The beautiful villages of Zagoria are a
living history and a distant legend!
A place with a unique nature is extended over the heart of the
northern Pindos. Tall and massive mountains and evergreen
forests, fertile valleys, lush plateaus, unpolluted lakes and
rushing rivers, all unique treasures of this proud place.
Here the climate favors the development of a rich flora and a
rare fauna. Citation place are the two national parks Vikos-Aoos.
The villages of Zagoria are 46, all built of stone and wood as
required by the local architecture.
One of the oldest big villages of Zagoria which had prosperity
and wealth in the past, is the beautiful village of Aristi. Lush
and majestic is surrounded by the peaks of Pindus.
The Vikos gorge rips the mountain of Gamila, and the crystal
river Voidomatis is passing between it.
In recent years, Aristi has established itself as a popular
destination, because it's position facilitates the access to the
most attractions of the area, and of course because of its
proximity to the river Voidomatis.
Visitors will wander and will find many beauties:
1. Spiliotissa monastery.
Descending from Aristi to Voidomatis river, left in the forest
is the monastery of Spiliotissa built in 1579, where there are
wonderful paintings of the 17th century.
2. Voidomatis river.
After the bridge of Aristi, following the river, there is a path
that goes beside the coldest and the cleanest river of Europe.
3. Balcony overlooking the gorge of Vikos.
The village is 4 km distance from Aristi and there is an
observatory from where anyone can enjoy the canyon from above.
Just before entering the village, there is a path that leads to
sources of Voidomatis.
4. Drakolimni (dragon lakes) of Timfi.
At 2100 feet, on the majestic peaks of Timfi, are located the
Draokolimnes (dragon lakes) , which can be visited crossing the
path that starts from the Papigo village.
5. Villages of St. Minas, Mesovouni,
Kalpaki.
In the village of St.Minas have been excavated ruins of the
Hellenistic times acropolis.
On the top of the hill there are ruins of the castle, known as
Kastraki, which is believed that was communicating with the
Voidomatis river with a ground ladder.
6. Stone bridges.
The area has the largest number of bridges in Greece.
Monks bridge, built in the canyon of Vikos near the village
Kipoi (gardens). Lazaridis bridge, between the villages of Kipoi
and Koukouli. The Kokkoris Bridge, between the villages of
Dilofo and Koukouli. Arkoudas Bridge (bridge of bear), down from
Dilofo. Myloi Bridge (Mill bridge) near Kipoi. Missios bridge,
between the villages of Koukouli and Vitsa.
In the villages' square, stands proud
from 1718, the Virgin Mary's church with it's tall bell tower
and it's superb style frescoes.
From the outdoor nature activities we suggest, traversing the
Vikos canyon, riding in the woods of Kleidonia next to
Voidomatis, and crossing Voidomatis with rafting accompanied by
experienced guides, to discover another dimension of the nature (Book through our hotel for a better
price).
