Beloi viewpoint from Vradeto

What you see

The Beloi viewpoint is a point of rock on the eastern rim of the Vikos Gorge, above Vradeto. From there you look at the gorge head-on and downwards, in one of its deepest stretches, with the Monodendri side and the Oxia viewpoint on the opposite wall. It is the widest view of the gorge you can get without going down into it, and getting there takes almost no effort: a short, nearly flat walk.

How to get there

First you have to reach Vradeto, the highest village in Zagori, at 1,340 m. You get there by car on a 9 km road from the Kapesovo junction, in central Zagori; from Monodendri it is about 40 minutes. Park in the village square or at the entrance, without blocking the streets.

If you prefer to arrive on foot, you can first climb the Vradeto steps from Kapesovo and carry on to the viewpoint: this is the Kapesovo – steps – Beloi route proposed by the Vikos-Aoos Geopark, taking 4 to 5 hours.

The walk

From Vradeto square, the path is marked with red paint on the rocks and crosses open limestone terrain to the edge. It is about 2.8 km there and back, with around 60 m of ascent and a gentle uphill on the way back. Allow one to one and a half hours, including time at the viewpoint.

There are no exposed sections until the last few metres. There the rock drops vertically, with no railing: do not go within three metres of the edge.

When to go

The best season is May to October. In the morning the sun comes in from the east, behind you, and the wall opposite is lit; in the late afternoon the gorge fills with shade. In summer, the open terrain gets full sun: bring a hat. In winter, Vradeto may have snow and the road ice; ask before you drive up.

Water and facilities

There is no water on the path and nothing at the viewpoint. Carry a litre per person. Vradeto is a village of about twenty residents, so do not count on much to eat; better to bring something or eat beforehand in central Zagori, in Monodendri.

With children or a dog

It is a very family-friendly walk because of how easy it is, but for the last few metres you need to hold children by the hand and keep well away from the edge. With a dog, keep it on a lead as you reach the drop.

If the weather changes

In fog, Beloi makes no sense: you will not see the gorge. If there is a storm, do not stay on a high, exposed spot; go back to the village.