"Zagorohoria, Vikos Gorge, Tzoumerka" Prefecture of Ioannina by elsadran

Prefecture of Ioannina Travel Guide: 360 reviews and 1,367 photos

the wonderful Vikos Gorge

Undoubtly this precious part of Greece is something you will never forget. Whatever season you choose to come the picture perfect landscape will take your heart! In summer when trekking is a real joy, in winter time, when snow plays with magic, or in autumn and spring when colours transform the place to a natural painting of unparalleled beauty!!! A camera is ...obligatory...! Personally I can't wait for my next exploration....
People are calm and joyful. They are eager to help you out with everything. They are polite and talkative if you feel like it. Just learn a few words of Greek to make them feel more familiar...
The new Egnatia highway is really fast and wide but it is boring. So if you have a private car follow the old roads.
Vikos Gorge is a marvel of natural beauty and sustains a unique ecosystem. Hikers consider it as a life dream!
The peak season for Zagori is from August to April. In winter the nature is perfect and the cold is not terrible.
Water is unbelievably clean. It is very tasty to drink and you can feel the difference on your skin after you have washed with it! It is sparkling!

Syrrako - Tzoumerka

Some of the most picturesque villages of Zagorohoria, in my opinion, are Mikro Papingo, Megalo Papingo, Aristi, Vovousa, Vradeto, Elafotopos, Kipi, Koukouli, Tsepelovo, Vikos, Monodendri, Dilofo, Ano Pedina. Indeed I don't know which one I should mention in fear I might not do justice to the rest of them.
Some of the most typical features of Zagororohoria are the hundreds of wonderful stone bridges. Some are easily accessed, located near the main roads and some need you to make short or long but definitely rewarding walks in magnificent scenery!
Konitsa and Metsovo don't belong to Zagorohoria but are built in the same style and are too beautiful to miss. They are in the same area! Try to include them if you have the time!

Southeast of Ioannina the Tzoumerka mountains (Athamanika) are breathtaking, with the poetic villages of Syrrako and Kalarites hanging over the cliffs, with waterfalls roaring down the steep rocks and the tall trees lining the ranges of the mountains.
There are more picturesque villages on the wonderful Tzoumerka mountains, but they belong to the Prefecture of Arta so you should go to my Arta pages if you are interested.

Do not miss my Travelogues!

Last visit to Prefecture of Ioannina: Jul 2009
Intro Updated Sep 9, 2010
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Reviews (31)

Taverna “Oikotrofeio” - Syrrako - Prefecture of Ioannina

Restaurant “Oikotrofeio” - Syrrako Restaurants (6)

A good choice is Taverna “Oikotrofeio” (pronounced “ikotrofio”). The taverna is located on the best spot of the village,... more travel advice

Hotel "Oikotrofeio", common room - Syrrako - Prefecture of Ioannina

Hotel & Restaurant "Oikotrofeio" -... Hotels (7)

A good choice to spend your nights in Syrrako is Hotel "Oikotrofeio" (pronounced "ikotrofio"), a beautiful building and... more travel advice

Hotel Syrrako Hotels (7)

The big building was the old elementary school which has been transformed into a very sophisticated hotel. The... more travel advice

Kalarites – Tzoumerka - Prefecture of Ioannina

Kalarites – Tzoumerka Things to Do (17)

Kalarites is the twin village of Syrrako. You will take two different roads to visit them because they are built on... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Rafting Athletic Center-Aristi

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Comments (5)

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BruceDunning Aug 30, 2010 at 1:44 PM

Zagori and the mountains look so attractive to visit. You are lucky to come from such a beautiful region
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SLLiew Aug 26, 2009 at 10:15 AM

Wow...beautiful mountain and aquamarine blue lakes photos. I like your click photo link and your traveloque links to make viewing so easy and such a pleasure. Thanks for sharing . SL :)
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Manara Aug 19, 2009 at 6:36 PM

This region is beautiful and picturesque indeed, and you are most certainly a great photographer.
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mircaskirca Aug 17, 2009 at 12:19 PM

This page is a real jewel, Elsa!!! Each scenery is more beautiful than it was the previous one! Gorgeous pictures, including the lovely travelogues :) Also very nice choice of accommodation :)
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mindcrime Aug 16, 2009 at 3:02 PM

great tips and lovely photos of local people!