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| SPRING ROUTES: KONITSA |
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Mikro Papingo Village
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Voidomatis River |
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Zagori or as it is widely known Zagorohoria, is comprised by a total of 46 villages all cited in the Prefecture of Ioannina. The villages are placed within the Northern part of Pindos Mountain.
The villages are placed in between the Mountains Tymfh (2497 meters), Mitsikeli (1810 meters) and Ligkos (2177 meters). They are known for their natural beauty since they are placed among the National Forests of Vikos-Aoos and Valia Kalda, for their biota, their paths that lead to walking paths by the rivers, or to mountain peaks. The villages are also known for the special architecture of their traditional houses, and most of all are known for their history, a history of financial, cultural and spiritual blooming.
At West Zagori, near Vikos Gorge and around Voidomatis Gorge, there are five beautiful villages, well known to all who like outdoor activities such are rafting, canoe-kayak, mountain bike, mountaineering, climbing etc. For the rest of you who are more on the non-exercising side, the extreme beauty of the surroundings, the old monasteries, and the great local delicatessen will offer you a day that you will never forget!
The first village one finds is Kleidonia, right outside Konitsa and next to Voidomatis River. Voidomatis is the clearest river in Greece with a steady water temperature around the year of 3-5� C. We recommend you try trout grilled on coal, right by the river. From Kleidonia you take the road that leads high to the mountain where you will find the villages St. Minas, Aristi and Vikos. Near the bridge of Aristi, you can visit the Holy Monastery of Spilaiotisa build on top of the high rocks. From Aristi the road leads to the most famous West Zagorohoria, the Great and the Small Papingo placed on the foothills of Astraka (2436 meters), right below the Towers of Papingo as is the name of the rocky peaks of the area. At the entrance of Great Papingo, you will find the Church of St. Vlasios, while going through the village with a direction to Small Papingo you will have the pleasure of admiring Vathres, a magnificent landscape full of water forming small pools, great for those who are brave enough to take a rejuvenating swim!
After Vathres you can either drive until the entrance of Small Papingo where you will find the Church of Taxiarhes, or you can walk through the old picturesque path. We must warn you that cars are not allowed within the village. If you feel like mountaineering, you can choose from a variety of routes beginning from the highest point of Small Papingo. The routes of Astraka, Drakolimni and Gamila are very well signed with a lot of water running from stone fountains.
You can also visit the Information Center of the village created by WWF Hellas in cooperation with the Community of Papingo.
Don't leave without trying the traditional cuisine including delicious pies (kasiopita, a local cheese pie), galotiri and of course the famous tsipouro from Epirus. If after all this food you need something sweet make sure you try all traditional preserves (glyka tou koutaliou).
To reach the area, just follow the local roads through Ioannina or through Pentalofos-Kozani.
SAE Advisor
Maria Datseri
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