Dikorfo – Kipi Difficulty: Average Altitude variation – 1000 – 800 m Duration: 4 hours
A great path along which hikers can admire the rich natural beauty of the area is this leisurely route connecting two picturesque villages within the famous “Zagorohoria” region. The trail begins from the charming village of Dikorfo, where explorers can admire traditional Zagorian houses as well as the church of Agios Ioannis which offers beautiful views over the entire Zagori region. Continuing northward, hikers will journey through the delightful oak forests of Zagori and may spot a wandering wild pig or brown bear along the way. (Both are rarely seen and pose little threat if unprovoked). A little before reaching the village of Kipi, walkers will pass several traditional stone bridges crossing the Voidomatis River. The path is marked as Z2.
Aoos Lake – Aoos River & Arkoudorema confluence Difficulty: Hard Altitude variation –Merope 1350 -1000 m Duration: 4 hours
Though the path should take most walkers only 4 hours to complete, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a walk in the park. Technically, hikers will venture through sections of Pindos National Park, but it won’t be easy! The trail takes walkers along the banks of the Aoos River where they may enjoy the rare opportunity to see a brown bear or wild mountain goat before finishing at the convergence of the Aoos and Arkoudeorema Rivers. The trail is signposted as P5.
Aoos Lake – Aftia Difficulty: Hard Altitude variation: 1350 – 2150 – 2081 m Duration: 4 hours
Starting from the Eastern shores of Lake Aoos, this trail heads northward through the Mavrovouni Mountains, passing the eponymous refuge on its way. From here hikers can enjoy amazing views over the area below before continuing through sections of the Pindos Natural Park. Here walkers will certainly be impressed with the beautiful scenery and rare wildlife such as Golden Eagles and wild mountain goats. This path is marked as P1.
Milia – Flegga Lakes Difficulty: Hard Altitude variation: 1150 – 1700 – 1350 – 1950 m Duration: 7 hours
This challenging path is full of ups and downs as it makes its way from the village of Milia up through the Mavrovouni and Valia Kalda mountains before finishing at the Flegga Lakes. The second half of the route takes hikers through parts of the Pindos National Park. Inquisitive walkers can check out the park’s information center in Milia before leaving. Along the way, wild boars, large birds of prey and even a brown bear or two may be spotted. The route is signposted as both E6 and P6.
Anthohori – Tzoukareli peak Difficulty: Hard Altitude variation: 1050 – 2300 m Duration: 4.5 hours
Starting from the quaint village of Anthohori, this difficult path takes walkers up a challenging ascent of more than 1200 m to the peak of Tzoukareli, at an altitude of 2300 meters! Along the way, hikers may see some wild boars and are very likely to spot some large raptors such as vultures and eagles.