Vikos Gorge
Vikos Gorge
4.9
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Joe750
Brighton, UK8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Great, short trek from Vikos village to springs down at bottom of gorge. The path is well marked and not too strenuous fir two adults and three teenage children. 40 mins down and, strangely, just under that on way back up. Done at 4pm in August when most of descent and ascent are in shadow but still sunny by the pools for that refreshing dip. Very popular in August - don’t expect tranquility - but the views are just majestic!
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S&O
Zurich, Switzerland29,954 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We spent a great and varied day here with our rental car. Highly recommended. And different to what you might imagine Greece to be.
Route:
Start in Ioannina
Monodendri (walk briefly to the monastery and from there catch a glimpse of the gorge and drive to the end of the country road, where there is a great viewpoint of and into the gorge)
Aristi (come across a great bridge and a beautiful river water source at the same time)
Papingo (stroll through the town, stop for a meal and visit the natural water pools)
Mega. A very varied experience
Route:
Start in Ioannina
Monodendri (walk briefly to the monastery and from there catch a glimpse of the gorge and drive to the end of the country road, where there is a great viewpoint of and into the gorge)
Aristi (come across a great bridge and a beautiful river water source at the same time)
Papingo (stroll through the town, stop for a meal and visit the natural water pools)
Mega. A very varied experience
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mile-Enders
London, UK166 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Absolutely magical valley. Clear ice cold water in the baking heat! Great place to visit and several hours of fun times swimming and jumping into pools. There is also rafting which looks fun. If you are looking for mega thrills it’s probably best to raft earlier in the year when there is more water. But I will definitely return to hike the gorge and drift back!
Absolutely worth a detour and the restaurant Εστιατόριο «Ο Βοϊδομάτης» at the start of our walk was fab.
Absolutely worth a detour and the restaurant Εστιατόριο «Ο Βοϊδομάτης» at the start of our walk was fab.
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SZS
Twickenham, UK208 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Just incredible. Took a day trip in our hire car from Sivota. Roads are incredible, so are lay-bys with facilities and negotiating Ioninna was straight forward. We chose to drive the Aristi-Papingo road. First headed to Aristi and parked as soon as we could - before lights. Perfect picture of Road. Great road to drive. Doable. Then we headed for Vikos Gorge View. Drive to end for carpark and 10 minute walk to view point, amazing. Pulled over at many lay-bys throughout the drive too. Headed to ammoudia beach for a brief swim and drive back via Parga. Was a perfect day. Will return another year to do more.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SooSoo
12 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
An epic walk......
By two little old ladies in their mid 70s s but young at heart.
The walk is signposted 12.5 k and there is a steep descent and ascent at either end. Spectacular but not an easy walk as it is basically the bed of the river for most of the way. It was luckily dry or the boulders would have been very slippery. It involved climbing large boulders and some bits with ropes like via ferrata.
No problems with following the route! There was a great mix of people tackling it so camaraderie was very apparent - as we stumbled onto the road at the end we got a burst of applause from the youngsters ahead of us waiting for the taxi !
It took us 8 hours , with short stops, being aware of the distance and terrain to go .And being conscious of taking care on the rocks - another hiker fell and cracked her ribs and badly bruised her face.
As the day went on we hardly spoke aware of the time and distance to be covered. The sign at the start of the walk suggests 6 hours but obviously some people do it in less.
The plants and wild life were worth every moment of the walk, including the tadpoles endemic to the gorge. A one point the frogs were very audible!
There was a great sense of achievement and relief in downing a litre of lager!!!!!
Welived to tell the tale but in Puglia on undulating ground this year....
By two little old ladies in their mid 70s s but young at heart.
The walk is signposted 12.5 k and there is a steep descent and ascent at either end. Spectacular but not an easy walk as it is basically the bed of the river for most of the way. It was luckily dry or the boulders would have been very slippery. It involved climbing large boulders and some bits with ropes like via ferrata.
No problems with following the route! There was a great mix of people tackling it so camaraderie was very apparent - as we stumbled onto the road at the end we got a burst of applause from the youngsters ahead of us waiting for the taxi !
It took us 8 hours , with short stops, being aware of the distance and terrain to go .And being conscious of taking care on the rocks - another hiker fell and cracked her ribs and badly bruised her face.
As the day went on we hardly spoke aware of the time and distance to be covered. The sign at the start of the walk suggests 6 hours but obviously some people do it in less.
The plants and wild life were worth every moment of the walk, including the tadpoles endemic to the gorge. A one point the frogs were very audible!
There was a great sense of achievement and relief in downing a litre of lager!!!!!
