Explore Zagorohoria : An Epic Hike Through Forty-Six Ancient Greek Villages

Published on August 18, 2025

Nestled in the rugged Pindus mountains, the remote villages of Zagorohoria in Greece offer an exceptional hiking experience. Known for their ancient stone-built homes and rich cultural heritage, these forty-six villages are linked by a network of cobblestone paths and historic stone bridges, some of which date back to the fifteenth century. For adventurers and history enthusiasts, exploring these trails provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Greece’s traditional lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking through Zagorohoria not only reveals the stunning landscapes of northern Greece but also highlights the region’s deep connection to its past.

Discovering Zagorohoria’s Timeless Beauty

Zagorohoria, sometimes called Zagori, lies in the northern reaches of Western Greece, near the Albanian border. The region remained largely isolated until the 1970s, and it’s this isolation that helped preserve its traditional culture and architecture.

The villages in Zagorohoria are built using local stone, harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape. The name “Zagorohoria” means “the villages behind the mountain,” a fitting description of this region’s location, surrounded by steep ridges and deep ravines. The cobblestone paths and rock-hewn bridges that link these villages have withstood the test of time, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient trails, known as kalderimia, are a testament to the region’s historical trade routes and local traditions.

Vikos Gorge: Nature’s Geological Masterpiece

As one of Greece’s most dramatic natural landmarks, the Vikos Gorge is a must-see for hikers. Stretching twenty kilometers long and plunging to depths of over thousand meters, this gorge is often referred to as the “Greek Grand Canyon.” It is a stunning showcase of nature’s power, with steep limestone cliffs and rich green vegetation that makes it a photographer’s paradise. The hiking paths through the gorge offer unparalleled views and a chance to experience the diverse biodiversity of the region, with wildflowers, herbs, and ancient trees lining the way.

Sustainable Tourism and Architecture in Zagorohoria

What makes the region of Zagorohoria even more fascinating is its sustainable architecture, which has been perfectly adapted to the local climate and landscape. The stone homes built by the residents centuries ago are an excellent example of climate-adaptive architecture, using natural materials and local resources to create energy-efficient buildings. Today, these homes have been transformed into charming guesthouses, allowing visitors to experience life in these villages while preserving the region’s unique cultural heritage.

A Five-Day Hiking Adventure Through Zagorohoria

Explore the rugged beauty, ancient architecture, and rich culture of the Zagorohoria region with this five-day hiking adventure. This itinerary takes you through picturesque villages, ancient footpaths, historical landmarks, and stunning natural vistas.

Day 1: Arrival in Vitsa and Exploring the Village

• Arrival and Introduction
  Arrive in Vitsa, one of the largest villages in Zagorohoria. Settle into your charming guesthouse and enjoy an evening stroll through this traditional stone-built village.
• Vitsa Main Square
  Begin your exploration with a visit to Vitsa’s central square, famous for its three hundred-year-old plane tree. From the square, take a walk along the kalderimi footpath to experience the beauty of the village and its historical architecture.
• Dinner and Rest
  Enjoy a hearty meal at a local taverna, where you can taste traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka or grilled lamb, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Vitsa to Kipoi (7.4km)

• Morning Hike to Kipoi
  Begin your day with a hike along the kalderimi, a centuries-old stone path that connects Vitsa to Kipoi. This 7.4km journey will take you through lush forests, ancient stone bridges, and stunning views.
• Visit Historic Bridges
  Along the way, stop to admire the Missiou, Kokkori, and Mylos bridges, masterpieces of stone architecture constructed in the 1700s.
• Kipoi Village
  Upon reaching Kipoi, explore its stone homes and central square. Kipoi is known for its excellent preservation of traditional Zagori architecture.
• Overnight in Kipoi
  Stay in a local guesthouse, where you can enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: Kipoi to Kapesovo ( 8 km)

• Morning Hike to Kapesovo
  From Kipoi, take the eight km footpath leading to Kapesovo. The path winds through wildflower meadows, dense oak forests, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Explore Kapesovo
  Kapesovo is known for its traditional stone houses and the church of St. George, which is beautifully set in the heart of the village.
• Evening Relaxation
  After a full day of hiking, enjoy a peaceful evening in Kapesovo. Take in the serene views of the mountains and enjoy a quiet night in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 4: Kapesovo to Vradeto (10 km)

• Hike to Vradeto and the Vradeto Staircase
  Day 4’s hike takes you from Kapesovo to Vradeto via the famous Vradeto Staircase. The staircase is a stunning feat of engineering, with eleven hundred stone steps carved into the side of the mountain. The climb is steep but offers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and the Vikos Gorge.
• Vradeto Village
  Upon reaching Vradeto, explore the village and take time to visit the Beloi viewpoint, which offers sweeping views of Vikos Gorge.
• Overnight in Vradeto
  Stay overnight in Vradeto, a small village with a traditional charm. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest up for the next day’s hike.

Day 5: Vradeto to Monodendri and Vikos Gorge (12km)

• Vikos Gorge Adventure
  On your final day, take a twelve km hike from Vradeto to Monodendri and into the Vikos Gorge.
• Exploring the Gorge
  As you descend into the gorge, the hike will take you through lush vegetation, and at the base of the gorge, you’ll find the Voidomatis river, known for its crystal-clear, emerald waters.
• Monodendri Village
  After your exploration of the gorge, visit Monodendri, famous for its historical monasteries and medicinal herbs.
• Return to Athens
  After a satisfying final day of hiking, take a return journey back to Athens. Reflect on the incredible landscapes, the timeless stone villages, and the sense of history you’ve experienced on this unforgettable adventure.

This five-day hiking adventure offers an immersive experience of Zagorohoria’s unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and timeless traditions. With stunning vistas, historic stone villages, and ancient footpaths, this trip is a true journey through the heart of Greece’s Zagori region.