Zagori - North Western Greece - View Our Accommodation in Zagori

“Europe’s most outstanding area of natural beauty.
The 1750 wild flower species, including over 50 varieties of orchids, are an absolute joy."

In the region of Epirus, Northwest Greece there is evidence of human existence dating back to more than 40,000 years. Covering some 9,203 square kilometres, it has a unique environment with its very own identifiable culture. The first Greeks settled in Epirus as early as 2000 B.C. Its name has derived from the meaning “Infinity” and has been described as the very root of the Greek race. Tucked away deep in the Pindos Mountains, 16 km north of the city of Ioannina is the area known as Zagorochoria (or Zagori). It is a place of immense natural beauty. A vast proportion is heavily wooded, surrounded by a truly exciting geography, showing a remarkable diversity for such a relatively small area. Imposing mountains, luxuriant valleys are interspersed with rivers, waterfalls and streams. Around every bend there are dramatic towering cliffs and breathtaking ravines. None make a more lasting impression than the beautiful Vikos Gorge, reputedly Europe’s largest ravine.

The gorge is often described as Europe’s Grand Canyon, which perhaps is a little misleading. The main Vikos Gorge is just 12 Km long and a width between 200 metres to 2 Km in width. The depth goes to 1350 m. Although overall smaller than the Grand Canyon, it is this more tangible, more concentrated, but still awesome scale that makes the Vikos Gorge such an intense and involving experience. A spectacular viewpoint, locally known as the Vikos balcony, has the most complete view, not only of the gorge, but also of its main tributary, the Megas Lakkos (Great Ravine), itself a gorge more than 700 metres deep. This panorama is, without doubt, one of the great sights of Europe.

If first impressions from touring by car are good, then rest assured they will be strongly reinforced should you seize the opportunity to explore at least some of the countryside on foot. It was the wealth of wild flowers, the variety in broad leafed trees and the richness of fauna in terms of wild bears, wild boar, wild goats, lynx and wolves that persuaded the government to declare this area a National Park in 1971. The 46 Zagori villages are a picturesque delight, enhanced by their unique architecture. The exquisite stone built houses are of taste and distinction, quite unexpected in this remote, untamed landscape. Each village is built around a “Mesochori”, a stone paved square, shaded by a huge plane tree and flanked by the most important buildings. Winding cobbled lanes of ubiquitous grey stone are handsomely walled and spanned by pergolas bearing densely flowering vines. Arches are the theme. Every church has a stone arcade along its outer wall that acts as both cloister and loggia; a lattice of arches rise to form a freestanding bell tower. As stone is one of the main natural local resources, it features strongly in all other construction. Some of the most striking of this love affair with arches are the famous Kipi bridges; possibly the best surviving example of a craft that flourished throughout the region during the Ottoman rule. The most amazing feat of engineering is the Vradeto steps, which took years to complete. This snaking, paved, banistered staircase skilfully conquers a palisade, winding up a near vertical cliff face. Until recent times, this was the only link between the village of Vradeto and the rest of the region.

Epirus is also rich in wonderful ancient sites to visit, such as the impressive theatre at Dodoni, the oldest in Greek Civilization. There are also numerous spectacular monasteries, caves and museums, enough to satisfy the appetite of the most dedicated ancient Greco-phile. As you would expect for one of Europe’s last virgin areas, comfortable, quality hotels are relatively few. However, we have chosen a selection of accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis that we feel are best suited to our programme.

For every booking to Zagori, we will issue an information pack on your arrival at Preveza airport. This will include a map of the area, detailed directions, and a list of archaeological sites, suggested routes and places to visit.