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Highlights
Trek through the stunning Pindus Mountains in Northern Greece
Explore the pretty Vikos Aoos National Park
Hike the stunning peaks of Mount Gamila and Astraka
Marvel at Vikos Gorge - the deepest gorge in the world
Stay in authentic, stone villages of Zagori
Trekking the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe trek in Northern Greece will challenge your expectations for this beautiful country. Yes,,it has incredible history, great scenery, friendly locals and delicious food. However, the stunning beaches on this famous Pindus Horseshoe trail are replaced by craggy mountains, mountain breezes and great hiking.
Zagori
This region, known locally as Epirus, boasts some of the most scenic mountains in Greece. The famous Vikos Aoos National Park, known as Zagori, is the ideal location for nature lovers. The Zagori is especially pretty, with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindus Mountains, a hiker’s paradise.
Zagori is an area of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, one including the river Aoos and the Vikos Gorge, the other around Valia Kalda, to the east of the imposing snow-capped Mt Tymfi. The 46 or so villages of Zagori were interconnected by mountain roads and traditional arched stone bridges until modern roads were opened in the 1950s. The stone arched bridges were built by benefactions from expatriate merchants in the 18th century and replaced older wooden bridges.
Astraka
The stunning peaks of Mount Gamila and Astraka offer demanding hiking amongst wildflowers. Gamila and Astraka are only 2 of 8 peaks that make up the massif of Tymfi Mountain, Astrak being the highest at 2,436 m (7,992 ft). Astraka Towers are vertical rock formations resembling a huge wall of rocky towers looming over the Mikro Papigo village.
Vikos Gorge
Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world, in proportion to its width, by the Guinness Book of Records, renowned for its natural beauty and crystal river pools is an unforgettable experience. Here you’ll find walls of up to 1 km in height, amidst a variety of ecosystems.
The gorge begins 600m after Monodendri village and constitutes a true natural monument. Its overall length exceeds 30km. Its depth varies. In Monodendri it reaches 600m and is at its narrowest point and in Vikos village it reaches 1,200m (more than 1,300m in its east part and approximately 1,100m in its west part). In its deeper part the gorge reaches approximately 2,200m width.
Due to its geological isolation and the absence of human presence, Vikos Gorge includes many rare plant and flower species. There have also been recorded more than 110 bird species, 19 serpent and amphibian species, as well as many rare butterfly species.
Throughout the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe trek, expect to enjoy famous Greek hospitality, stunning architecture, engaging history, wonderful food and drink and beautiful views.
Trekking the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe trek in Northern Greece will challenge your expectations for this beautiful country. Yes,,it has incredible history, great scenery, friendly locals and delicious food. However, the stunning beaches on this famous Pindus Horseshoe trail are replaced by craggy mountains, mountain breezes and great hiking.
Zagori
This region, known locally as Epirus, boasts some of the most scenic mountains in Greece. The famous Vikos Aoos National Park, known as Zagori, is the ideal location for nature lovers. The Zagori is especially pretty, with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindus Mountains, a hiker’s paradise.
Zagori is an area of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, one including the river Aoos and the Vikos Gorge, the other around Valia Kalda, to the east of the imposing snow-capped Mt Tymfi. The 46 or so villages of Zagori were interconnected by mountain roads and traditional arched stone bridges until modern roads were opened in the 1950s. The stone arched bridges were built by benefactions from expatriate merchants in the 18th century and replaced older wooden bridges.
Astraka
The stunning peaks of Mount Gamila and Astraka offer demanding hiking amongst wildflowers. Gamila and Astraka are only 2 of 8 peaks that make up the massif of Tymfi Mountain, Astrak being the highest at 2,436 m (7,992 ft). Astraka Towers are vertical rock formations resembling a huge wall of rocky towers looming over the Mikro Papigo village.
Vikos Gorge
Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world, in proportion to its width, by the Guinness Book of Records, renowned for its natural beauty and crystal river pools is an unforgettable experience. Here you’ll find walls of up to 1 km in height, amidst a variety of ecosystems.
The gorge begins 600m after Monodendri village and constitutes a true natural monument. Its overall length exceeds 30km. Its depth varies. In Monodendri it reaches 600m and is at its narrowest point and in Vikos village it reaches 1,200m (more than 1,300m in its east part and approximately 1,100m in its west part). In its deeper part the gorge reaches approximately 2,200m width.
Due to its geological isolation and the absence of human presence, Vikos Gorge includes many rare plant and flower species. There have also been recorded more than 110 bird species, 19 serpent and amphibian species, as well as many rare butterfly species.
