| Well hidden in the mountains of Epirus, north of Ioannina | | | | of 1,340 meters. It once was the only connection of |
| lies one of the most famous winter destination in | | | | the village with the same name with the outside world. |
| Greece: Zagorohoria, Forty-six century-old villages | | | | An amazing place, |
| steeped In nature create a unique haven The locals | | | | The Vikos Gorge: An amazing 20 km long ravine deep |
| have preserved their land, with respect to the | | | | in Zagon, among the Koukourtzos, Kousta, Stouros |
| architectural identity of their villages and the beauty of | | | | and Tymphi mountains, Villages like Kapesovo, Dilofo |
| the surrounding nature Zagori means "the place behind | | | | and Tsepelovo are located there, along with numerous |
| the mountains". The region is indeed surrounded by | | | | stone-built bridges, stairways, water mills and |
| Mitsikeli Mountain and the Tymfi mountain range. There | | | | monasteries. It's a beautiful, verdant place. filled with |
| are three distinct parts: The eastern, western and | | | | amazing secrets. Don't miss the Vlsikos Monastery, |
| central Zagori, all criss-crossed by streams, rivers, | | | | north of Kaloutas, or the Kastantonas village, that only |
| gorges and dotted by small lakes. And the view of the | | | | has 10 inhabitants, and is the only one connected to the |
| mountains all around is spectacular | | | | outside world by nothing more than a dirt road. |
| The Villages | | | | Tradition: The numerous elements of folk art |
| Zagon is famous for its architectural variety. The large | | | | everywhere will astound you. In Sarakatsaniki Stani |
| number of villages scattered around the mountaintops | | | | you'll feel like you re in some kind of wonderland. This |
| are full of surprises. Each one has a central plaza | | | | original outdoors museum, oper¬ating since 1995, is a |
| around which village life revolves. Plane trees, | | | | collection of hovels in the woods with exhibits from the |
| Communal fountains, community buildings and cafes | | | | locals' way of life. The library of Paschalios School in |
| exist on and around all of them Visit Papingo, Kipi, | | | | Kapesovo features a copy of the Rigas Feraios |
| Monodendri, Aristi and Vovousa, some of the best | | | | Chart, as well as other rare historic documents. |
| known villages, and you'll see what I mean There are | | | | The Lazarides Museum in Koukouli features samples |
| several routes around the region. The locals can show | | | | from the rich flora and fauna of the area. The |
| you the most exciting ones You really should visit as | | | | Museum of Folk Art in Kipi features over 40,000 |
| many villages as you possibly can Whether you're a | | | | exhibits from the collection of Agapios Tolis. Traditional |
| hiker, a mountaineer, an extreme sports nut or a 4 x 4 | | | | costumes household items, ceramics and copper |
| enthusiast, there's really a lot to see. | | | | utensils are presented in a beautiful place Another |
| Architecture : Most buildings in Zagori are built by stone | | | | place worth visiting is the Rizari Exhibition Center in |
| and wood. Mansions, guest houses, schools churches | | | | Monodendri. It frequently hosts exhibitions and events. |
| and water mills blend into the natural surrounding | | | | Epirus Flavors: At Ano Pedina, make a stop at |
| perfectly. The villages seem like an integral part of the | | | | Porfyros for some local flavors. Try the lamb at |
| landscape But they are not bland at all: you'll notice | | | | Soudena, pies and game at Spiti tou Oresti. |
| extravagant architectural details like the colourful doors, | | | | In Aristi, enjoy a cup of coffee at Chani - there's also |
| the intricate windows, and other elements. Several | | | | game and traditional meals if you're hungry. Don't leave |
| older buildings have been impressively renovated | | | | the village before trying the pie of Alexandra. |
| recently. | | | | At Asprangeli try the restaurant of Dovras Hotel. Try |
| What to see Voidomatis River: Crystal waters that | | | | the pies at Tsoumani -especially platsaria-, the stuffed |
| come from springs at the Vikos gorge, and meet with | | | | lamb and the plum jam. |
| Aoos River further downstream. Walk along the river's | | | | At Vitsa you get to enjoy more local delicacies in Beloi. |
| banks under the gigantic plane trees, try its potable | | | | You'll find a great variety of meat and pies. |
| water, and marvel at the wonderful stone-built bridges | | | | On the road to Monodendri you'll find Kanella ke |
| along its path. | | | | Garyfallo, where you'll get to try amazing mushroom |
| Panagia Spiliotissa: On the road to Papingo you'll come | | | | recipes made by mushrooms cultivated by the |
| up to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa. The route is | | | | owners. |
| breathtaking, but the monastery itself, perched on a | | | | At Vovousa try cooked liver at Taverna tou Aggelou, |
| steep rock, is spectacular. The building features | | | | overlooking the river. |
| numerous nearly vertical levels connected with steep | | | | At Dilofos make a stop at Lithos, a bar-restaurant |
| stone staircases. The bell tower looks as if it were | | | | where you can also sit and relax with a book or a |
| part of the rock cliff face. | | | | newspaper. There are also board games for groups |
| Kolybithres: Amazing natural pools created by the | | | | of friends. Try the cream cheese, the pies and the |
| water's flow through the rocks. Located on the road | | | | mirmigato for dessert. At Sopotseli, that bears the |
| between Mikro and Megalo Papingo. Don't dive in - the | | | | former name of the village, which means "place of |
| water is extremely cold. | | | | many waters", you can try the warm frumenty and |
| Drakolimni: According to the legend, a dragon lives | | | | pie. |
| there, along with an army of tiny amphibians, the | | | | Sterna at Kapesovo serves sweets and more |
| Tritons. It's a four-hour walk from Papingo, but it's | | | | traditional products produced right there by Thucydldes |
| worth it. The landscape is breathtak¬ing. | | | | Papageorgiou's family, including liqueur, frumenty, dried |
| Agia Paraskevi Monastery: Built on the 15th century on | | | | mushrooms but also handicraft items, like jewellery and |
| the edge of Vikos gorge, it retains the medieval | | | | shepherd's crooks. |
| atmosphere of that era. Every room is built along a | | | | At Elati, try traditional meals by Mr Sakis at Risa. We |
| path that leads you to several caves on the cliff-face. | | | | suggest the fried cheese with eggplants and head |
| Kalogeriko: One of the most famous bridges in the | | | | cheese, or the flower-pot pork with plums and quinces. |
| area, outside Kipi. Its three dimensional curvature | | | | At Kato Pedina, look for Mesochori cafe. Mr Panos |
| creates the illusion of a pulsation. A monk called | | | | and Mrs Vangelio will serve you coffee, great food |
| Samuel built it some time during the early 19th century, | | | | and wonderful 1occal sweets. |
| replacing the wooden bridge that existed on that spot. | | | | Kipi's most popular spot is Michalis' restaurant, with |
| Plakidas brothers repaired it in 1865, giving it the shape | | | | tidbits you can enjoy with some wine or tsipouro. |
| it still retains today, | | | | Koukouli has a lovely little square with a coffee shop |
| Skala Vradetou: Looks like a stairway to heaven, as it | | | | called Mikro Kafenio, that also serves homemade herb |
| is located in the highest place of Zagori at an altitude | | | | pie and cream cheese. |