Zagori guide by travel12

ZAGORI GUIDE TRAVEL12.GR

AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE FASCINATING ZAGORI REGION

IOANNINA TOWN The lakefront city of Ioannina, is usually the first pit stop one makes on the way to Zagori. The town has exquisitely well preserved buildings, oozing Ottoman heritage, splendor and folklore architecture. The city was once the capital of Enlightenment in Greece. The fortified castle of Ioannina is the oldest Byzantine castle of the country. Within its walls there are many important buildings from the times of the Ottoman occupation and the echo of legends of that era. Silver-sparkling lake Pamvotida is, by all means, the jewel of Ionnina town, perfect for promenading while gazing the foliage. Prepare for a trip in times of Sultans and Sultanas.

ZAGORI Zagori, also known as Zagorochoria is a sum of 46 beautiful villages, perched in the slopes of mount Pindos. Deriving from the Slavic language, Zagori means behind the mountain. If you wonder what's behind the mountain, there's hypnotizing natural beauty, exquisite Zagorian architecture, deep - the deepest in the world actually - gorges, flowing rivers and beautiful, countless bridges. Zagori is a fairy tale, senseawakening and adventure-inspiring at the same time. One thing is certain, there will be so much beauty around you, you'll never want to leave.

POINTS OF INTEREST ZAGORI REGION

THE VILLAGE OF PAPIGO DIVIDED INTO GRAND AND SMALL PAPIGO.

The bridge of Klidonia, also known as the bridge of Voidomatis in the village of Klidonia. The lake of Drakolimni located in the mountain of Tymfi. The National Park of Vikos- Aoos, which is listed in the Natura 2000 network and the UNESCO Geoparks network. The river of Voidomatis with a total length of 15 km, perfect for kayaking and rafting aficionados. The monument of the woman of Zagori in Aspragellon village, dedicated to the women who contributed to the repulsion of the Italian forces in 1940. The Rizarios Exhibition Center and the Rizarios Handicraft Center in the village of Monodendri. The Sheepfold of the Sarakatsani, an open-air museum in Glyftokambos, Skamneli village. The Stairs of Vradeto, build in early 18th century to connect the villages of Kapesovo with Vradeto.

VIKOS GORGE Vikos Gorge is the deepest one in the world, as listed in the Guiness Book of Records. It is located at the core of VikosAoos National Park, beginning at the villages of Monodendri and Koukouli and ending close to Vitsiko village. Don't miss the chance to - at least - overlook the deepest part of the Gorge!

THE STONE BRIDGES OF ZAGORI

The bridge of Kaber Aga in the village of Miliotades The bridge of Kalogeriko, also known as the bridge of Plakidas, in the villages of Kipoi and Koukouli The bridge of Kokkori, also known as the bridge of Noutsou, between the villages of Dilofo, Koukouli and Kipi The bridge of Kontodimos, also known as the bridge of Lazaridis, in the ravine of Mikros Vikos The bridge of Milos, in Bagiotikos River, close to the village of Kipi The bridge of Misios, which is accessible from the cobblestone road of Skala Vitsa The bridge of Nonulos, located in Xylogefuro region The bridge of Papastathis, at the ravine of Arachthos River The bridge of Politsa, at the southern ravine of Arachthos River The bridge Of Theogefyr0, close to Lithino village The bridge of Tsipiani, close to the village of Milotades

THE BRIDGE OF KLIDONIA The bridge of Klidonia, also known as the bridge of Voidomatis, is an arch stonebridge, located at the end of Vikos Gorge at the village of Klidonia. It dates back to 1853 and was built so as to enable communication between West Zagori and Konitsa. It offers amazing views to the Voidomatis river!

CHURCHES & MONASTERIES The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi at the village of Skamneli The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rogovos at the village of Tsepelovo The Monastery of Evagelsitria at the village of Ano Pedina The Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa at the Village of Aristi The Monastery of Stomio located into the gorge of Aoos, founded in 1442.

MUSEUMS The Botanical Museum of Lazaridis in the village of Koukouli The Carpet and Handicrafts Exhibition of Ano Pedina The Folklore Museum of Agapios Tolis, located in the village of Kipi The Museum of Traditional Jobs of Elafotopos The WWF Museum of Papigo, located at Small Papigo. NOMADIC

ZAGORIAN GASTRONOMY Zagori and Epirus in general, are widely known for their refined and delicious local products. Feta cheese from Epirus is second to none. Smoked metsovone, spicy vasilotiri, creamy galotiri and of course P.D.O Kefalograviera are also must-try cheeses. The forests hide countless mushroom varieties, including exquisite truffles too! Native P.D.O wines like Debina and Vlahiko make excellent wine and vinegar cases. Lake fish, like trouts are also considered a delicacy in Zagori. Most dishes though are meaty including boar, partridges and roe. But the pies are the one dish no one must leave Zagori without trying, both sweet and savory. Save room for dessert as gianniotiko, baklavas and saragli are delicious!

GETTING TO KNOW THE PLACE

WHAT TO BUYÂ Wines made from native P.D.O varieties like Debina and Vlahiko are a perfect treat to bring back home. Same applies to aged tsipouro. Jars of spoon sweets are also a great purchase. Zagori is big on wood, with many shops selling traditional carved decorative figures. Local naturally dried herbs are also great to add some flavor to your dishes or make a great hot beverage. Women still use the loom and keep traditional patterns alive by making exceptional 4 knits.

