Hiking Konitsa!
While in Konitsa you can choose between the many hiking routes available, which you'll undoubtely enjoy! Nature graced the area with unparallel beauty and all you have to do is savor it!
Gamila and Smolikas drakolimni
These two alpine lakes are situated in the surrounding area of Konitsa and Zagori. The alpine lake of Gamila (Timfi) is placed near its peak at a 1900 meter altitude while the second one, also of the same altitude, up the Smolikas peak. While seamingly identical, these two peculiar lakes present an astounding difference. The alpine lake of Gamila has inky black banks, white pebbles scattered across them, while the lake of Smolika has a naturally white waterside with black pebbles along its length
The alpine lake of Gamila is a commonly visited hiking destination and is well known for the alpine newts (dragons) inhibiting its waters. The lake is an hours hike from the fully equiped shelter at the Astraka col, and 4 hours of hiking from Mikro Papigo. It is only accessible on foot.
A second option to the alpine lake of Gamila is the route Aoos bridge-Stomio Monastery- Alpine lake. It takes a total of seven and a half hours to traverse this 12 km long path. The alpine lake of Smolikas is on the west side of Smolikas, the second tallest greek mountain. Smolikas expands a couple kilometres north of Timfi and ends at the Aoos canyon. The route, weither your starting point is Pades village, Palioseli or Agia Paraskevi, is beyond magical. You'll finally reach the alpine lake – which is also home to alpine newts- after a 5 hour hike.
You'll find the natural surroundings and the view both rewarding and relaxing. Ascending to the alpine lake is one of the most rewarding and beautiful hiking routes in Greece. You can partake in one on notice, mostly during the months of March to October.
2. Route of Aoos stone bridge- Stomio Monastery:
Starting at the memorable Aoos stone bridge, the labelled path expands along the river's length and is directed towards the ravine. The route commences at a 450 meter altitude all the way up to 800 meters and is expected to end at the 1 hour and 30 minute mark. The canyon expands its way through steep, rocky slides, alongside a few selected spots where our guests can enjoy a cool swim.
Its excellent ecosystem provides refuge to numerous species of animals and birds such as wolves, wild bores, roes, woodpeckers, throstles and many more. During the hike our guests come across the mesmerising Gravos waterfall, near the Stomio Monastery. The view of the Aoos ravine offered while on the monastery is truly breathtaking.
3. Route of Aoos stone bridge- Skamneli:
It's one of the longest crossings through the Vikos-Aoos national park and the mountain range of Timfi. Aoos bridge is the path's starting point and after reaching the monastery of Stomio the route continues through the Tsouka Rossa col, at a 2200 meter altitude, and continues downhill into the village of Skamneli, found at 1050 meters. The route requires 13 hours of hiking and medium to advanced hiking skills and gear (especially during the winter).
4. Route of Aoos stone bridge- Vrisochori:
The first half of this route ( up until Tsouka Rossa col)coincides with the route mentioned above. Instead of taking the hill down to Skamneli, we instead choose path 03 all the way to Vrisochori. The route requires 12 hours of hiking and during the winter months special gear and experience are a must.
5. Route Konitsa-Trapezitsa:
Beginning at the Agios Athanasios chapel, 900 meters above Konitsa, this 4 hour long (5km) route resumes at Trapezitsa, on a 2022 meter altitude. It offers a spectacular view of the Aoos ravine and the surrouding mountains (Timfi, Smolikas).
6. Route Pirsogianni-Golio/Grammos:
A long route that treks through the beautiful forest and leads up to one of the mountain Grammos peaks, infamous for the battles that took place during the civil war. The path commences at the village of Pirsogianni. It continues on through the Metsorovianni spine, through a dense oak tree forest, and finishes at the Kardari mountain peak, the edge of the forest. Hiking from Kardari, you end up at Golio, right above the greek-albanian borders.
