Vikos Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Greece
In northern Greece, the Gorge of Vikos is a popular tourist attraction and the best place for sightseeing. The deepest Gorge on Earth is approximately 1,300 meters (3300 feet) and holds the Guinness World Record as the deepest in its length. This blog will give you all the info about Vikos Canyon and give you the best advice on where to stay or what to see. Famous for its breathtaking landscape and excellent hikes, the valley lies within the Epirus mountain range.
How to get to Vikos Gorge
The trip from Athens to Vikos Gorges will take around five hours to complete. There are many highways that you can take during the journey. Alternately, you can get the bus from Greece to Ioannina. Once in Ioannina, you can use your car or use one small taxi in Zagori village. The buses in Zagori villages are relatively small, so traveling is undoubtedly easier. You may also take a flight from Athens towards Ioannina. Flight time can take about 1 hour. The drive from Thessaloniki towards the Gorge is 3.5 hours.
The Vikos Gorge
Vikos Gorge is near the north Pindos mountains, in Epirus, about 30km from Ioannina. Please see the map for the Vikos Gorge. You’ll walk through the canyon without seeing anyone. If you like nature and are keen on the outdoor, you can’t go back. Zagori area, which forms the Vikos Gorge, consists of 46 villages (collectively called “Zagororohoria”). Vikos Gorge is the deepest canyon on the Guinness records list.
The Zagori Region
Nestled in the Pindos mountains lies the magical region of Zagori. The Gorge – a deep valley – and the mountainous landscape were difficult to reach, and for centuries the villages were not even touched by external forces. The roads have been made easier to find, and access remains accessible, but the region remains mostly untouched by tourists. These seclusions permitted the preservation of traditional and cultural life, and it is still evident in each of the 46 villages’ distinct personalities and unique architecture.
Where to stay near Vikos Gorge
The Zagori region (also known as Zagorghoria), where Vikos Gorge lies, hosts 44 traditional stone villages, and many have good hotels, guest homes, and restaurants. Vikos Gorge – the most comfortable village in Monodendri is the most convenient.
Things to do in the Vikos National Park
Mountain, lakes, and river areas provide the perfect environment for eco-touring activities. Hiking, trekking, climbing mountains, biking, rafting are everyday activities to enjoy in the stunning landscape. In the non-active, the natural beauty and the charming village make the place worth visiting.
How deep is the Vikos Gorge
The Vikos gorge is quite deep and has an average depth of about 1 km and a width of 1.100 meters. The deepest point of the Gorge drops to about 1,300 meters. Numerous ravines and gorges intersect its steep slopes. Over 60 waterfalls flow along its length, with the most popular being one on the Vikos Gorge named ‘Drakolimni.
Voidomatis river
Voidomatis river is a vital part of the economy of the Zagori. The Voidomatis river in Greece has a lot of opportunities for adventure. The Voidomatis River offers natural beauty, which is very rare globally.
Rafting in Voidomatis River
Rafting in the Voidomatis river is an excellent opportunity for those who want to spend an adventurous day outdoors. Rafting in the Voidomatis river is every whit as exciting as rafting on the Nile river. The Voidomatis River Valley offers excellent rafting opportunities, and it will take your breath away. The maximum rafting grade for the Voidomatis River is category 2.
Stone bridges in Zagori Region
The stone bridges of Zagorohoria add to the natural beauty of the area. There are dozens of them, spanning rivers and gorges, and most are still in use today. Many were built in the 18th and 19th centuries by craftsmen who were famous for their skill in stone masonry.
Most of the bridges in the Zagorochoria area were created from local white marble and stone, which has a lovely patina over time. Some of the bridges are pretty dramatic, such as the 18th-century Tsepelovo Bridge, which spans a deep gorge at the entrance to Vikos Gorge.
Landscape photography in Vikos Gorge
Vikos gorge is also known as the Grand Canyon of Greece, and with good reason, no matter how many times you visit this stunning natural wonder, it never ceases to amaze.
I captured photos of the Gorge in a variety of settings. Fall color landscapes of autumn leaves, misty sunrise and sunset scenes, and a few pictures of the Gorge from above.
The colors of the fall were particularly vibrant this year. That was because we had a mild winter last year where there was no snowfall to melt away. Fall will be here again before you know it!
All my photos are available in high-quality prints. You can find them on my site, along with other fine art landscape photos of the world taken by myself.
Visit our gallery to see all available landscape photography!
We also offer stunning high-definition printed wall art on various materials and sizes. Read more here
Conclusion
If you want to explore the beauty of Greece, then I highly recommend visiting Vikos Gorge. Located in northern Greece on the border with Albania and North Macedonia, this national park is a stunning natural wonder that will never amaze visitors. It’s no surprise that people from all over the world come here for hiking excursions or day trips to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful terrains since it was carved by a river flowing through limestone rock formations formed 300 million years ago.
We offer photo prints from Vikos Gorge and fine art photography captured worldwide available for purchase online at our gallery! If you’re looking for high-quality landscape photographs printed onto various materials such as canvas wraps or metal panels, head on over there!
