You see: Wrap yourself in your warmest holiday spirit and get ready for a trip to wonderful snowy landscapes. Visit not one, not two, but 46 mountain villages, perched on the slopes of Pindos, “decorated” with traditional stone mansions and surrounded by fir trees, plane-covered forests and gurgling waters flowing in your path. Just a “breath” from Ioannina, a world of peace and tranquility is ready to welcome you in its arms. Walk along the cobbled streets of villages such as the fairytale Little and Big Papigo, the authentic Tsepelovo, the picturesque Monodendri, the unique Aristi, the tradition-filled Dilofo and discover picturesque corners. Get to know its Byzantine history through the monasteries – architectural gems, scattered in the Zagorje nature, “hidden” in the beauty of the Vikos gorge, ready to be revealed. Between Tsepelovo and Kapesovo you will see the Monastery of St. John Rogovou with hagiographies of local folk painters. Near Pogoniani, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Molivdskepasti, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine monasteries, while north of the village of Vitsas, stands the holy Monastery of Prophet Elias with its masterfully made wooden carved iconostasis. Tour the unique stone arched bridges that emerge from the wild nature, such as those of Kokkoris, Lazaridis and Plakidas and give their beauty to the landscape. And when dusk embraces the surrounding mountains with its unique color, enjoy the moment next to the warmth of the fireplace, in absolute peace, accompanied by the beautiful images of the day that has passed.

 

The Monastery of St. John the Baptist or Rogovou is located between the stately village of Tsepelovo and Kapesovo

 

The single-arch bridge of Kokkoris (or Kokkoros or Noutsos) on the river Voidomatis

between the villages of Koukouli, Dilofo and Kipo

 

 

 

Are you listening: Close your eyes and indulge in the unique sounds of nature and tradition. Listen to the chirping of water, the twittering of birds and the crackling of wood as it burns to spread its warmth all around. The melodies of tradition in the picturesque squares of the villages. The sound of the clarinets and the heavy continental steps to the slow, lavender rhythms of the songs.

At the bridge Kalogeriko or Plakida that dominates the waters of the river Voidomatis,

also known as the river of Vikos, you can hear the chirping of the water from above.

 

Zagori traditional dance

 

 

 

You’re sniffling: With every breath, fragrant sage, thyme and bay leaf fill your lungs with their sophisticated fragrance, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The smell of wood burning in the fireplace and the winter air coming down from the slopes of Pindos, leave in their wake a disparate combination of aromas that fills the room with a pleasant feeling.

 

The imposing gorge of Vikos with the century-old trees in its forests

 

The winter air descends from the slopes of Pindos

 

 

You’re tasting: Let the locals take you on a tasty journey through the village squares under century-old plane trees accompanied by tsipouro and listen to their unique stories. Enjoy Zagorian pies with fresh cheeses and herbs, local grilled meat, trout from the rivers of the region, warm yeast bread, dishes with wild mushrooms and all kinds of vegetables. Accompany with excellent wine and complete your gastronomic experience with Greek coffee, spoon sweets and juicy walnut or orange pie.

 

 

Enjoy Zagorian pies with fresh cheeses and vegetables

 

Traditional gastro café in Megalo Papigo

 

 

You’re touching: Reach out and touch the magic of winter with snowflakes dancing around you in a unique canvas of colours and scents composed by nature itself. Approach the Vikos Gorge, one of the largest in the world, up to the Beloi point to admire the unique view that stretches before you. Climb the Ladder of Vradeto, the winding stone path, which is said to have taken about 20 years to build, to admire the view from above to the gorge of Mezaria, and reach on foot the most mountainous village of Zagori. On the route you will meet two stone arched bridges, Pera and Dothe. Be transported to a fairy universe at Kolimbithres in Papigo, a magical place, with waters falling from above, creating natural stone pools in a lush landscape and at the impressive waterfalls in Iliochori. Cross the river Voidomatis, with its crystal clear waters, by rafting or kayaking. Enjoy the tranquility of the landscape, take its beauty in your hands and indulge in its fairytale feel.

 

The frozen and crystal clear waters of the river Voidomatis

originate from the Vikos Gorge which is a monument of natural beauty

The swimming pools in Papigo take you away as if by magic

in the magical world of a lush landscape with waterfalls

 

Ladder of Vradetus .

The winding stone path that connected the village of Vradeto with Kapesovo until the 1970s