ΜΕ ΛΙΓΑ ΛΟΓΙΑ
Zagori, in Epirus, is a destination that gives you a different reason to visit every month of the year. The Zagorohoria (as the region’s authentic-as-they-come villages are known) and local tastes (pies of every kind, mountain fare and wild mushrooms) are reasons enough. But the Pindus Mountain Range in northwestern Greece is known, above all, for its incredible scenery and abundant rivers and streams.
The most famous of those landscapes is the Vikos Gorge, through which the Voidomatis River flows within the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park. One look at the virgin nature and impossibly-clear water – filtered as it flows over rocks and stones – and you’ll understand why it is included in UNESCO’s European Geoparks Network.
Just the sight of the Voidomatis River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience but hiking or rafting along its banks takes the experience to another level, especially if you’re the kind of traveller who’s always looking for fully sustainable ways to enjoy a destination.
It rises from sources beneath Vikos village and flows for 15km through the lush-green Vikos Gorge, meeting the Aoos River and ending in the Konitsa valley. Organised hiking and rafting trips mostly start from the Aristi Bridge (midway between Aristi and Vikos) and end at the Kleidonia Bridge – single-arch bridges that deserve their place within Epirus’ catalogue of world-famous stone bridges. Kleidonia Bridge comes with the bonus of a captivating backstory, having been built in 1853 on the site of an older Byzantine bridge that was linked to an incident involving two feuding families that resulted in a tragic meeting on the bridge and the eventual abandonment of the village where they lived.
These are the sorts of stories you’ll be told by your guide as you raft or hike along the river, passing age-old plane trees and other flora indigenous to Epirus. If you’re brave, you can even end your rafting experience or break your hike with a swim. Just be warned: the water’s refreshing (to put it mildly) even in the summer, having started its journey high in the often snowcapped Pindos Mountains.
The real adrenaline rush for rafters comes plunging down the small manmade waterfall just before the end point. Mostly, though, the journey is serene, whether you’re following the riverside path or in an inflatable on the water (an 8-10-person raft or 2-person kayak), giving you all the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the national park. Hikers get to explore shallow caves (believed to have been inhabited in Prehistoric times) and the 17th-century monastery of Agii Anargyri.
Whichever way you choose to discover the Voidomatis River (rafting or hiking), the experience will be unforgettable, whetting your appetite to discover even more unforgettable experiences in Zagori.
For tips while hiking in Greece and other useful information, see the Get Planning section below
ΕΜΠΝΕΥΣΟΥ
The closest city to the Voidomatis River is Ioannina, and the closest of the Zagori villages to the starting point of the hiking and rafting experience are Aristi, Vikos, Megalo Papingo and Mikro Papingo. Aristi Bridge is on the road between Aristi and Vikos.
How do you get to Ioannina from Athens?
Ioannina has a domestic airport with flights to Athens a few times a week. Alternatively, you can drive from Athens along the Olympia Odos and Ionia Odos (411km, 4.5hrs) or there is a daily bus schedule from Athens to Ioannina.
How do you get to Ioannina from Thessaloniki?
There are flights from Thessaloniki to Ioannina a few times a week. Alternatively, you can drive from Thessaloniki on the Egnatia Odos (260km, 3hrs) or there is a daily bus schedule from Thessaloniki to Ioannina.
How do you get to the Voidomatis River and the Zagori villages in Epirus?
The best way to get from Ioannina to the Aristi Bridge (the starting point of the rafting experience and the riverside path), and to Aristi, Vikos, Megalo and Mikro Papingo or any other Zagori village, is by car.
Distances:
- Ioannina – Aristi Bridge: 51.7km (1hr)
- Aristi – Aristi Bridge: 3.4km (7min)
- Vikos – Aristi Bridge: 8.4km (7min)
- Megalo Papingo – Aristi Bridge: 7.5km (13min)
- Mikro Papingo – Aristi Bridge: 9.8km (20min)
When is the best time of year to go rafting & hiking along the Voidomatis River?
- There are organised hiking & rafting trips along the Voidomatis River all year round.
- The best months for the experience are April-May to October. Epirus (and the Zagori region generally) is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn and summer is the best time of year to swim in the river.
- The best rafting conditions in the Voidomatis River are in spring and autumn.
- Even though hiking along the Voidomatis is safe and easy, it is worth joining an organised group as your guide will tell you all about the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the caves and monastery of Agii Anargyri.
- The experiences are dependent on weather conditions.
- Φθινόπωρο
- Άνοιξη
- Καλοκαίρι
- Χειμώνας
- Rafting trips last approx. 2.5-4hrs, depending on the level of difficulty that you choose and the water level (high till May).
- Organised group hikes last approx. 2-3.5hrs.
Where is the best place to stay to enjoy rafting & hiking trips along the Voidomatis River?
- There’s plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation, with many of the 46 Zagori villages offering traditional guest houses up to boutique hotels. The closest villages to the Voidomatis River are Aristi, Vikos and Mikro and Megalo Papingo.
- If you prefer something livelier, the lakeside city of Ioannina is an excellent choice, with historical sites, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Rafting
- Distance: 5-7km
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
- All equipment (including wetsuit, booties, life jacket and helmet) is supplied by the experience provider
- Transport to/from the starting point, digital photos and/or a video of the experience and snacks are usually included
- Children from 4-6 years old are accepted (depending on difficulty of course) but all participants must be able to swim
Hiking
- Distance: Around 6km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Equipment (eg hiking pole, waterproof poncho etc) may be supplied by the experience provider
- Transport to/from the starting point, digital photos and/or a video and snacks are usually included
Make sure you have:
Hiking is a magical way to enjoy the Greek countryside but make sure to be prepared and protect yourself, especially on very hot days.
- Stay hydrated: Always wear a hat and carry plenty of water with you
- Be weather-wise: Check the weather forecast before setting out. Avoid hiking during the midday heat and extremely hot periods. The best periods for hiking in Greece are during the spring and autumn months
- Plan your walk: Whenever possible, follow marked trails and plan your walk. Ideally, use a guide and never hike alone. Ask for directions if you’re unsure. This helps protect both you and the natural environment
- Stay connected: Have the phone numbers of your hotel and local authorities, such as the police, handy. And make sure your mobile phone is fully charged
