Epirus: A world-class destination for outdoor pursuits

08/06/2016

Rich in history and heritage, Epirus is a tapestry of mountains, lakes, unspoiled forests, sinuous valleys and fertile plains

Bounded by the majestic Pindos mountains and the glittering Ionian sea, the spectacularly beautiful region of Epirus is a world-class destination for a huge range of outdoor pursuits.

Rich in history and heritage, Epirus is a tapestry of mountains, lakes, unspoiled forests, sinuous valleys and fertile plains all criss-crossed by winding trails and dotted with remarkable arched stone bridges.

Hiking, climbing, skiing and mountain biking are all enriched by the wonderful scenery while the teeming rivers and ancient “dragon” lakes, rich in myth and magic, offer unbeatable rafting, canoeing and kayaking.

The river Aoos is widely accepted as one of the world’s most beautiful and challenging kayak courses while the Voidomatis races through the spectacular Vikos gorge. And dotted around are churches, castles, monasteries and unexpected villages.

At the heart of Epirus is the Zagori region, one of the most diversely beautiful ecosystems and village complexes in Europe. Nestling among the firs and pines are 46 villages, with the most famous being Monodendri.

Built from local stone and beautifully restored, the village has a trail that leads to the Vikos gorge and views of the monastery of St Paraskevi balancing precariously on the rocky summit.

Trekkers have a wealth of well-signed routes to explore from a serious six-hour slog to a gentle three-hour amble, all memorable for their pristine scenery and spectacular vistas.

The six-mile long Vikos gorge is at the centre of its own national park (Vikos-Aoös National Park), created in the Seventies to protect and promote its unique biodiversity.

For serious students of nature it is a thriving paradise. For the less studious it is simply beautiful. Like an ancient Madison County, Epirus is renowned for its bridges, masterpieces of vaulted stone set in rugged and often unexpected places.

Sometimes you need to follow the sheep and goats roaming the mountain sides to discover some of the most impressive. If you kayak down the Arahthos you pass under the soaring, multi-arch Papastathis bridge.

A rafting trip will take you to a village near the city of Ioannina and the biggest single arch bridge in Greece. The nearby city of Arta has the magnificent four-arch “Arta" bridge which stretches for 475ft across the river Arahthos.

Spectacular as they are, all the bridges of Epirus are merely the gateways to even more magical sights. Byzantine castles, ancient monasteries and churches and impossibly charming villages are all served by these timeless connections.

Trekking through Epirus will often afford spectacular views of majestic rivers that course through the canyons and gorges. To reverse your point of view, and set heart and adrenalin racing, join a rafting party, graded according to ability and experience.

The Arachthos river has an impressive wild gorge and two of Epirus’s most famous bridges. The rafting expedition starts under a vertical slope that drops 2,300ft and encounters waterfalls, rare birds, gushing mineral sources and all-embracing natural majesty.

Experience required! Rafting the Voidomatis is ideal for beginners, a gentle journey over small waterfalls and under immense stone bridges that passes the 16th-century Agioi Anargyroi monastery.

For the experienced rafter the Kalarrytikos river has an abrupt slope through a narrow canyon complete with wavy rapids.

Rivers race through the Epirus region and offer a unique and thrilling way to discover its ancient majesty. Back on terra firma, the city of Ioannina offers a relaxed journey into the rich history of Epirus.

Spread along the banks of the shimmering lake Pamvotida, the region’s capital has a sumptuous heritage that reflects the Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities that co-existed and thrived here for centuries.

With its Byzantine castle, raised in AD528, the city is magical and timeless. It is the perfect base for a visit to perfect land.

 

 

Reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/captivating-holidays/greece-travel-epirus-guide/



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