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#zagoriatrail
Zagoria or Zagori, "the place behind the mountains," is an area in the Pindos Mountains in northwestern Greece (Epirus region) through which we will trek this week on the Unplugged Zagoria Trail. The region is a fantastic cultural heritage and a true Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
When you travel around with us during the Unplugged Zagoria Trail, you will pass through dense forests, beautiful landscapes with rocky canyons and spectacular ravines. You can cross these canyons by the presence of imposing arched bridges, all strong examples of craftsmanship.
We walk through authentic fairytale mountain villages and explore one of the largest canyons in Europe: the Vikos Gorge. You immediately understand that this is a natural wonder when you come face-to-face with it. It's not every day you walk through one of the deepest gorges in the world, right?
And let's not forget Drakolimni, the Monodendri Monastery and Vitsa. The fact that here during the Zagoria Trail you still get to undiscovered places, imagine yourself in another time and far away from mass tourism, you only realize when you have been there.
Welcome to Thessaloniki! This is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Central Macedonia region. After checking in your belongings, we will go on a city tour. Our guide will tell you about the history, as well as all the secrets of this sparkling city. The tour ends at restaurant O Ntelikanis where we will eat different types of mezedes (similar to Spanish tapas). We toast to upcoming week with the local drink tsipouro, gia mas! For there is no doubt that it is going to be an adventure.
'Sleeping in is for homebodies' we sometimes say. Breakfast is ready here from 07:30 so that we can leave for Vradeto at 09:00. Vradeto used to be difficult to reach. For centuries, the 1,000 steps of Vradeto were the only access road to the village. And that these are hefty calf bites, you'll find out for yourself soon enough.
After a 4-hour drive, it is high time to stretch our legs. We take a short 1-hour hike to the Beloi viewpoint where we admire the breathtaking full-length view of the Vikos Gorge. You look out onto where we will be playing outdoors for the next few days.
When we finish lunch we really get going: via the Vradeto steps we go to Tsepelovo. Here we spend the night in a traditional family hotel. But before we get into bed we will have a nice dinner and tomorrow morning at 09:00 we will be on the road again!
The next few days you fall from one surprise into another. We walk through the mountainous region of Zagoria which is rich in forest and mountain ranges. Old buildings, such as monasteries, are scattered over rocky points. Here are the old donkey trails, kalderimia, which we now enjoy as hikers.
In the area we can cross many rivers because of the characteristic stone arch bridges built here. Bridge building has been made into a true art here.
Sleeping we do in traditional picturesque mountain villages, where you will encounter nice boutiques and small restaurants. For example, Papingo, overlooking the impressive high cliffs of the Astraka Mountains.
With a little luck we will encounter European brown bear, wolf or lynx or at least the tracks while hiking. These days we walk mostly on hiking trails and stone bridges, through the Vikos Gorge and rope climbing is also part of the trip.
One of the other highlights we want to give away a little here: Drakolimni (Dragon Lakes). According to local myth, these two mountain lakes were inhabited by quarreling dragons. They threw rocks and trees at each other, which is why the landscape has become so peculiar and impressive. In short: these days are a true outdoor and cultural experience!
Day 6 is an optinional rest day for those who want to linger around the Astraka refuge. But for the real adventurer, still full of energy in their legs, a challenging trek to some peaks is scheduled.
Today we unfortunately have to say goodbye to this wonderful refuge, a place that makes our hearts squeeze a little as we leave. But no worries! Today is actually the most breathtaking track on the program. Our last day begins with a short but stunning hike along the Voidomatis River. It's a chance to stretch our legs one last time before heading back to Thessaloniki.
Once you arrive in Thessaloniki, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore. We have dinner together and end the evening with a drink in one of the cozy bars in the city.
Today, unfortunately, it is already time to say goodbye. How time has flown by! You will be dropped off at the airport in Thessaloniki and return home or to another destination. It was a true outdoor adventure that may rightfully go into the books. Hopefully you enjoyed it as much as we did. αντίο! / antío!
The 1st and last day of the Unplugged Zagoria Trail, you will sleep right in the center of Thessaloniki. You will sleep in a cool hostel, where you will have a fantastic view of the city from the rooftop. You'll sleep in a 4-bed or 6-bed dorm. It is possible, at an additional cost, to sleep in a 2-bed room if desired.
During your hike through the mountains you will spend 3 nights in a different guesthouse and 2 nights in the refuge. The guesthouses are not just any guesthouses. These accommodations, often run by the whole family, are carefully selected. You actually sleep in small but beautiful hotels where you sleep in a double room. If you prefer to sleep alone, this is possible. At an additional cost we can arrange this for you. In the refuge you sleep in a dorm just like in most mountain huts.
