Zagorochoria is a total of 46 villages. They are suitable for visiting in all seasons as you have the opportunity to admire different colours in their landscapes. Particularly beautiful are in autumn when the red and brown colours prevail, and in spring when everything is in bloom and is soothing.
Zachorochoria meaning:
The Zagori villages from the Eastern are (Aristi, Papigo, Vikos), Western (Elatochori, Yftokambos, Iliochori) and Central Zagori (Dilofo, Monodendri, Kipi).
In order not to get tired of the many hours needed to explore everything, I will suggest you the most famous and beautiful places – villages to visit. Central Zagori is a central point and will suit you for many excursions.
Activies – Things to Do
Hiking in Skala Vradeto is some of the famous activities in Zagorochoria.
Rafting on the river Voidomatis: Voidomatis is a quiet river suitable for everyone and of course for beginners. It has a very beautiful route through the Viko-Aoousti National Park in a green landscape and has a length of 15 km. The nearest village is Aristi, where you will find beautiful mansions for your stay.
Drakolimni: All-day hiking route to Drakolimni.
Cross the Vikos Gorge: If you have time, pay a visit to the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi of 1412 which is a must. The view of the Vikos Gorge from the Monastery is breathtaking.
Do a (Family) Canyoning in the Rogovou Gorge.
Explore the countless villages of Zagori.
Drinking coffee in traditional cafes.
Taste local flavors.
Photograph the lush green mountain scenery.
Visit by stopping at the impressive arched bridges of Central Zagori. The Bridge of Captain Bear and the Bridge of Kokkori located between Dilofo and Kipi.
Tip: From the Kokkoris Bridge a path starts from the bridge to the villages of Dilofo and Monodendri.
Best Villages
Tsepelovo is the most remote among the famous Zagorochoria and the largest village in population of the Zagori region. It is 51 km from the capital, Ioannina. In this village one of the most emblematic buildings is the Tsoufleio pharmacy which hosts exhibitions of contemporary art.
Central Zagorohoria
Monodendri is one of the most beautiful villages with many plantains and the central square where you can try traditional pies and authentic Greek coffee.
Tip: To admire one of the best spots overlooking the Vikos Gorge, drive a few kilometers after the village of Monodendri following the sign for Oxya.
Vitsa, which is 5 km next to Monodendri, is another traditional Zagorian village.
Dilofo is a village that has kept its traditional form. In summer the square is crowded and there you will find the famous tavern “Takis’ Stone”. A very good choice for food.
Kipi, is also one of the favorite villages with stately houses and picturesque landscape, built at 800 meters above sea level.
Eastern Part
Mikro and Megalo Papigo are very close to each other and are among the most touristic villages. Papigo is a village in the prefecture of Ioannina, built on the slopes of Tymfi at an altitude of 960 meters. It is also referred to as Megalo Papigo and together with the neighbouring village of Mikro Papigo it forms the municipal unit Papigo, of the municipality of Zagori. There you will also find Rogovo, a shop with carefully handmade products, souvenirs, household items, sweets and other traditional products.
A stop at the beautiful Kolimbithres is a must as they are located between Megalo and Mikro Papigo.
Tip1: At Pinocchio in Mikro Papigo you will taste homemade spoon sweets on a lovely balcony.
Tip2: From Papigo you will find many hiking trails, the most famous and beautiful is the one that ends at Drakolimni.
Tip3: 5klm far from Papigo vilage is located, Aristis Bridge, where you can enjoy the experience of rafting as well.
Western part
Next destination is Giftokambos. There you will meet a traditional Sarakatsani stani that functions as an open-air museum. In the traditional stannis you can observe the life of the Sarakatsans and see the famous “konakia” (houses made of branches and straw).
Visit the village of Iliochorio to admire the waterfalls and take a long hike following the path to the waterfalls. Be ready as it takes a long time to reach the final destination.
Tip: If you choose to include the waterfalls in your itinerary, start the day from Iliochori by taking the reverse route. Iliochori waterfalls→ Giftokampos→ Tsepelovo.
