Zagori Stone Villages & Vikos Gorge Hiking
A village-to-village trek through the Vikos Gorge, continuing to Papingo and Dragon Lake. Best for experienced hikers.
This route follows the classic south-to-north direction used by local hiking agencies, entering the gorge from Monodendri and ending in Papingo, with luggage transfers arranged between stone villages. The Vikos Gorge hike takes about 6 to 7 hours, and the Dragon Lake hike takes about 8 to 9 hours, requiring good physical fitness. For a more relaxed trip, you can skip Dragon Lake and do a shorter loop around Papingo to see the rock pools.
Snow patches at high altitudes can persist into July. Always check if the gorge riverbed is passable after heavy rain.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive and Head to the Stone Villages
Ioannina & Zagori（Monodendri & Agia Paraskevi Monastery）
Take a private transfer or drive from Ioannina Airport to Monodendri (approx. 1 hour).
Stay: Monodendri
Day 2 · Warm-up Hike: Stone Bridges and Villages
Ioannina & Zagori（Kokkori (Noutsos) Bridge、Kalogeriko (Plakidas) Bridge、Dilofo）
Hike along ancient stone-paved paths (approx. 9 km, 3 hours). A short transfer is required to the starting point.
Stay: Monodendri
Day 3 · Gorge Rim Views
Ioannina & Zagori（Oxya Viewpoint、Beloi Viewpoint、Vradeto Steps）
Walk or drive to the viewpoint, then hike the Vradeto Steps loop (approx. 2.5 hours).
Stay: Monodendri
Day 4 · Trek Through the Vikos Gorge
Ioannina & Zagori（Vikos Gorge、Voidomatis River & Klidonia Bridge）
Descend into the gorge from Monodendri, hike about 12 km (approx. 6 hours) to Vikos village, then take a pre-arranged taxi to Aristi.
Bring plenty of water and food as there are no supply points in the gorge. Arrange your pickup at the exit in advance.
Stay: Aristi
Day 5 · Hike Up to Papingo
Ioannina & Zagori（Papingo、Papingo Rock Pools (Ovires)）
Hike along the ancient path to Papingo (approx. 5 km, 2.5 hours), and visit the rock pools in the afternoon.
Stay: Papigo
Day 6 · Astraka Refuge and Dragon Lake
Ioannina & Zagori（Drakolimni of Tymfi）
Hike up from Papingo to the refuge (approx. 3 hours), then continue to Dragon Lake (approx. 1 hour). Round trip takes 8 to 9 hours.
Start early and check the weather forecast. There is no shade on the mountain. If you lack the stamina, opt for a shorter loop.
Stay: Papigo
Day 7 · Return to Ioannina
Ioannina & Zagori（Ioannina Castle & Its Kale）
Take a private transfer or drive from Papingo to Ioannina (approx. 1 hour), and explore the castle in the afternoon.