SUMMARY PLUS LINKS

Epirus region in northern Greece – the wonderful wild walking around the Vikos Gorge from the Zagori villages – was featured in an article by Chris Moss in the Guardian Travel section in October 2004. The village of Tsepelovo, where hiking holidays can be based, is highly recommended by Andrew Llanwarne, who says: "I stayed there back in September 1993 and enjoyed a marvelous walk up to the edge of the Vikos Gorge, amidst remarkable limestone scenery."  In addition, the graceful stone bridges over the rivers are distinctive to the region, and one can be seen by walking down from Tsepolovo. The village can be reached by bus from the regional capital of Ioanina, which is famous for Ali Pasha's island set in a lake.  

The town of Metsovo, further east, provides a great example of a place which attempts to retain the economic benefits of tourism.  Although Epirus is one of Europe’s poorest regions, Metsovo is an exception, and has fine handicrafts and a choice of good places to stay.  It is a walking centre in the summer, and a skiing centre in the winter.  There's a website which describes the town and the sightseeing and walking opportunities around it, including the Zagori villages and bridges.

An earlier article in the Guardian covering the same area, provided an equally stimulating read: “I set off for Mikro Papingo, to the sounds of birds, bees and bubbling springs, punctuated by the clang and tinkle of bells. The sun began filtering through the gap-toothed mountains, so that I reached a village bright with the colours of dahlias, lupins and roses tumbling down its steep slopes, and vegetable gardens clinging on for dear life.” 

Summarised by: Andrew Llanwarne

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