Zagori Villages Route

A full-day route through one of Europe’s most authentic destinations — 46 stone villages set among arched bridges, deep gorges and forest trails that seem unchanged since the 18th century. The Zagori Villages Adventure covers 160 kilometres of some of the most beautiful roads in mainland Greece.

Route overview

From Ioannina, head north towards the entrance to Vikos–Aoos National Park, climbing gently to the Zagori plateau. The road narrows as it passes between villages — Monodendri, Vitsa, Koukouli and Kipi — with stone houses, slate roofs, cobbled lanes and squares shaded by centuries-old plane trees. Between the villages, you cross Ottoman-era stone bridges, many with a single arch and still standing after three centuries.

The riding is varied: a smooth regional road for the first 30 kilometres, followed by a scenic mountain route with bends and gentle climbs. It is not technically difficult, but the many stops — bridges, viewpoints and natural pools — deserve an unhurried full day.

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Key stops

• Plakidas Bridge (Kalogeriko) — the iconic three-arch bridge near Kipi, perhaps the most photographed bridge in Epirus.
• Monodendri Village — the gateway to the Vikos trail, with a 15th-century monastery perched at the edge of the cliff.
• Kokkoris Bridge — a single-arch bridge over the Voidomatis, surrounded by the scent of wild mint and oregano.
• Rogovo Natural Pools — crystal-clear natural pools fed by mountain springs, ideal for a refreshing stop on hot days.
• Monastery of Agia Paraskevi — a cliffside monastery reached by a short trail, with frescoes dating from the 17th century.
• Vitsa Square — a beautifully preserved square where you can sit beneath walnut trees and try handmade pies.

What to bring

Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel for the natural pools, sturdy shoes for short descents to the bridges, sunscreen, water and snacks — some sections between villages have no shops. We recommend starting early and picking up something to eat from a village bakery along the way. The scooter’s top box has room for everything you need for the day.

Zagori is one of those places where you stop for one photo, then notice another bridge, then a trail, then a spring — and suddenly three hours have passed without you travelling two kilometres.

The return follows a different road south through Kalpaki and the Ioannina basin, ending with an easy, flat section as the sun drops behind the mountains. Allow four to six hours of riding including stops — this route is best experienced slowly.