a hard left up the hill, then stay right. When you get to the top you will see a trail map, follow the path the map is on to get to Monodendri. This path goes very high and it is very windy and cold (in late October) compared to other parts of the trail. After about an hour you will come to a paved road and another trail map. GO DOWN HILL. We went the wrong way and walked for an hour before we found a sign indicating Monodendri was the other way. Once on the paved road (marked as a Forrest road on the map) you are about 30 minutes from Monodendri! We ran into several packs of sheep dogs on this route (Vikos to Monodendri via the towns, not the gorge) They are very aggressive, but just remember they are guarding their sheep (or goats) so just keep walking away from the animals calmly and don't look at or take interest in the livestock. I really enjoyed going the two different routes.
Written November 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLLJJR
Keene, NH221 contributions
Oct 2019
We saw this when it was dry, but this must be stunning in the spring when the water is flowing. Near the top of the gorge there is a road that goes to a short path that brings you out to a spectacular view of the gorge where it splits. You'll likely encounter herds of sheep, goats and/or cattle in the road so proceed slowly!
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaul D
Holon, Israel134 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
All the way till the Monodeneri is wonderful with exciting views, still there is no way to get the real feeling from that deep canion unless you put boots on the ground amd make a few hours track in the deep, take it inconsideration
Written October 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist820248
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Afdaling vanaf Monodendri Naar Vikos. Hoe kan ik terugkomen in Monodendri?
Written May 20, 2019
chiaracarrea
Province of Genoa, Italy
Sarò in Grecia dal 21 ottobre, e vorrei toccare anche la regione dell'Epiro in particolare percorrere qualche sentiero che collega gli antichi villaggi ammirandone i ponti e la natura circostante con le famose gole di Vikos. Mi chiedevo a livello logistico il mezzo migliore per visitare la zona:auto a nolo, mezzi pubblici? Sulla scelta dei villaggi e sentieri da fare, considerando che avrò 2 giorni più o meno a disposizione, cosa mi consigliereste di non perdere? Ci sono punti turistici o agenzie in loco a cui fare riferimento? Grazie in anticipo, chiara
Written August 1, 2018
Meraki14
Island of Malta, Malta
Hi,
My friends and I are visiting Greece in the summer. We were planning on stopping over at Ionnina for 2 days then moving on to Monodendri where we were hoping to go hiking in the gorge. We would really like to see the 92 archways but we're getting confused as to where they are exactly, are they within the gorge or somewhere else in the region?. Also is it possible to cross the gorge from Monodendri to Vikos in a day ?
Written November 24, 2015
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