Useful Greek Expressions GOOD MORNING

PLEASE

Kaliméra

GOOD EVENING Kaliníchta

Parakaló

GOOD AFTERNOON

THANK YOU

Kalispéra

Efcharistó

CHEERS Yámas

Spring in Zagori Sping is an excellent season to pay Zagori a visit. Flowers are blooming everywhere, especially hydrangeas and peonies and nature is at its finest. Perfect for some outdoors activities like hiking or rafting. Walking around is also ideal for this time of the year, due to the sunny weather. Try village hopping and discover the beauty of the prefecture.

KAYAK & RAFTING Spring is perfect for those who want to kayak or go rafting in the region's rivers. The snow melts and the rivers are at their finest! Get you paddles ready!

SPRING SOCIAL CALENDAR March 25th is a national holiday for Greece commemorating the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. .

Good Friday (April 6th in 2018) is a religious holiday for Greeks. It's dedicated to church going and family gathering. Many customs take place on Good Friday with the procession of the epitaph as the most notable one.

Orthodox Easter & Easter Monday (April 8th & 9th in 2018): Usually spent with families, those days are perfect for those who want to know Greek tradition and customs, starting Saturday at midnight. Don't miss the roast lamb on the spit!

May 1st Labor day

Monday of the Holy spirit (May 28th in 2018) is a religious feast for Greeks. A holiday for office workers, while commercial shops are open.

Summer in Zagori Summer in Zagori is unforgettable. What feels like a winter destination, is actually ideal during the summer months! Flowers are still blooming due to the altitude and everything moves at a slow, summery pace. It's the perfect time to sit under the massive sycamore trees and have a cup of Greek coffee or hit the road, with many amazing routes! Fresh wine is also in the making!

SUMMER FESTIVALS Cinema Festival in Kato Pedina village August: Festival of Vovousa August: Gathering of Srakatsani in Skamneli village August: Protect Aoos MTB Ultra Race August: Wine Festival of Vitsa in the Monastery of Prophet Elias

SUMMER SOCIAL CALENDAR August 15th is a major religious holiday for Greeks commemorating the assumption of Mother Mary. It is usually celebrated with church going and family gathering.

March 25th

is a national holiday for Greece commemorating the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. .

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AUTUMN IN ZAGORI Autumn is an amazing time to be visiting Zagori. The season's foliage will definitely entice you with its multi-hued red colors. It also the time for fresh tsipouro! The most notable festival of the season is called kazanemata, signaling the making of fresh tsipouro! Zagorians take their tsipouro seriously and so should you!

Aristi

VILLAGE Ano Pedina Dilofo HOPPING Vitsa Elatohori Kapesovo Kato Pedina Monodendri Papigo Tsepelovo Zitsa

AUTUMN SOCIAL CALENDAR September 14th is a religious day for Greeks. Some tend to fast on that day while others devote their day to church going. With so many beautiful churches around, why not see for yourself?

October 28th is a public (bank) holiday for Greeks. The day is dedicated to commemorating the resistance of Greece against Italy in World War II, which started by refusing to surrender and launching and a counter-attack. School students are parading in all neighborhoods in pride and respect.

November 17th is a semi-public holiday for Greeks, commemorating the Athens Polytechnic uprising against the military junta in 1973.

winter in zagori Spending Christmas in the mountains is an experience by its own. It's the time for burning fireplaces and roasted chestnuts with hot tea or cocoa or local herbs if you like it more traditional! It's the time to devour on local delicacies and use your tsipouro to warm up. Blame it on the cold! As with everywhere in Greece, Christmas desserts are a must. Seek melomakarona, kourabiedes and diples. The villages of Zagori hide cosy coffee corners, perfect for the cold winter nights. If you still need your holiday shopping fix, Ioannina Town won't let you down!

WINTER SOCIAL CALENDAR December 25th and 26th: Christmas and Boxing Day. Both are public (bank) holidays for Greeks and they are usually spent with family. Stuffed turkey and roast pork are typical Christmas dishes.

January 1st a.k.a New Year's Day is also a public (bank) holiday. As with Christmas, it is spent with families and celebratory lunches and dinners.

January 6th is the Epiphany Day for Greek Orthodox people. It is also a public (bank) holiday; Greeks tend to attend church and the traditional custom of throwing the cross in the nearby sea, lake or river.

January 17th is Saint George's annual celebration who is Ioannina Town's patron saint. Schools are closed that day and so some public services.

Ash Monday (February 19th in 2018) is a movable feast for Greeks, with many happenings around the country. Get ready to fly your kite!

USEFUL INFORMATION

TRANSPORTATION IN ZAGORI IOA IOANNINA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KING PYRRHUS DISTANCE FROM IOANNINA TOWN: 4 KM. TAXI FARE: €7,5 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM ARISTI VILLAGE: 44 KM. TAXI FARE: €37 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM PAPIGO VILLAGE: 55 KM. TAXI FARE: €75 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM VITSA VILLAGE: 31 KM. TAXI FARE: €28 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM ANO PEDINA VILLAGE: 31 KM. TAXI FARE: €28 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM KIPI VILLAGE: 33 KM. TAXI FARE: €29 (ONE WAY) DISTANCE FROM MONODENDRI VILLAGE: 34 KM. TAXI FARE: €30 (ONE WAY)

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