Hiking tour at Stone bridges and traditional villages of Zagori

Zagori is one of the most beautiful mountainous regions in Greece and is famous for the traditional villages and the stone bridges of the area Generally, the inaccessibility of the area combined with many rivers and streams, especially during the winter months, required in the past the construction of bridges. The «golden age» of Zagori has allowed wealthy families to fund expensive and sometimes unsuccessful village connection projects. Today, about 60 bridges are preserved in very good condition, and there are testimonies about another hundred that have been destroyed.

1. 1

   Kipoi

   15 min

   Starting point is Kipi (translates to gardens) village built on a hill at an altitude of 750m. The main distinguishing characteristic of the village is its gardens, which are surrounded by a river embellished by stone bridges.

2. 2

   Bridge of Plakidas

   15 min

   The most popular three arched stone bridge of “Plakida or Kalogeriko” in Zagori area. It was built as a wooden bridge and later on (1814AD) it was reconstructed as a stone bridge by the Abbot Serafeim. The length is 54m, width is 3,15m and the highest point is 6,7m. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli

3. 3

   Gefyri Kapetan Arkouda

   15 min

   Easy hiking route towards Dilofo village leads us to the second single arched stone bridge of “Kapetan Arkoudas” (Captains’ Bear Bridge), built in 1806AD. First name was “Xeropotamos bridge”. On August 6, 1906, the Ottoman army killed Captain-Bear, a Macedonian chieftain, and at that time, the bridge was named after him. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Vitsa

4. 4

   Kokkori Bridge

   15 min

   “Kokkoris or Noutsos” single arched stone bridge the most well known bridge in Zagori area. It was built in 1750AD, length is 35m, width is 2,5m and the highest point is 13m. At the same time there was another bridge, which they also used to punish the animal thieves: In order to find out if a suspect was an animal thief, they forced him to cross the bridge, carrying a goat on his back. If he passed by or admitted his act, he was acquitted. Otherwise, his punishment was drowning in the river. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli At the side of the bridge there’s an amazing climbing field for advanced climbers

5. 5

   Misiou Ancient Stone Bridge

   15 min

   We walk beside the river banks and we find the next double arched stone bridge is “Misios” built in 1748 and connects villages Koukouli, Vitsa and Monodendri. The length is 37m, width is 3m and the highest point is 10m. It is located in the entrance of the main part of Vikos gorge. It follows the stone steps towards Vitsa and Koukouli villages

6. 6

   Koukouli

   30 min

   We hike towards to traditional village of Koukouli through the stone steps of Koukouli and we explore the village which is dated from the 13th century. At the village there’re lots of traditional houses, the complex of the old school, arches, fountains and the church of Virgin Mary one of the best churches in Zagori area. We relax drinking refreshment or a coffee and we continue through the stone steps between Koukouli and Kipi villages

7. 7

   Lazaridi Bridge

   15 min

   The last bridge of our hiking tour is the single arched stone bridge of Lazaridis which was built in 1753, beside another climbing field for advanced climbers. The name of Lazaridis comes from a local trader who owned a watermill beside the bridge. At that place the first part of Vikos gorge ends and we observe the cliffs beside the river. This stone bridge connects the villages, Kapesovo and Koukouli with Kipi

8. 8

   Asprangeloi

   45 min

   Before our returning to Ioannina city we’ll taste local recipes of the area

9. 9

   Stop 9

   15 min

   This last brake is to observe the statue of Zagorian Women which honors them because they helped the armed forces during 2nd world war. It is 6m height and 2 tons weight

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Mountain sports shoes or hiking boots, waterproof jacket, canteen, walking or hiking sticks and backpack

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.