Mountain House - Zagoria, Epirus

Trekking, Rafting, Horse-Riding, Untouched Nature

Due to it's rather unknown but exceptionally beautiful setting; please allow me to describe the location first.

The Zagori Region of Epirus stretches over more than 1000 sq. km with altitudes varying between 500 and 2,500 meters. Deep valleys, gorges, steep mountain slopes, streams, rivers, mountain lakes, forests and meadows alternate in a landscape of wild and unspoiled. The area is also famous for it's arched stone bridges (approximately 60 of them in this area alone!), built between the 18th and 19th century.

To visit this wonderful area, you are likely to fly to Preveza or, if you come by ferry from Italy, Igoumenitsa. From there, it takes approximately 2 hours to drive to the village of Koukouli, which is situated at the southern end of the Vikos Gorge, at an altitude of 900m. Due to its small width-to-depth ratio, Vikos Gorge is the deepest in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). It is 1650m deep, measures 980m at its widest point and is 20 km long. Its rare flora and fauna species are protected by the Vikos-Aoös National Park System. Koukouli is identified as a "traditional settlement" by the Archaeological Society, which means that strict rules apply to its architecture and cars are not permitted inside the town. There are two taverns and one café in Koukoúli, which is strategically located in the middle of the Zagorian area, allowing easy access to all the main trekking paths and places of interest.

There are over 40 trekking paths in the area, totalling up to 47 hours and covering a distance of 94 km, depending on your mood and fitness level.

Maps of trekking paths of various levels of difficulty together with a portable GPS can be found in the house. Other activities you might enjoy include mountain biking (six bikes available), horse riding, climbing and rappelling, archery, canyoning, and various types of rafting and kayaking (highly recommended).

Approved independent service providers are at your disposal for these activities and can also provide you with a trekking guide. Contact information and rates are found at the house.

Apart from the trekking activities, it is worth devoting one day to visiting the city of Ioannina, a 35-km drive from Koukouli, famous for its lake and the old city inside the castle. South of Ioannina, at a distance of 20 km, lies the impressive ancient theater of Dodoni (or Dodona), built during the 3rd century BC. With 17,000 seats, it is one of the largest and best preserved ancient Greek theaters. Continuing south for another 50 km from Dodoni, you will come to the Roman city of Nicopolis, founded in 31 BC by Octavian to celebrate his victory over Anthony and Cleopatra at Actium.

Should you decide to spend more time sightseeing, you can also visit the ancient city of Kassiopi, the Nekromanteion (Oracle of the Dead), where the ancient Greeks communicated with their dead ancestors, and the castle of Ali Pasha in Parga.

Layout:

Facilities:

• one living room with a fireplace
• one master bedroom (sleeps 2)
• one double bedroom (sleeps 2)
• one bedroom with two double beds and a fireplace (sleeps 4)
• one fully-equipped kitchen
• one kitchenette
• two bathrooms