The ultimate Epirus route — 200 kilometres around one of the world’s deepest gorges, crossing the Aoos at Konitsa, climbing to the Papingo villages and returning past spectacular viewpoints that will transform the way you see the Greek landscape.
Route overview
This is a dawn-to-dusk excursion. Head northwest from Ioannina through the Pogoni valley towards Konitsa, where the single-arch Ottoman bridge over the Aoos marks the gateway to the region’s wildest mountain country. From Konitsa, the road climbs steeply towards Mikro and Megalo Papingo — two stone villages beneath the Towers of Astraka, 1,000-metre limestone walls that glow orange at dawn.
After Papingo, turn south and continue towards Oxya and the classic Vikos viewpoint at Monodendri. The gorge drops 900 metres beneath your feet, while the opposite slope is only about one kilometre away. According to Guinness, it is the world’s deepest gorge in proportion to its width — and once you stand at the edge, you understand why.
Key stops
- Konitsa Bridge — an impressive Ottoman arch over the Aoos, with a traditional café near the riverbank for mountain tea and loukoumades.
- Megalo Papingo — a stone village beneath the Towers of Astraka, a short distance from the natural Ovires rock pools.
- Voidomatis Springs — the springs of one of Europe’s cleanest rivers, where icy blue water rises at the base of the gorge.
- Oxya Viewpoint — a viewpoint high above the gorge, reached via a short detour from the main route.
- Vikos Viewpoint at Monodendri — the classic Vikos viewpoint, at the end of a short trail about 15 minutes from the village. Vertiginous, unforgettable and not for anyone afraid of heights.
- Aristi Village — a good stop for food, with guesthouses, tavernas and views across the Vikos valley.
What to bring
Essentials: A full tank (we take care of this before departure), water and snacks for remote sections, sunscreen and a warm layer for the high passes. In Papingo, the temperature can fall noticeably even in summer.
Recommended: Sturdy shoes for the short trails, swimwear for the Ovires rock pools at Papingo, a camera and a printed copy of the map — mobile reception can be weak in the deep valleys.
This route is for riders who want to earn their views. The roads are demanding, the distances are real and the reward is a day you will remember for years.
Important notes
We recommend this route only for confident riders who have first completed one of our easier routes. The mountain sections include tight bends, occasional gravel at the edge of the road and long stretches without fuel stations. We provide a detailed GPS route with refuelling points, a 24/7 roadside assistance number and a short pre-departure briefing on the most demanding sections. Start at first light so you have the full day ahead — and leave room for the unexpected, because Vikos always has one more view around the next bend.
Need information about this route?
Contact us for information about duration, difficulty, suitability and current conditions. This route is provided for information and cannot be booked separately.