Welived to tell the tale but in Puglia on undulating ground this year....
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kazzzy3
Yokohama, Japan145 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
We woke up in the village of Monodendri and descended a few hundred meters to begin our walk through the valley.
The first 2-3 hours were comfortable, not only with the clear water and quiet air, but also with the rocks and trees covered in moss and ivy.
The climate around here is slightly different from the dry Mediterranean climate, and perhaps this is due to the warm winter.
In the second half of the walk, as we head further north into the valley, cold air from the surrounding areas seems to have accumulated, and we walk along mountain paths white with frost.
Because it was so cold, we decided to go up rather than head to the spring at the fork.
The surrounding villages are connected by footpaths, and the walkways, such as Vitsa's Steps, with stones paved over the cliffs, reminded us of their past prosperity.
The first 2-3 hours were comfortable, not only with the clear water and quiet air, but also with the rocks and trees covered in moss and ivy.
The climate around here is slightly different from the dry Mediterranean climate, and perhaps this is due to the warm winter.
In the second half of the walk, as we head further north into the valley, cold air from the surrounding areas seems to have accumulated, and we walk along mountain paths white with frost.
Because it was so cold, we decided to go up rather than head to the spring at the fork.
The surrounding villages are connected by footpaths, and the walkways, such as Vitsa's Steps, with stones paved over the cliffs, reminded us of their past prosperity.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IndigoGrrl
Ness Ziona, Israel3,092 contributions
Aug 2022
Amazing hike with vigorous climbs down/up at either end. Mossy Tolkien-inspired forests, huge luminescent white boulders, shady paths, and luscious vegetation.
I was worried it would be crowded, but we hiked from Monodendri to Vikos, starting at 7:30am, and did not see another soul until 10:45am. Tips:
* Take plenty of water (esp if you are not going early in the morning)
* We didn't have either, but hiking shoes with ankle support and/or hiking poles might be useful. The way down is a bit treacherous, and we were slightly concerned about someone twisting an ankle. It helps to be very sure-footed.
* Don't go in mid-day in summer. You'd think this would be obvious, but we saw so many people starting out at that hour. I cant imagine they'd go very far very comfortably.
I was worried it would be crowded, but we hiked from Monodendri to Vikos, starting at 7:30am, and did not see another soul until 10:45am. Tips:
* Take plenty of water (esp if you are not going early in the morning)
* We didn't have either, but hiking shoes with ankle support and/or hiking poles might be useful. The way down is a bit treacherous, and we were slightly concerned about someone twisting an ankle. It helps to be very sure-footed.
* Don't go in mid-day in summer. You'd think this would be obvious, but we saw so many people starting out at that hour. I cant imagine they'd go very far very comfortably.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PulliBabi
Turin, Italy839 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Nice trip 45 minutes from Ioannina to Monodendri and Oxya. Interesting the monastery, small, half ruined and even more useful to turn after the monastery to see a beautiful cliff in Monodendri. We are at 1100 meters but in August under the sun it is very hot and walking is tiring. Going to the second lookout, that
Of Oxya, 15 minutes by car, you come across really interesting stone forests. Limestone that seem almost put there by the hand of man. Arrived at the Belvedere a few minutes walk after the parking you witness an interesting cliff. In my opinion it is not worth wasting an hour going an hour back to Joannina to see these groups especially for us Italians. The stone forest is more interesting honestly. It is worth taking this trip if you are a real hiker you are not afraid of cliffs and are experienced in walking where the ground can also brake
Of Oxya, 15 minutes by car, you come across really interesting stone forests. Limestone that seem almost put there by the hand of man. Arrived at the Belvedere a few minutes walk after the parking you witness an interesting cliff. In my opinion it is not worth wasting an hour going an hour back to Joannina to see these groups especially for us Italians. The stone forest is more interesting honestly. It is worth taking this trip if you are a real hiker you are not afraid of cliffs and are experienced in walking where the ground can also brake
Automatically translated
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli
Istanbul, Türkiye444 contributions
Jul 2022
Worth the out of the way drive to see the gorge and surrounding areas. Count on spending a day or two here, at least 4 to 6 hours. We were there in mid July where we were wonderfully refreshed by cooler days and even cooler evenings. The gorge is crisscrossed with small winding roads, and the drive to the pools
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doc_Coq
Brussels, Belgium152 contributions
Aug 2020
Stunning hikes and wonderful walks, all around the gorge.
The views are superb and all round, the local villages are friendly and the local restaurants great price to quality.
