Spend 6-days walking and trekking in the Pindus Mountains of Northwestern Greece
The Zagori area is one of the best walking regions in Greece. Discover this remote wonderland for yourself on the 6-day self-guided Zagori Trekking Tour.
Starting out in the mountain village of Papingo, you’ll enjoy a beautiful loop trail around the rushing Voidomatis River. This thrilling adventure also invites you to discover the alpine zone of Astrakas with a 2-day trek, where you’ll stay in a mountain hut and explore incredible landscapes like the alpine Dragon Lake. Later in the trek, you’ll cross sprawling meadows, following ancient shepherds’ paths to the village of Tsepelovo as the summits of Gamila (2,500m) and Astrakas soar high above in the background. Peer down into the dramatic Vikos Gorge from the Beloi viewpoint and walk down the winding ‘steps of Vradeto’ on the trail connecting Vradeto with Kapesovo. To end the tour, you’ll walk along the Vikos river where you’ll discover an array of famous arched stone bridges from the 18th-century near Kipi where your adventure ends.
With so much to explore in the Pindus Mountains, why not extend your trip by adding on the Vikos Gorge Hiking Tour, making for a brilliant 12-day adventure in total!
You can book this 6-days tour in the Alpine zone of the Zagori region as a stand-alone package or in connection with our Zagori: Vikos gorge trip, making it a total of 12 days.
Highlights of the Zagori Trekking Tour
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Zagori Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Papingo
After your arrival at Ioannina Airport, transfer to Papingo (can be booked in advance). During the last part of the ride, the road ascends through a series of impressive hairpin bends, making for a beautiful drive. Your overnight stay is in the village center in a traditional mansion.
We recommend booking an additional night in Papigno to allow ample time to explore this charming village and enjoy a walk to the view point of Kokkino Lithari, Mikro Papingo and the Kolymbithres.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Papingo
Distance: 8.6km, 600m of ascent
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Ano Klidonia via Klidonia and Voidomatis River
It is a very pleasant hike from Papingo to the village of Ano Klidonia today! The route is made up of long flat stretches on an easy trail, allowing you ample opportunities to fully enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the Towers of Astraka. You’ll descend to the arched bridge near the village Kato Klidonia, from where you enter the valley of the Voidomatis River. The path along the river is mostly flat and walking under the plane trees is very pleasant. Your walk ends at the Aristi bridge today.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Papingo
Distance: 16.5km, 320m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Dragon Lake and Astrakas Hut Trek
This morning it’s time to pack up for a brilliant adventure, taking a few items (and a sleeping bag liner) with you to make the 2-day hike across the high Astrakas plateau.
Via Mikro Papingo you climb the 1000m up on an excellent path to the Astrakas Hut. After lunch at or near the refuge, you walk further up through captivating alpine scenery to reach Dragon Lake, situated at 2,050m. The lake is aptly named after the Alpine newts (dragons) who abound here. Looking out across the lake, you’ll witness remarkable, breath-taking views over the Aoos Valley that plunges deep down below.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Astrakas Hut
Distance: 14km, 1,400m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Trek the Astrakas Plateau
You’ll leave the Astrakas Hut behind this morning to cross the alpine meadows between the peaks of Astraka and Gamila. This area is home to livestock and chamois. Further south you descend to the gorge Megas Lakos, a very deep gorge that connects to the Vikos gorge and measures more than 600m in depth! A final descent takes you to Tsepelovo where your luggage is waiting for you. Time to relax at the cozy village square after an adventure filled 2-day trek.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tsepelovo
Distance: 13.5km, 400m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Highlights of Zagori Walk to Kipi
On this last walking day of the trip, you’ll enjoy a beautiful hike to take in some of the highlights of this stunning region. You first ascend to a higher plain and then follow an old, cobbled foot path to the viewpoint of Beloi, said to offer the best views over the Vikos Gorge!
Later, in the small village Vradeto, enjoy a break at a traditional café here to re-fuel. The village is also well-known for its Vradeto steps, a steep zigzagging paved path between Vradeto and Kapesovo. After a stop in Kapesovo you’ll descend through shady forest to the Vikos River and follow the river until you reach Kipi. Don’t forget to visit some of the stone arched bridges, such as the unique three-arched bridge of Plakida!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kipi
Distance: 17.1km, 750m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Depart
After breakfast your adventure in Zagori comes to an end. It’s a great idea to book an extra night in Kipi to explore all that it has to offer.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on May 13th – July 10th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $925 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $750 USD
- Sharing a double room: $525 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $550 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $395 USD
Departure on July 11th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $975 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $750 USD
- Sharing a double room: $525 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $550 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $395 USD
Departure on September 1st – October 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $925 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $750 USD
- Sharing a double room: $525 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $550 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $395 USD
Accommodation on Zagori Trekking Tour
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses and a mountain hut. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Saxonis Houses in Megalo Papingo ★★★
This traditional hotel is adorned in the typical Zagorian style and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures in Papingo.
Astrakas Mountain Hut
This rustic mountain hut grants its guests a true alpine experience with dormitory bunk beds and delicious hot meals.
Paroraia Villa in Tsepelovo
Guests will enjoy their stay at this 18th-century restored mansion, a stone villa featuring stylish rooms and a wide range of modern amenities.
Machalas Hotel in Kipi
A welcoming guesthouse in Kipi featuring a cozy taverna.
What’s Included in the Zagori Trekking Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included throughout the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes two luggage transfers (between Megalo Papingo and Tsepelovo; and between Tsepelovo and Kipi). You will be in charge of any other transfers needed. For the hike to the Astrakas Hut you need to take limited luggage with you, including a sleeping bag liner and pillowcase and small hiking towel.
Also Included
- 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
Not included
- Any personal transfers not mentioned as ‘included’
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees and visits to monasteries and monuments
- Travel insurance
- Guide services
- Tourist tax (paid locally, between 0.5 and 2 EUR per night)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Zagori Trekking Tour
S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.
At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.
All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.
If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.
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Maria has worked in the Athens office of S-Cape for nearly 4 years. She’s discovered an even deeper love for her country through the process of helping others explore it.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead and why?
- A: My favourite trip is Crete “Coast to Coast” because you discover unspoiled Crete while following walking paths through wildflowers, lush valleys, and gorgeous gorges. You get to know the locals, drink wine with them, and taste the famous Cretan food in local taverns. You meet the locals of this village in the “kafeneion” and drink a “Raki” with them. You get to stay in a beautiful old restored house and enjoy views of the White Mountains whilst having breakfast. Explore the White Mountains and walk at an altitude of 1,300m gazing at the white peaks surrounding you. On the south coast, you walk through beautiful gorges. It’s just wonderful!
- Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
- A: You hear how good the food, the sun, and the people are. It’s even better in real life!
- Q: What is one local dish anyone visiting should try?
- A: Greek salad, tzatziki, stuffed tomatoes, fried zucchini, and traditional souvlaki, of course!