Vikos Gorge - Kipi to Vikos
When you think about Greece, what comes to mind? Athens, archaeology, Santorini, beautiful beaches? What about dramatic mountain landscapes, beautiful forests, a plethora of wildlife, and an incredible picturesque canyon? Welcome to Zagori, a region in the Pindus Mountains, in the North of Greece.
There are many beautiful walks you can undertake while in Zagori, but the hike we chose this time was a hike running the length of the Vikos Gorge – truly one of the most beautiful natural sites I had seen in my life.
Where: A 19 km (11.8 mile) route in the region of Zagori, from the town of Kipi to the town of Vikos. Route & GPX available here. This hike took us 5h53, including stops for snacks and photos.
What: A hike down the length of Vikos Gorge, from the bottom of a river bed, all the way up to the top of the canyon. Expect beautiful cobblestone bridges, picturesque views, and nature galore.
How: I walked this alongside my husband. This region does have wild bears and wolves, and while they are generally not aggressive, it is probably safest to do this hike alongside a friend. Do this walk in Spring-Autumn (May-October), as colder months may make the hike difficult.
Transport: Our hotel provided us with a pick-up service in Vikos, but it is also possible to book a taxi. It took us about 40 minutes by car to get back to the village of Kipi.
Food: There aren’t any opportunities to buy snacks on this walk, and only one spring where you can get water, so stock up on food and drink before heading out. Once you arrive in Vikos there is a little café where it is possible to buy cold drinks and snacks as rewards for your successful exploration!
Animals Spotted: Lizards, tortoises, a SNAKE(!!!), and a potential bear poo.
Pram/Wheelchair Friendly: No – this hike is quite technical and challenging in places, passing through riverbeds, and climbing up steep, narrow trails.
Route Report:
Starting straight from our hotel in Kipi, we headed downhill, passing through the quaint village and making our way along peaceful countryside roads. After 1.4 km of walking, we crossed an ancient cobblestone bridge, marking the true start of our adventure.
From there, we walked through light forest and meadows of wild flowers. Eventually, we reached the banks of the river that winds through the Vikos Gorge. Luckily, the trail is well marked, making it easy to follow and allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings.
Reaching the riverbed was really refreshing. While parts of the river were still flowing, much of it was dried up, allowing us to gently navigate through the stones and shallow sections
The path then began to wind, gently ascending and descending, as it took us through patches of forest before leading us back toward the river. The views were spectacular —the towering walls of the canyon rising dramatically around us, while we were surrounded by nature and life.
Just before the most the most physically taxing part of the hike (143m of ascent over 1.5 km), there is a possibility to stop at the Voidomatis Springs. We hadn’t brought our swimsuits (or togs as us kiwis say), so opted out, but the water looked really fresh and inviting.
The final climb was taxing, but the reward at the top was well worth it: a breathtaking view stretching across the entire Vikos Gorge, reminding us just how far we had come in one day.
Overall, it was an incredible walk—stunning vistas, rich biodiversity, and a real sense of escape. A perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Greece.