7. Route Asimochori-Golio-Ai Ilias- Izeros- Vourbiani-Livadi-Golio (or Vartziobani- Asimochori):
At the village of Asimochori and specifically Agia Paraskevi's chapel, commences a dirt road path that is easily accessible with landrovers. You can traverse through the entire mountain of Golio that offers astounding altitude variations and vast oak and pine fields. A panoramic view of Grammos is also available. Our guests could make a small stop at Ai Ilias or the Izeros clearing chilling water springs. Further up ahead, you'll come across a crossroad and taking a left turn there will lead you to Vourbianis main road. If you choose the road on your right further on you 'll end up at Livadi, where you have the option to hike up to mount Golio, found at 1934 meters. If you choose to continue towards the area of Vartziobani you'll be able to pass through the same spot that the Julia division crossed to greek terittory, during the WW2. The route finishes at the outskirts of Asimochori village, near the two chapels of Agios Athanasios and Agios Spiridonas.
8. Route Plikati-Koukouli- Mavri Petra- Grammos peak:
To climb up to Grammos mountain peak ( found at 2520 meters) you'll need to start at the village of Plikati and follow the path to the river's left, so that you ascend towards the “Koukouli” peak, where you'll find an old outpost. Continuing on north across the mountain ridge you'll reach the peak of “Mavri Petra” (at 2431 meters) and further up ahead, the peak of Grammos.
Alternatively, with the middle river to your right, you'll reach the mountain's foothills and then ascend north, having direct eye contact with the mountain peak, or you can ascend from the middle river's right side, end up directly beneath the “Perifanos” peak and make a left towards the mountain peak of Grammos. It must be noted that all of the aforementioned routes have been tracked and marked by Plikati's hiking team and are maintained every year. The total hike takes about 4 hours.
9. Route Gorgopotamos- Plikati- Mnimio- Grammos peak:
If you choose to travel through this route with a landrover or a motor bike, the suggested path for those seeking a thrill is through the village of Gorgopotamos since the beginning of this path (which is parallel to the river) is rather adventurous. After crossing the village of Plikati ( you have the option of making this the start point of your route) you can go all the way up to Mnimio, at 2163 meters altitude. From there the hike to the mountain peak is around 2 hours on foot. On the way back you can choose an alternate path that leads to Aetomilitsa. This particular path is only recommented during the summer season since the unfavourable weather conditions usually cause land subsidence.
10. Route Kefalochori- Likorachi- Kampitsios- Ano Arena- lake Moutsalia- Grammos (or Grammosta or Chrisi and Pefkofito):
Another landrover tested route that starts at the village of Kefalochori. More specifically, just before the village, there is a bumpy path with the road sign “Likorachi”. Likorachi is an abandoned village that was evacuated and had its residents relocated to Kefalochori due to landslides. Despite the vibes of abandoment and sadness that cling around, the village is worth a visit so you can visit the watermill as well as the churches that have been renovated by the county. From there, the route leads to Kampitsios, a large, sunny prairie. After that you'll find Ano Arena and its beautiful semi-alpine lake Moutsalia. You can get to the lake ( the path is extremely traversable) by taking a left just before the village of Aetomilitsa. From the lake you get to choose between many different paths (all labeled), towards the village of Grammos, the abandoned village of Grammosta, the vllage of Chrisi and Pefkofito. From there you can travel back to Mastorochoria using the main road.
11. Route Grammos-Gkistova – Grammos peak:
Starting from the village of Grammos, you go uphill to the right, towards the greek-albanian borders where you'll find the alpine lake Gkistova, at 2350 meters altitude. If you continue for another 30 minutes you'll reach Grammos mountain peak. The required time for this route is about 3,5 hours.
12. Route Aetomilitsa -Gkessos-Perifano- Grammos peak:
The village of Aetomilitsa , where there is also a shelter, is found on alpine surroundings. It's worth hiking west to the Gkessos monument (at 2166 meters altitude) and continuing on across the mountain ridge to Perifano (2442 meters altitude) and finally to the mountain peak of Grammos. The required time for this route is about 4 hours.
