Half-Day Hiking at Beloi Viewpoint of Vikos Gorge
Highlights
Ioannina
nature, trekking, photography
Private Tour
4 Hours
Medium
English
Description
Welcome to the longest stone trail in Greece! We start our hiking route from “Kapesovo” village, which is located in the central Zagori area at an altitude of 1.120m, where there are traces of ancient walls. We ascend the famous stone steps of “Vradeto”, 1.500 stone steps (approximately), 39 turns and 2 single-arched stone bridges. That trail was the only way of connecting the locals to the other villages of the Zagori area up to 1973. Close to the end of that trail and the entrance of “Vradeto” village, we approach Saint Athanasios church. Vradeto village is the highest village in Zagori at an altitude of 1.340, and tradition says that the first inhabitants came at the beginning of the 17th century. We stop for a coffee or refreshment in the center of the village. Then we continue (easy trekking route) towards the viewpoint of “Beloi” (altitude 1.400m), which translates to a nice view or nice balcony while watching the breathtaking view of Vikos gorge and huge cliffs. During the hike, we observe amazing rock formations and, in spring or summer, the rare species of wild lilies. When we return, we have a short brake to the most famous stone bridge of Zagori, named “Kokkoris” or “Noutsos”, which connects the traditional villages “Koukouli”, “Vradeto”, Kipi” and “Vitsa”. It was built in 1750 and is located between two steep cliffs, a climbing field for advanced climbers. The length is 25m, and the height is 11m from the river level. Before our return to Ioannina City, we’ll taste the local recipes of the area.
Itinerary
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Ioannina Lake
- We start at 09:00 am from Ioannina towards the Zagori area.
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Kapesovo village
- We observe the traditional village, the stone formations and the picturesque Vradeto stone steps.
- We prepare our equipment and we start our trail.
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Vredeto Stone Trail
- We'll start ascending towards Vradeto village, the highest village in the Zagori area, and our hike was the only way of connecting Vradeto village with the central Zagori area until 1977
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Vradeto village
- Our first break is to enjoy a coffee or a refreshment in Vradeto village and prepare for the final part of ascending to Beloi viewpoint.
- We observe the "nun's cave" which has a depth of 45m.
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Beloi viewpoint
- We arrive at Beloi's viewpoint. Beloi translates as Balcony or Bella Vista (nice view).
- We observe all of Vikos Gorge (approximately 20km) from a manmade balcony and the huge cliffs of the gorge.
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Agios Athanasios Church
- Before our descending we relax and check our equipment while observing a view to the magnificent turns of Vradeto steps.
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Stone bridges
- We walk on the most popular single-arched stone bridge in the Zagori area while observing the cliffs to both sides of the river.
What's Included
What's Excluded
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | /person |
| 5 to 8 | /person |
| 9 to 12 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 8 | /person |
|
This is a private tour |
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