The Christmas and New Year holidays, rich in days off, are approaching. Have you already decided where you will go? What's your favorite holiday to celebrate this year?
Today we present to you the most charming mountain villages of Greece in Central and Western Zagori. Discover the features and unique benefits of each area to plan the perfect Christmas getaway.
Zagorochoria are picturesque villages located in the area of the Tymfi, Pindos and Mitsikeli mountain complexes, which represent a real a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
A tour of Western Zagori, stretching west of Tymfi, reveals to visitors the unique natural beauty of these places. You will be able to enjoy the Vikos-Au National Park, Vikos Gorge, Astraka Peak and the Voidomatis River κορυφή Αστράκα, ποταμός Βοϊδομάτης). Walks along scenic paths, interesting walking routes, traditional houses and mansions will leave an unforgettable experience.
In ViceHome to many famous philanthropists and literary figures, travelers will be captivated by the stone mansions and houses that reflect the distinctive Epirote style of architecture. Picturesque cobbled streets, the school of Vryzopouleos and ancient churches (Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios – Taxiarch, Assumption of the Virgin Mary) will add color to your route.
Particular attention should be paid to Kato Vitsa Square, the Vitsa Staircase and the double-arched Misios Bridge, built in 1748 in the Vikos Gorge. This bridge is a shining example of craftsmanship and serves not only to decorate the area, but also performs an important function by connecting the two banks of the river.
Don't forget to visit the archaeological site located on the road to Monodendri, where you can enjoy a unique combination of history and nature.
Monodendri is a representative traditional village of Zagori with stone buildings and picturesque paving stones. Here you will see the churches of Agios Minas (early 17th century) and Agios Athanasios (1804), as well as the house of the Rizari brothers, the Rizareio School, the Rizareio Crafts Center and the Exhibition Center.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Byzantine monastery of St. Paraskeva, located on the right side of the Vikos gorge, the monastery of the Prophet Elijah and the Oxia position, which offers stunning views of the gorge.
In Ano Pedinaa village that experienced a period of prosperity in the second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, you will find well-preserved houses and mansions, as well as the Evangelistria Monastery and the Church of Agios Demetrius, built in the late 18th century.
In Kato Pedina Particularly noteworthy are the churches of St. Athanasius and the Taxiarchs, built in 1591, the building of the girls' school (1910), the stone threshing floors, a monument of folk architecture from the pre-industrial era and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos Kalyvia (15th century).
The next stop for tourists will be the picturesque Elaphotopos with its wonderful churches (Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios), folklore collection, cobblestone streets and old fountains.
A tour of the northern part of Western Zagori begins from Aristi, a village with traditional Epirot character and magnificent natural landscape. Here you will find the churches of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (1767) and Agios Athanasios, the Voidomatis Valley, the monastery of Panagia Spilaiotissa, the Voidomatis Bridge and the “Kangelia” – the winding section of the route from the bridge to Papigo.
Vico villagelocated within the boundaries of the Vikos-Au National Park, is famous for the Church of St. Tryphon, the Voidomatis springs in the Vikos Gorge and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin.
The trek to Western Zagori ends with a visit to Papigo and MicroPapigo. Here you will find stone houses and mansions of magnificent architecture, richly decorated gates and flowery courtyards, churches (Agios Vlasios, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Apostoli and Agia Kyriaki in Papigo, Taxiarchs in MikroPapigo), picturesque cobblestones and fountains that create a magical image.
Among the natural beauties, the majestic Astraka (“Astraka Towers”), the Tymfi peak, the Ovires or Rogovo ponds, the Provatina cave and the Drakolimni Tymfi (height 2050 m) near the Gamila peak stand out.
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