Vikos Gorge is a natural wonder which offers miles of walking trails with awe-inspiring views.
The gorge lies at the heart of Epirus, Greece, and runs from Tselepovo to Kleidonia. Its depth varies, but around the village of Monodendri, it travels down 600 metres.
One trail begins in Monodendri’s square and drops down 300 metres to the Voidomatis river. Rocky in places, the eight mile-long route can get muddy after rain, according to the travel blog, Electric Travels.
After ascending the gorge, there are “wonderful” views of the canyon, which is one of the world’s deepest.
According to thesmoothescape.com, hiking from south to north offers better views of the gorge and can be done in about five and a half hours, depending on ability.
Vikos.com notes that with its 900m depth and width ranging from 100m to 1,100m, Vikos Gorge has earned a “well-deserved” place in Guiness World Records as the deepest canyon in proportion to its width.
The travel site says: “Beholding the Vikos Gorge is an awe-inspiring experience, evoking feelings of reverence and respect for the sheer beauty and power of nature.”
Visit Greece recommends visiting the gorge in summer and early autumn when the river level is low. It says crossing Vikos Gorge can take about seven hours.
Vikos Gorge, which has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of Greece, is said to be a rich habitat, with golden eagles, bears and numerous bird species.
Behind Mitsikeli moutain, lies Zagororochoria, a cluster of villages which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its traditional architecture.
Villages include Megalo Papigo, Mikro Papigo, Monodendri, Aristi, Vikos and Vitsa. easyJet and Wizz Air UK offer the cheapest flights to Epirus, according to Skyscanner.
There are direct flights from London Gatwick Airport, with the best price at the time of writing to Preveza Airport at £85.
Hotels recommended by Booking.com near Vikos Gorge include Aristi Mountain Resort, Pirrion Wellness Boutique Hotel, Ameliko Zagori and Archontiko Geki.
