November 3, 2017 / 0 comments

Vivid Vikos (Greece)

The Vikos Gorge is a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. Vikos is listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.

The gorge is found in the central area of the Vikos–Aoös National Park, in the Zagori region. We passed through a number of interesting highlights within the park.

The first stop of interest was the Kokkori Bridge.

A panorama of the Kokkori Bridge.

The bridge was built in 1750 and spans the Vikos river at the narrow portion of the river, sandwiched between two large rocks. Here the riverbed lays dry and hikers can comfortably hike their way through the gap.

On the bridge

More photos taken on and around the Kokkori Bridge.

After visiting the Kokkori Bridge, we headed to the Oxya viewpoint where the grandeur of the gorge can be experienced and seen in all its splendor.

The entrance to the pathway heading to the viewpoint.
Map of the area
Pathway to Vikos Gorge begins
Lovely walk through fall

At the edge of the world!

At one of the lookout points near the end of the pathway.

Moving on further down the path, there was a sign that stated moving beyond this point will be at the hiker’s own risk. If you have no fear of heights and have steady feet, it is a “trespass” that is worth the risk.

Off the beaten path.
We found a spot to sit down and soaked in the view.

Below are more photos taken from the viewpoint and around the area.

After our “almost” bird’s-eye-view, we headed back down to our car and our next stop within the park, is a famous spring where people visit in the summer for a dip. The Papigo Springs. In the fall, it was quiet and the water level, low. It was nice to hop around the natural rock formation that was easy to scale.

Entrance to the Papigo Springs.

Information about the springs.
A gorgeous day at the springs

Below are more photos taken at the Papigo Springs.

After traipsing around the springs, we worked up an appetite and found this restaurant on a hill at one of the nearby villages. The food was as wonderful as the view was. This is a must-visit when at the park. The food is to die for.

Veranda at 1700 – Greek Organic Herbs Cuisine

This was the walk up towards the restaurant.

Interior of The Veranda

But sitting outside was where we preferred to dine. It was too beautiful a day to be stuck indoors.

Outdoor dining at The Veranda
The view during our meal.

After a sumptuous meal, we headed back down to our car and drove around the park. Here are a few more photos taken in the area.

Taken near the entrance of Papigo Springs
Passing through the village

At sunset on part of the Vikos river.

Below are more photos.

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