Zagori: Explore Gorgeous Mountain Towns in Greece

When most people envision a trip to Greece, they imagine themselves floating in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea or watching the sun rise over the Acropolis in Athens. Until recently, the mountainous interior of Greece didn’t appear on many travel itineraries because it was difficult to access due to roads that were either few and far between or impassable by car. Thankfully, infrastructure improvements have made Zagori – a region in Northern Greece made up of 46 villages – much easier to visit.

Zagori is home to crystal clear mountain rivers, charming stone bridges, and sweeping high elevation views that rival the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The residents of villages such as Megalo Papingo pride themselves on showcasing a unique local culture which has thrived for centuries. Visitors can spend a morning or afternoon viewing stone architecture which appears to be an outcropping of the mountains that surround it. A handful of markets in Megalo Papingo sell artisanal goods such as knives which have been crafted using the same handmade methods for centuries.

The Pindus Mountains – which encircle Zagori – have long been celebrated for their stunning beauty. Hikers can stumble upon hidden waterfalls, pristine lakes, and winding trails that lead to gorgeous panoramic views. Rock climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking have become wildly popular in Zagori recent years because the unspoiled wilderness serves as an invigorating backdrop to any sort of outdoor recreation. You may be brave enough to scale a vertical cliff, but in order to enjoy the wonders of Zagori, you must ask yourself if you are brave enough to drive on the narrowest and curviest of mountain roads.

One of Zagori’s most breathtaking natural wonders is Vikos Gorge, located within the Vikos–Aoös National Park. Often cited as one of the deepest gorges in the world relative to its width, Vikos Gorge offers dramatic views of sheer limestone walls and the crystal clear waters of the Voidomatis River below. There are several overlooks and trails where visitors can stop to take in the scenery, but even a short visit can feel like stepping into a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries.

The beauty of Zagori is that the rugged wilderness is punctuated by charming mountain towns which offer comfortable accommodations and delicious meals made of local ingredients. The Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas in Aristi offers luxurious indoor and outdoor spa treatments. During the warmer months, visitors can breathe fresh mountain air and soak in an outdoor pool. After a rejuvenating spa session, visitors can stop at Salvia restaurant for a meal made entirely out of freshly grown local ingredients such as spinach and basil.

If you’re yearning for a relaxing mountain getaway where the scenery is so stunning that you will feel as though you have traveled several centuries back in time, a trip to Zagori is an absolute must. Why battle the crowds at the Acropolis when you can spend the day relaxing at a mountain spa.

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