I would strongly recommend the walk down to the lakes at the bottom, not too steep and about 1.5 hrs round trip.
Otherwise, the hike along the Aristi bridge, which is 2+2 hours (out/return) is wonderful and steady walking, no steep trajectories.
Relax after in one of the nice restaurants in Aristi and stay at the fabulous Aristi Mountain lodge, which is just top notch
The views are superb and all round, the local villages are friendly and the local restaurants great price to quality.
I would strongly recommend the walk down to the lakes at the bottom, not too steep and about 1.5 hrs round trip.
Otherwise, the hike along the Aristi bridge, which is 2+2 hours (out/return) is wonderful and steady walking, no steep trajectories.
Relax after in one of the nice restaurants in Aristi and stay at the fabulous Aristi Mountain lodge, which is just top notch
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We are two persons and we would like to walk the whole route of Vikos Gorge.
1) Is it safe to go the two of us or should we choose a guided tour?
2) Does the path has signs showing where to go?
3) From my understanding, this is a linear route. Is this correct?
4) What is the best route to choose?
5) How many hours will we approximately need?
Thank you in advance! :)
Written 19 July 2020
האם ישנם באתר Vikos Gorge מסלולים קלים להולכים מבוגרים? כמה זמן נמשך הטיול? מה להביא? האם ישנה הסעה למקום מ-Syvota? מ-Plataria? ומ-Parga? אם ישנן הסעות איפה לוקחים אותן? ומהן העלויות להגעה ולביקור באתר? האם הטיול אפשרי באוקטובר?
בתודה מראש, מורדי
Written 12 July 2019
Dear Dimitri: You wrote: "Starting from Monodendri village it's a great trekking lasting about 6 hours till Vikos village. However, if you still have energy, you can continue riverside trekking until Aristi bridge." I know the trail 03 goes to a junction where the main trail continues to Mikro Papingo and another trail climbs up to Vikos. Is is right that a third trail continues along the river to Aristi bridge? I cannot find this riverside trail on the maps that are available to me.
Written 22 May 2018
Hi, Is Vikos Gorge hikes open during end of March (around 25th March)?
Written 11 February 2018
Hi, we walked approx. 1/3 and had to cross the river four times... 🙄
There was a lot of water down there. Officially the george is closed these days.
Written 30 March 2018
Hello, we are a group of 4 friends that are planning to visit Vikos Gorge next summer on our motorbikes. Which is the best place to park our bikes to take pictures or perhaps walk a few minutes to a viewpoint, Monodendri or Vikos ?Are there any restaurants in Monodendri??
Written 5 November 2017
There is a great viewpoint at Vikos a very short walk from the church where you can park your bikes, and a couple of restaurants nearby. You are looking down into the deepest part of the gorge and the views will not disappoint!
Written 7 November 2017
We would like to see this gorge with our 2 children (4 & 6). Is there a short walk or lookout point suitable for little ones?
Written 8 July 2017
If you can get to the village of Vikos there is a viewpoint an easy walk from the car park. It is fenced off so quite safe and the views are spectacular
Written 7 November 2017
Hi, we have plans to visit Vikos in June.
Our "Sporty Boys" are 9, is there any suitable trekking paths for us?
Written 10 April 2017
In the park there are countless paths for trekking of various difficulties, perhaps in the summer season the biggest obstacle is the heat, however you can ask info to any hotelier in the area that will explain you in detail with the help of maps the best trail to do
Written 11 June 2017
janetshay
Halifax, Canada
Would you recommend the use of a guide when hiking the gorge and if so do you have suggestions for guide companies?
Written 19 February 2017
We finally got round to walking the Girge last August, myself and 9 year old grandson ...set off early and had the most tremendous walk through the gorge comming out at Vikos , we got a lift back after a couple of cold beers for me and ice cream for grandson, we both agree it was the best walk ever .My grandson is used to walking and we had good boots .
Written 11 June 2017
Liv Hi
We are traveling with 2 kids and are pretty fit for hiking. still cant seem to find how many KM from Monodendri to Vikos? Are we better off going the other way from Vikos to monodendri? or if it is too long can we just hike Vikos to the springs and back or Vikos to the springs and then to mikro Papano?
Written 25 August 2016
Dear Eytan. I am afraid can not tell you exactly how long is the trail from Monodendri to Vikos. From the distance we have walked I estimate that is approx 17km. Its a long walk but pretty smooth one. It has descent/ascents only at the beginning and end. I think that its easier to do it from Vikos to Monodendri beacause of deep a descent at Monodendri, Ιτs easier to do it in ascent.
Written 2 September 2016
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