Throughout the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe trek, expect to enjoy famous Greek hospitality, stunning architecture, engaging history, wonderful food and drink and beautiful views.
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Itinerary of the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trek
Day 1 Arrival in Ioannina & travel to Vitsa village
Today you’ll be met at the Ioannina airport and transfered to Vitsa, one of the largest villages of central Zagori, on a mountain slope near Vikos Gorge. You will rest in a traditional guesthouse and enjoy exploring the village.
Overnight: Vitsa Village
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Vista – Koukouli / Kipi – Monodendri
Today involves a wonderful hike taking in villages and a quick look at the stunning Vikos Gorge. You will start by heading downhill from Vitsa on the Vitsa Steps and into the heart of the Vikos Gorge. From here you will cross beautiful arched bridges and start heading uphill towards Koukouli. The village square in Koukouli is a great place for a refreshment!! You will then continue walking towards the village of Kipi, where you will have another break and see more beautiful bridges! From Kipi you will walk through dense forest towards Dilofo, a protected village due to the local architecture. Finally you will continue towards Vitsa and then walk past the village and towards Monodendri, a charming village that retains much of the traditional stone-build architecture.
Overnight: Monodendri
Distance: 6-7 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 Vikos Gorge hike
Today you will get a chance to cross Vikos Gorge, a spectacular site, and the deepest canyon in the world. From Monodendri you will hike downhill, where you will meet the small river that flows through the gorge. Continue hiking next to the stream and walk right into the heart of the National Park. Vikos-Aoos National Park is full of wildlife, and you may spot birds of prey, wild boars and occasionally even bears find refuge in the park! Your walk will end at Vikos village after a short ascent, around 40 minutes.
Overnight: Vikos or Aristi
Distance: 6-7 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Papingo hike / Astraka
Starting at Vikos Village, the walk today heads towards the charming village of Mikro Papingo. You’ll start today’s hike by walking down to Voidomatis Springs, which are beautiful, but don’t flow as strongly in late summer. After a short rest, you’ll continue hiking along the north-west face of the Vikos Gorge in the direction of the Mikro Papingo village. The views get more impressive as you gain elevation. The walk continues through the forest and under the impressive towers of Astraka. Soon, you will reach Mikro Papingo, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved villages in Zagori. Today is a shorter day to give you free time to explore the nearby natural rock pools of Rogovos, near the village of Mikro Papingo.
Overnight: Mikro Papingo
Distance: 4 hours of hiking
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Astraka / Drakolimni
Today you will hike the high plateaus of Mt. Tymfi, reaching an alpine lake at 2,050m. You will start in Mikro Papingo village and walk through beautiful and tranquil alpine scenery towards Astraka’s mountain refuge. On the way up, you will pass numerous water springs. After a short stop at the refuge, you will continue another 1 1/2 hours to the “Drakolimni”, an alpine lake at 2050m. The scenery is magnificent, with incredible views over Pindus mountain range. You will hike back to the refuge where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Astraka Refuge
Distance: 6 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 Astraka Refuge to Tsepelovo
Today is a big day, as you are crossing the Tymfi mountain range. It is a long but beautiful walk, as you are in the mountains, away from villages all day. Starting from the refuge, hike downhill, reaching the plains below. Under the impressive cliffs of Astraka, continue towards a small water reservoir, known locally as Loutsa Robozi. This reservoir is used by shepherds to water animals during summer months. The walk brings us at the beginning of Megas Lakos, an impressive canyon. Continue on the hike as you cross a water spring, and then back into civilization in Tsepelovo village, a village with a stunning location and views.
Overnight: Tsepelovo village
Distance: 8 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 Tsepelovo to Elati
Today is the last day of walking, and another big day as you walk from Tsepelovo to Kapesovo via the pretty Beloi Viewpoint. You start by walking from Tsepelovo towards Vradeto, the highest village in Zagori. This walk goes on pretty cobblestone paths and has stunning views of the Vikos gorge. You will eventually reach Beloi Viewpoint, a natural balcony overlooking the Vikos Gorge. You will then walk towards the Vradeto village for a short stop and hike down the impressive Vradeto Steps, an old and historic path which takes you down to Kapesovo village. You will get a transfer from Kapesovo to Elati, where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Elati
Distance: 7 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 Departure
Unfortunately, this wonderful Greek trekking tour of the Pindus Horseshoe finishes today. Enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye. Enjoy a transfer back to the airport, where you can make the journey back to Athens.
