Vikos Gorge and Papingo One Day Tour from Ioannina

This Papingo – Vikos Gorge One Day tour offers us the ultimate view of the world’s deepest canyon, Vikos canyon. In our path, we’ll meet one of the clearest and coldest rivers of Europe, Voidomatis and well as some spots that provide us with a sublime view of the canyon. The silvery river’s waters, though cold, are surprisingly refreshing for swimming and ideal for rafting in the late spring and summer months.

We begin our tour from Ioannina and we follow the path “up to the road” that leads to the place behind the mountain (Zagori means the place behind the mountain).

The first stop will be at Vikos village, one of the most beautiful places that offers a breathtaking view of Vikos Gorge. At an altitude of 770 metres, this village is included in the borders of the Vikos-Aoos Natural Reserve. The trekking paths give visitors the chance to enjoy the beauty of the region.

We proceed to our second spot for a stop near the river Voidomatis, so as to explore the place and swim at its clear water as well (weather permitting). Voidomatis is an amazing river that runs through Vikos Gorge, located close to many villages of Zagoria. There we also see the bridge of Aristi.

After that we visit “Rock Pools” of Papingo, a location where natural pools are formed by the river. This beautiful site is located between the two Papigo villages. The rock formations create a beautiful landscape, ideal for tranquil moments. Weather permitting, you can swim here and adjust the timing accordingly with your guide.

Our fourth stop at the village of Mikro Papingo to visit the information center of Vikos-Aoos National Park. Mikro Papingo is a lovely village with great views. Along with Megalo Papigo, there are the most popular villages of Zagoria. 

Afterwards, we make a stop to Megalo Papingo to enjoy a coffee, tea or juice in a beautiful coffee shop and for a walk around the narrow streets of the most famous village in Zagori. Megalo Papigo is the most tourist village of Zagoria, however it hasn’t lost its authentic style. Due to tourism, Papigo is lively all year round.

Moving on we visit the village of Monodendri, where we’ll visit the highest viewpoint of Vikos Gorge, known as “Oxya” and the Stone Forest. Monodendri is a typical traditional village, iconstructed at an altitude of 1,060 metres. From there starts a trekking path to the Vikos Gorge.

Following we make a short stop to the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi and before we proceed to the Ioannina, our last stop will be at Vitsa village, a picturesque village with stone houses and paved paths, situated at an altitude of 960m. The settlement constists of two villages, Ano and Kato Vitsa. 

During the tour we make a stop at a traditional restaurant to enjoy the local tastes of Zagori.