13. Route Agias Paraskevis:
The village of Agia Paraskevi (or Kerasovo) is found at the foothill of mountain Smolikas. It's a challenge for hikers, since to conquer its peak, are required 5 hours of hiking through designated paths.
14. Route Ninfaio-Drosopigi:
The hiking path begins at the village of Nimfaio and passes through a beautiful oak forest, at the evergreen mountain sides of mount Vitsi and ends up at the village of Drosopigi. The route is 10km long and the time required time of travel is about 4 hours. This hiking route is not particularly difficult and despite the path being bumpy most of the way, you'll found the surroundings charming. Just before you reach Drosopigi you'll come across the abandoned, old village of Drosopigi. The old abandoned cemetary and its stone crucifixes are definitely worth a visit. The route ends at the village of Drosopigi where you can visit the watermill of Stylos that is still in very good standing
15. Route Oksia:
At the village of Oksia you'll find a plethora of hiking options, depending on the level of difficulty you desire. The route of Oksia-Agia Triada is the first we would recommend. It's about 1400 meters in distance and the variety of trees you'll come across as well as the enjoyable view, will both be something to remember for many years to come. Agia Triada, with a chapel of the same name, is definitely worth our guests' attention and is justifiably considered one the most impressive points of interest, its endless horizon praised in every tourist guide that is well aware of the Epirotic countryside. Some alternative routes are a. Oksia- Vromoneri b. Oksia-Profitis Ilias c.Oksia -Roggia d. Oksia- Simpigada- Platonia (Platanos) e. Oksia- Marianochorafa f. Oksia -Petres t' Spanou -Thema f. Oksia-Asvestaria-Sepeto. All the aformentioned routes are not of particular challenge. The routes of a. Oksia – Profitis Ilias-Amarantos -Gerontas- Kokkinopetra- Liouk- Gessio-2530 or Tsouka Petra b. Oksia-Fitokos (old village) and c. Oksia-Kretsos, all require hiking knowledge and stamina.
16. Route Fourka- Panagia Kladormi Monastery:
The monastery is of an hour and a half hiking distance away from the village of Fourka, on a 1450 meter altitude. The abbey is its highest building, resembles a tower and has a narrow and low entrance. On the monastery's west grounds you'll find a small belfry, with a bell that dates back to 1863.
17. Route Distrato – Samarina:
The hike can begin on either of these 2 villages. Their view is equally stunning.
18. Route Molivdoskepasto:
The route starts at the village of Molivdoskepasto, traverses the entire village and ends up at the Assumption of Mary Monastery. It's a mesmerising route meant to acquaint you with the byzantine monuments of the area.
Route Kleidonia- Kastraki- Agios Minas:
Starting at the old stone bridge of Kleidonia ( 480 meters altitude), this route ascends along the distinctive mountain ridge where you can visit the ancient acropolis of “Kastraki” (800 meters altitude), the chapel of Evaggelistria or continue towards the village of Agios Minas ( 640 meters altitude). The total hike is about three and a half hours (5km) , crossing through bushy areas of oaks and hollies. Some species commonly found in the area include wolves, vultures and hawks.
Route Kleidonia- Papigo bridge- Aristi:
Starting at the old stone bridge of Kleidonia, this 2 hour long route (5km), rides along the left side of Voidomatis river, all the way to a concrete bridge that connects Papigo to Aristi. On a 500 meter altitude, the route passes through the prolific Agioi Anargiroi monastery as well as the prehistoric rock shelter of “Kleidi”, across of the Panagia Spiliotissa monastery.
This route passes through the river banks and its surrounding flora all the way to forest's core, consisted of sycamores, alder and willow trees while its fauna mainly consists of otters, dunlins, trouts and wolves.