Zagori, in the Pindus Mountains of Epirus, offers wild gravel terrain around the Vikos Gorge, recognised as the deepest gorge in the world relative to its width, between traditional stone villages and Ottoman-era bridges.
Mountain tracks along a vertiginous canyon
From Monodendri, the tracks head into the Pindus beech forests toward Papingo and then Kipoi, skirting the edge of the Vikos Gorge in places. Expect around 30 km and 600 m of elevation gain for a loop representative of the region, on terrain that alternates technical mountain tracks with more rolling forest paths between Zagori’s traditional villages.
Getting the ride right
Versatile gravel tyres around 40-45mm suit most of the area’s mountain tracks, sometimes rocky near the gorge. The elevation gain, modest but real, is mostly concentrated on the links between Zagori’s perched villages.
When to go
May to October, as snow can make some tracks impassable in winter at this relative altitude in the Pindus. Summer offers the best conditions, with clear views from gorge viewpoints such as Oxya.
Good to know
Monodendri and Papingo, traditional stone villages typical of Zagori, offer a decent choice of accommodation in restored stone houses, with convenient access to Ioannina, the regional capital, for extending the stay in Epirus.
