You ever step into a place and think, “How is this not more famous?” That’s Zagori in Greece. A secret garden of stone villages, hidden trails, and a gorge so deep it’s scientifically baffling. We’ll hike ancient paths, dip our feet in a mountain lake so high up it feels like an offering to the gods, and cross bridges built when knights were still a thing. The scenery? Ridiculous. The hiking? Rewarding. The guesthouses? Straight out of a folktale. And the food? Let’s just say Greek grandmothers would approve. So if you’re up for a trip where every step feels like flipping through the pages of a fantasy novel, this is it!
If hiking were a work of art, Zagori would be a masterpiece. This adventure takes us through Greece’s best-kept secret, a land where ancient paths wind through storybook villages, stone bridges stand the test of time, and Vikos Gorge carves its way through the mountains like a myth come to life. We’ll hike through dense forests, over rugged peaks, and past alpine lakes that shimmer like liquid sapphire. With every step, history, nature, and adventure collide. If you're craving an off-the-radar trek with world-class scenery and heart-stopping beauty, consider this your invitation.
On the first day, we’ll meet the guides at Vitsa village. We’ll walk around and explore this charming village, and then we’ll stay in a traditional guesthouse for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
We’ll hike from Vitsa to Koukouli, Kipi, where we’ll tour around the old bridges that connected the villages years ago. The walk starts from Vitsa, down hilling the Vitsa Steps, in the heart of Vikos Gorge. We’ll cross one of the famous arched bridges and start walking uphill towards Koukouli, where the village square calls for a refreshment. The walk continues to Kipi, where we’ll rest and see more beautiful bridges. Through a dense forest, we’ll hike to Dilofo, a village protected as a monument of local architecture. We’ll rest at the square and walk back to Vitsa.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
Today, we’ll start by crossing Vikos Gorge, a very impressive canyon that’s also one of the deepest in the world. We will be transferred to Monodendri, and then we’ll hike downhill, where we meet the small river that flows through the gorge. We’ll continue next to the stream and walk right into the heart of the National Park. In the gorge, we’ll find a refuge and a lot of wild animals such as birds of prey, bears, and wild boars. Our walk will end at Vikos village after a slight ascent. We’ll rest at Vikos.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
On Day 4, we’ll drive back to Vikos Village. Our walk will take us towards Mikro Papingo. We’ll start the hike by walking down to Voidomatis springs. After resting for a while, we’ll start to climb the northwest face of Vikos Gorge in the direction of Mikro Papingo. The views get more and more impressive as we hike up. The walk continues through the forest until we reach the village. The evening is free, and we can spend it by swimming in natural pools near the village.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 4 hours
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
The day starts by hiking from Papingo towards the high plateaus of Mt. Timfi, and reaching an alpine lake at 2,050 m (6,725 ft). The walk begins from Mikro Papingo, one of the most beautiful villages of Zagori, and continues towards Astraka mountain refuge.
On the way up, we will pass by many water springs, so there is no need to carry a lot of water. After a small stop at the refuge, we’ll continue to the Drakolimni, an alpine lake. The scenery is magnificent because we’ll have great views over the Pindos mountain range. Later on, we’ll hike back to the refuge where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6 hours
Accommodation: Astraka mountain refuge
A long day is ahead of us today as we have to cross the Timfi mountain range. We’ll start walking downhill from the refuge, reaching the big plains of the mountain. Under the impressive cliffs of Astraka, we’ll continue towards a small water reservoir called Loutsa Robozi—a place for the shepherds to water the animals in summer. The walk brings us to the beginning of Megas Lakos, an impressive canyon which ends at Vikos. As we cross a water spring, we’ll continue to Tsepelovo, our final destination.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 hours
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
Our last day will lead us across old roads through the plains of Vradeto, the highest village of Zagori. After a visit to Beloi, a view point into the gorge, we’ll walk towards Vradeto. After a stop in the village, we’ll hike down to the impressive Vradeto steps, a path which takes us down to Kapesovo. We’ll drive to Elati and spend the night there.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7 hours
Accommodation: Traditional 3-star guesthouse
Today is the final day of this Zagori hiking holiday. We’ll say our goodbyes and depart back home from Elati, filled with experiences that we’ll cherish for a long time.
We just made the Pindos Horseshoe trek with the professional arrangement and guidance of Makis and his team. Perfect travel agency for trekkers.
We were very impressed with the organization of the hikes and the arrangements for our food and lodging. It’s beautiful hiking country and our hosts were very welcoming. Makis did a great job.
Included:
Not included:
This Zagori hiking holiday is rated moderate, which means that good fitness levels are required to participate. This tour is designed for experienced hikers with good physical and mental condition. Expect hiking up to 8 hours per day, and 90 km (56 mi) in total covered distance during the trip.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A Zagori hiking holiday can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Zagori hiking holiday is Vitsa village. To get there, most people fly into Ioannina Νational Airport (IOA), but it has limited international flights. The closest major international airport is Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), about 260 km (160 miles) away. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Vitsa village.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time. The guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Had a fantastic walk through the mountains of Zagori and learnt a lot of history. Makis was a fantastic tour guide. He adjusted everything for the pace of our tribe that included my 7 year old daughter and her 65 year old Yaya. We would definitely use them again for future hikes.