For the Unplugged Zagoria Trail you need to be in good shape. You are a real mountain hiker who enjoys being in nature, is athletic, someone with an adventurous spirit and does not shy away from a challenge. The Pindos Mountains, also called the backbone of Greece, are included in the high mountains.
Every day we walk 6 to 8 hours through the mountains with a daypack on.
We sleep in guesthouses. Most mountain villages are very typical because of the central square with a large church, a huge plantation and a public fountain. Please note, there is NO luggage transportation on this trip. So you carry everything yourself in your backpack.
In the pristine Zagoria Mountains you will find truly unspoiled nature with lots of history and culture. It is a rugged area with snow on the peaks from October to late May. The weather elements can make conditions even more physically challenging. Therefore, this trip is suitable if you have already done several mountain tours or hikes. However, don't have this experience yet? Then a good physical condition is a must! In addition, you have a flexible and adventurous attitude!
Because the area is so mountainous, it is difficult to access; moreover, it is cut by some very deep valleys and rivers. Because of these special geographical features, the history of this particle of Greece is exceptional. What is fairly well preserved is the network of paths that connect the villages with each other, along with the striking staircases or skáles through which you can descend from Monodéndri, Vítsa, Vradéto or Koukoúli into the valley. In these valleys the beautiful arched bridges stand out. Perhaps the Plakída or Kalogerikó bridge are the most famous with its three arches.
Hi, I'm Jimmy and I'll be your guide during the Unplugged Zagoria Trail. Green is my color, always has been. So I always thought that the landscape below the tree line would be more beautiful because there (yes you guessed it!) it's still green. But when you get above the tree line and walk over ridges (>2000m), I have to admit that it is fantastic. The huge mountains and the beauty of it, imagine yourself in another world for a moment. And this world I would like to share with you.
During this week I will teach you some important mountaineering and survival skills that might come in handy!
I am Kostas, a Greek from the north. For more than 20 years I have been working as a technician at concerts and festivals in the two countries I love most: Greece and the Netherlands. Although I have an endless love for my work, the call of the wild was so intense that I could no longer resist it. So in recent years I decided to change my life path and spend more time in the mountains, combining fun and work in an interesting mix.
For more than 25 years I have been biking on trails with my mountain bike, climbing rocks with ropes and on snowy peaks with my ice axe. With my snowboard I surf the white slopes. But what I enjoy most is hiking, because it gives me the pace I need to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature.
After taking the courses "Hiking and Survival Instructor" and "Hiking and Backpacking Guide", I decided to share my knowledge and experience with people who want to experience beautiful moments in the mountains and in nature. And every time I am at the beginning of a trail with friends, I just say "vamos a l'aventur!
Getting to Greece by train, yes this is possible! During the day you travel to Munich, where the night train leaves for Zagreb. In Zagreb you will connect to a train to Belgrade. In Belgrade an overnight stay is necessary because the connection to the night train to Thessaloniki is not spacious enough. This gives you a chance to see Belgrade the next day, as the night train to Greece, the Hellas Express, leaves the next day in the early evening.
Want to know more? If you want to know more about this, let us know. Then we'll provide you with an itinerary. Or book your trip yourself through The Train Traveller.
Which flight is best to take:
During the Meet & Greet, you can choose to travel together or carpool together. The adventure thus begins from day one!
The Pindos Mountains is the name of the vast mountain massif in northwestern Greece that extends from the border with Albania, northwest to southeast for a distance of about 160 km. This week we will walk mainly through the vast rugged area called Zagoria or Zagorochoria.
The villages of the Zagoria are known for their protected and authentic architecture, the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants. In addition, you can enjoy the breathtaking and heartwarming nature to the maximum.
Check other travel information such as weather, climate, etc. here.
Bookings can be made until April 1, 2024
#deeploofterworld
The land beyond the mountains
One of the most beautiful regions of Greece can be found in a vast area in the northwest of the mainland, called Zagori. Zagori means "The land beyond the mountains. Between the steep and snowy slopes of the Tymfi Mountains, you will find Zagori National Park, one of the most beautiful and rich ecosystems in Europe. This natural environment is perfect for many outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, mountain biking, trailrunning, snowboarding and other mountain sports. If you want to read the entire blog, click on the button below. Happy reading!
Download the travel guide here and find out where to sleep, the route, what to bring and more practical information!
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Unplugged Outdoor
Boterbloemstraat 28
4841 LM Prinsenbeek
Basecamp spot in the forest & in the mountains
Phone number
+31 (0)6 164 476 33
KvK no. 85131709
Don't forget to download the travel guide and find out where to sleep, the route, what to bring and many more practical tips!
