From February 14th to 16th, we set out to explore Zagorohoria, a cluster of traditional stone villages nestled in the mountains of Epirus. Our goal was to embrace the winter scenery and wander through the historic trails of the region.
Staying in Monodendri
Our home base was Vikos Hotel in Monodendri, a cozy spot housed in a traditional stone building. Visiting during this period is a dream for those seeking tranquility. According to the locals, February is the quietest month, making it perfect if you want the place to yourself. Just keep in mind that many small shops might be closed or shut their doors early.
Monodendri is a charming village with a beautiful square and a couple of sweet shops. If you still have some energy at night, “Dipsasmeni Arkouda“ (The Thirsty Bear) is an excellent bar for a drink. Also, don’t miss the 15-minute walk to the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi. The view from its “balcony” overlooking the Vikos Gorge is simply breathtaking.
On our first day, we enjoyed a great meal at “Sta Riza“ restaurant (highly recommended), strolled around the village, and capped the night with a drink at the Bear.
Village Hopping and the Rock Pools
Day two was all about the highlights. We passed through Aristi, which didn’t impress us much, so we headed straight to Megalo Papigo. It is a stunning village with stone-paved alleys and lovely shops. You can leave your car at the large parking lot at the entrance and explore everything on foot.
Next up was Mikro Papigo, equally beautiful but a bit more secluded. The highlight of this route, however, is on the way back: the Rogovo Ovires (natural rock pools). After a very short and easy hike, you find yourself in a fairytale landscape with crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations.
We then drove to Vikos village, which serves as the ultimate lookout point for the Gorge. Besides the view, there isn’t much else to see, but the scenery alone makes the stop mandatory.
Our day ended in Tsepelovo, the most densely built village in the area. It features a massive plane tree in the center and plenty of spots for coffee, sweets, and souvenirs. On the road to Tsepelovo, you will also encounter the iconic Kokkoris Bridge, which is very easy to access and cross.
The Adventure to Balta Di Stringa Waterfall
On our final day, we checked out and drove towards Iliochori to find the waterfalls. The drive from Monodendri takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes through a forest of fir and pine trees. While beautiful, the road is quite winding and the pavement quality is mediocre, so take it easy if you get motion sickness.
Once in Iliochori, we parked at the upper lot. There is another parking area 1km further down, but the road is steep and unpaved, so we didn’t risk it. From the village square, signs lead you down the path to the Balta Di Stringa waterfall.
The hike is roughly 1.2km and takes about 25–35 minutes. It’s a magical trail, mostly stone-paved with wooden railings. The last 350 meters are quite steep but manageable. The waterfall itself is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, featuring a stone viewing platform and a brand-new wooden bridge right in front of the falls.
Final Thoughts & Budget
This trip proved that 3 days and 2 nights are plenty to discover the top spots of Zagori. Starting from Patras, the total cost for two people including food, accommodation, and fuel was €380.