Hiking Tour At Stone Bridges And Traditional Villages Of Zagori

Starting point is Kipi (translates to gardens) village built on a hill at an altitude of 750m. The main distinguishing characteristic of the village is its gardens, which are surrounded by a river embellished by stone bridges.

The most popular three arched stone bridge of “Plakida or Kalogeriko” in Zagori area. It was built as a wooden bridge and later on (1814AD) it was reconstructed as a stone bridge by the Abbot Serafeim. The length is 54m, width is 3,15m and the highest point is 6,7m. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli

Easy hiking route towards Dilofo village leads us to the second single arched stone bridge of “Kapetan Arkoudas” (Captains’ Bear Bridge), built in 1806AD. First name was “Xeropotamos bridge”. On August 6, 1906, the Ottoman army killed Captain-Bear, a Macedonian chieftain, and at that time, the bridge was named after him. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Vitsa

“Kokkoris or Noutsos” single arched stone bridge the most well known bridge in Zagori area. It was built in 1750AD, length is 35m, width is 2,5m and the highest point is 13m. At the same time there was another bridge, which they also used to punish the animal thieves: In order to find out if a suspect was an animal thief, they forced him to cross the bridge, carrying a goat on his back. If he passed by or admitted his act, he was acquitted. Otherwise, his punishment was drowning in the river. This bridge connects villages Kipi, Dilofo and Koukouli At the side of the bridge there’s an amazing climbing field for advanced climbers

We walk beside the river banks and we find the next double arched stone bridge is “Misios” built in 1748 and connects villages Koukouli, Vitsa and Monodendri. The length is 37m, width is 3m and the highest point is 10m. It is located in the entrance of the main part of Vikos gorge. It follows the stone steps towards Vitsa and Koukouli villages

We hike towards to traditional village of Koukouli through the stone steps of Koukouli and we explore the village which is dated from the 13th century. At the village there’re lots of traditional houses, the complex of the old school, arches, fountains and the church of Virgin Mary one of the best churches in Zagori area. We relax drinking refreshment or a coffee and we continue through the stone steps between Koukouli and Kipi villages

The last bridge of our hiking tour is the single arched stone bridge of Lazaridis which was built in 1753, beside another climbing field for advanced climbers. The name of Lazaridis comes from a local trader who owned a watermill beside the bridge. At that place the first part of Vikos gorge ends and we observe the cliffs beside the river. This stone bridge connects the villages, Kapesovo and Koukouli with Kipi

Before our returning to Ioannina city we’ll taste local recipes of the area

This last brake is to observe the statue of Zagorian Women which honors them because they helped the armed forces during 2nd world war. It is 6m height and 2 tons weight