Zagorochoria Villages
The landscapes the visitor encounters in Zagorochoria (villages of Zagori area), the uniqueness of nature, the characteristic local architecture and the local traditional tastes are the experiences that will stay in your memory.
(1) Dikorfo
The beauty of the villages of Zagorochoria lies in their uniformity. Dikorfo is such a village where the local slate prevails in all the constructions, creating this impressive outcome.
An untouched piece of land, with small beautiful guesthouses and tavernas. What else can you ask for?
(2) Dilofo “The Kingdom of Stone”
The well-preserved Dilofo maintains its traditional architecture without any modern interventions and as a result, it has been characterized as a historic region because of its architecture, planning, and folkloric significance. Its atmospheric surroundings consist of well-preserved stone houses and magnificent mansions, narrow cobblestone streets, stone fountains and a fabulous main square.
(3) Tsepelovo
260 residents are more than enough for Tsepelovo to be the largest and livelier village of Zagorochoria. At an altitude of 1,080 meters, Tsepelovo offers us the combination of the stone manors with paved alleys and the evergreen surroundings of mount Tymfi. Most of the residents here are either sheep farmers or loggers something that can be easily seen since the majority of the houses are built with wood in contrast to other villages. You will have the chance to see the beautiful manors, the square, the cultural center of Estia, and the church of Agios Nikolaos that dates back to the 18th century.
(4) Aristi
Aristi is the first village that greets the visitor in western Zagori which is consisted of the villages that are located around the gorge of Vikos, Voidomatis River, and the mountain of Tymfi.
The roads towards Vikos gorge leads initially to the village and a bit further down to the observatory from where you can enjoy the impressive gorge. There are no words to describe this view. Apart from the other sights, you can also see the path that goes down into the gorge. Do not hesitate, go down to the springs of Voidomatis and admire the greatness of nature.
(5) Papigo
Why is Papigo famous? Why lots of people do want to visit this village? The answer is that those that have already visited it describe it as an incredibly beautiful village. Actually, it consists of two villages. The Megalo Papigo is the first you will meet on your way from Ioannina, and the Mikro Papigo is only 3 kilometers away from Megalo.
Some say that Megalo Papigo has become touristic and that it has lost its authenticity. However, despite what others say, once you start strolling in the paved alleys you will feel the coziness of a “neat and tidy “ village, your eyes will catch numerous beautiful pictures and your feet will want to walk through all the alleys. The same goes for Mikro Papigo as well, although the view of the natural towers of Astraka is more direct, something that makes it even more unforgettable. Between the two Papigos you will meet an unexpected surprise, Kolibithres or Rogovo Ovires. These beautiful, natural pools are formed when the metallic doors that have been put there, hold the water between the nicely shaped rocks. The view is great as well as the dive. From Mikro Papigo you can take the path that leads to the shelter of Astraka and to the trail up until the Dragonlake. Megalo Papiggo is built on 980 altitudes, 60 km away from Ioannina, the road up to there is generally good but there are 15 consecutive 180 degrees turns that need a bit of caution.
(6) Monodendri
Monodendri is the highest balcony of Vikos. This stone village that dates back to 1360 A.C has developed immensely during the past few years in matters of tourism.
Who would not want to see the impressive gorge from a higher point? Oxia is the best spot from where you can admire the gorge of Vikos. It is located 9 kilometers away from Monodendri and you can get there either by car or through a hiking trail that lasts about 1 hour and a half.
