Editions Cicerone - Guide de randonnées (en anglais) - Walking and Trekking in Zagori - Walking routes in Greece's wild and beautiful northern Pindos mountains (Nord de la Grèce)

Guidebook to 30 walks and 3 treks centred on Zagori and Konitsa in mainland Greece. From easy strolls to demanding hikes along remote mountainous traverses, including the rugged peaks of Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas in the Pindos range, Drakolimni Lake, and the dramatic Vikos Gorge. With background information on architecture, history and wildlife.

Seasons
The best time to walk the routes is in springtime (end of May - June) and autumn (September - October) when the sun and temperatures are milder and the region quieter.

Centres
Kipi, Dilofo, Tsepelovo, Monodendri, Elafotopos, Papigo, Konitsa, Pades, Metsovo, Vovousa

Difficulty
Routes range from easy one-hour strolls on clear and well-waymarked paths suitable for all hikers (Grade 1) to strenuous ascents and rugged non-technical mountainous routes for which a very good level of fitness, route-finding skills and experience in high mountain terrain are required (Grade 4).

Must See
Vikos Gorge; scenic villages with unique architecture; amazing 18th-century stone bridges and cobblestone path network; Drakolimni alpine tarns (also known as the Dragonlakes); rafting opportunities on the Voidomatis River; stunning mountain scenery; the mystical Valia Calda National Park

Zagori in Greece's Northern Pindos National Park is among the last relatively undiscovered and unspoilt hiking destinations in Europe. This guide presents a selection of thirty walks and three short treks showcasing the region's captivating scenery, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, crystal-clear turquoise rivers, rugged alpine peaks and characterful mountain villages. Routes vary from easy walks on clear paths to strenuous ascents and mountain traverses, meaning that there is something to suit most ambitions and abilities.

Clear mapping accompanies the route description, and the introduction to the guide covers all the practicalities, including getting to Zagori, accommodation, equipment, maps and safety. There is also a wealth of information about the region's rich history, architecture, geology, plants and wildlife, as well as fascinating notes on points of interest encountered on route.

The routes are presented in five chapters, covering Central Zagori, Vikos Gorge and vicinity, Mt Timfi, Konitsa and Mt Smolikas, and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo, with highlights including Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas (Greece's second highest mountain), the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, traditional stone arch bridges and the alpine tarns of Drakolimni (Dragonlakes). With so much stunning scenery, this is a region that cries out to be explored

(Source Edition Cicerone)

Ce coin de Grèce semble magnifique. A pied semble le meilleur moyen de le découvrir. ce guide en anglais propose 30 randos à la journée et 3 treks