Zagori is a geographical unity which represents the combined work of Nature and Human depicting the evolution of the local society under the influence of the physical constraints of this mountainous area. Furthermore, it boasts a wealth of geosites, supported by its strategic location within the boundaries of Vikos-Aoos Geopark, where the steep-rocky mountaintops of Tymfi mountain range alternate with Vikos Canyon and Voidomatis river.
Geohiking is geology-themed hiking. The main intention is to bring the hiker into contact with the local geological heritage. You don’t have to be a geologist, just a traveler who wishes to partake in the history of the Earth we all share. The landscapes of Zagori are shaped and defined by their geology, creating a great number of geosites. A geosite - geo (Greek) + situs (Latin) - is an area showing geological features of intrinsic scientific interest, features that allow us to understand the key stages of Earth’s evolution. Exploring the geosites of Zagori can be both enjoyable and educational!
Geotrail 1- Crossing Vikos Canyon
The Vikos Canyon is an ensemble of geosites representative of the geological processes
that characterize the Vikos-Aoos Geopark. The combination of the tectonic-karstic
phenomena created favourable conditions for intense erosion forming the deepest
Canyon of the World (Guinness Book of Records, 2005). The walking tour begins from
Monodendri village where after descending (45 minutes) the staircase we will reach
the riverbed. After a 4 hours hiking we will refresh our feet in the cold waters of the
springs of Voidomatis and we will end up to Vikos village (45 minutes). This is a 6 hours
moderate hiking.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 8
Geotrail 2 - A tour to Dragon Lake of Tymfi
Tymfi mountain range (or Mt Tymphe, Timfi also Tymphi, greek=Τύμφη) is part of
NW Pindos and was carved by water, very quickly, during the Pleistocene due to
alternations of hot and cold periods (Ice Age). Hikers will come across several
plateaus with alpine vegetation, complex relief and glacial remnants. Dragon Lake is
a unique ecosystem at 2100m. We will spend the night at the Astraka refuge at an altitude
of 1930 m. The route duration is 9 hours (6 hours on the first day and 3 hours on
the second) and is characterized as difficult.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 8
Geotrail 3- The Red Rock, the Ovires and the Bistiries limestone formations
Three unique geological formations due to the erosion procedure of water to limestone!
The hiking tour begins from Megalo Papigo to the rockshelters of Bistiries to
admire the colored limestone (duration 30 minutes). After a 1.5 hour of hiking we will
arrive at the spectacular view point of the Red Rock. We follow the same path back till
the village of Mikro Papigo where we will enjoy a cool swim in the natural swimming
pools of the stream Rogovo. This is a 4 hours easy hiking.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 8
You can explore the geosites of Zagori, through the geotrails, from late May till late October.