Accommodation: None, departure day
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Dates and prices of the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trek
This trek in Greece is always run as a custom tour for you and your group. Please contact us with your preferred starting date and group size so we can help you make incredible memories on this private group tour. Pricing is based on the number of guests on your trip and whether you want a guided or self-guided tour. This tour is typically run from April through November.Prices of guided Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trail trek
- Guided Groups of 2-3: EUR1840 per person
- Guided Groups of 4-5: EUR1260 per person
- Guided Groups of 6+: EUR1070 per person
Prices of self-guided Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trail trek
- Self-Guided Groups of 2-3: EUR1090 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4+: EUR900 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: EUR840 per person
Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Sat, Jul 11
From Ioannina
Sat, Jul 18
to Ioannina
8 Days
5
Spaces left
EUR€1240
Sat, Aug 15
From Ioannina
Sat, Aug 22
to Ioannina
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
EUR€1240
Thu, Sep 10
From Ioannina
Thu, Sep 17
to Ioannina
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
EUR€1240
Accommodation on the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trek
This Greek hiking tour provides accommodation in double rooms on B/B basis in guesthouses (6 nights) and in berth while in a mountain refuge (1 nights). The hotels listed below are subject to availability and may change. For groups with an odd number of guests, you can choose a triple room and receive a discount on the tour price.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of EUR290 to have a private room in hotels while traveling with your group. Single travelers can book private tours too, however, the cost is typically 2x the per-person cost for groups of 2-3. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Night 5
Astraka Refuge
Astraka Mountain hut on Tymfi Mountain is located at an altitude of 1930 meters (6332 feet). There are 50 beds in the dormitories, which are comfortable and clean, though not private rooms. There is also a dining-room with fireplace, common showers (cold water) and shared bathroom.
What’s included in the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Trek?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations are included for the duration of the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes return transfers from airport to hotels as well as all necessary transfers for the hikes.
Also Included
- English speaking guide throughout the trip (if booked on a guided tour only)
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Transfer from Ioannina to Monodendri and from Tsepelovo to Ioannina
- Luggage transfers (both for guided and self-guided mode)
Not included
- Domestic and/or international air fare
- Medical expenses, travel or emergency evacuation insurance
- Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
- Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
- Transfer to and from the airport/port
- Other items of a personal nature.
Optional Extras
Prices below are subject to availability and might change depending on the season, currency exchange rate and availability:
- Flight from Athens with luggage – EUR326 per person
- Additional night in Ioannina Town in a 3-star, double room before / after tour – EUR99 per room
- How hard is the Pindus Mountains Horseshoe tour?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to the start of this tour?
- Are the tours in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- Can I rent gear?
- Do I need vaccines?
- Should I tip a guide?
- What should I bring with me?
- Large rucksack or holdall to contain all your luggage; waterproof liner recommended
- Good waterproof top (Gore-Tex recommended or similar) with hood.
- Thick socks for walking
- Spare shoes for the evenings (optional)
- Daypack (small rucksack, 20-40 liters) to carry picnic lunch, water bottle, cold/wet weather gear, camera, etc; straps should be strong, not too narrow and preferably padded. In wet weather, belongings should be packed in waterproof plastic bags inside the pack
- Warm clothes for the evening including spare trousers and top (fleece jackets/pullovers are warm yet light); plus optionally thermal underwear, for April and October
- Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with collar and long sleeves (against sunburn)
- Your own personal water bottle (at least 1 liter). As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.
- Are children allowed on Pindus Mountains Horseshoe Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. There are some longer day hikes on this trekking tour of Pindus Horseshoe. The walking is on a mixture of dirt tracks and well-constructed stone paths. These trips are designed for active people who enjoy active days. Participants should have hiked similar distances in the past.
Check with your local country about visa requirements for travel to Tanzania. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Travel Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. You can get travel insurance here.
Make your way to Ioannina airport, where you will be met for your transfer to Vitsa for the start of this trip.
Yes, your tour leader is English speaking (and a heck of a lot of fun!)
The tour ends in Elati, and you will have a transfer to Ioannina airport.
You shouldn’t need to rent any gear for this tour.
You should check with a doctor at a licenced travel clinic or talk to your family doctor.
Tips are optional and based on good service.
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your entire luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights. You can leave the luggage that you don’t need on the trek, at the hotel in Athens or in our offices.
Yes, children are welcome, as long as they have previous hiking experience. Please mind that we are going to walk 5-7 hours daily, so adequate physical preparation is a must.
Customer Ratings
Trekking Hellas Group of Companies was founded in 1986, and is the largest and most distinguished adventure tour operator in Greece. They operate adventure tours all over Greece, and embrace and have implemented socially and environmentally responsible policies for the protection of nature and environmental awareness.
