Explore Zagoria and the Vikos Gorge.

--OAT: "Zagoria is a magical region in the Pindus Mountains dotted with hidden villages linked by mountain roads and arched, stoned bridges. "

Another day in the Zagoria region of the Pindus Mountains. Went for a hike… no, two excellent hikes. By bus, our excellent bus driver, Theofanis, navigated narrow, winding mountain roads to Vitsa, a centuries-old village perched on a mountain slope near the Vikos Gorge. About 12 miles long and a depth of some 3,000 feet in spots, Guinness lists Vikos as the world's deepest canyon. We hiked down the famous Vitsa stairs (which date from the 17th century) to a stone bridge next to the road. From there, we took the bus back to Vitsa and had lunch there at a restaurant specializing in mushrooms.

Then it was back to the Aristi Mountain Resort for some of the group to prepare for a river rafting ride along the Voldomatis River, hang out at the resort, or… Peggy and I hiked a trail that followed the river the same time as the rafters. Stone and wood steps, boulder hopping, an arched stone bridge dating back to the 1700's, great trail. Off to Albania tomorrow.

Quick Photo Links: Vitsa Steps | Rafting and Hiking Along the Voidomatis River