Oxia viewpoint and Agia Paraskevi monastery

What it is

These are the two easiest ways to look into the Vikos Gorge without going down into it, and both start from Monodendri. The Agia Paraskevi monastery is about 600 m from the village square, hanging on a ledge above the drop. The Oxia viewpoint (“beech” in Greek) is at the end of a road of about 8 km and looks over the deepest part of the gorge from a natural rock platform.

You can do both in one morning: the monastery on foot and the viewpoint by car, or link everything on foot along the Geopark trail.

Agia Paraskevi monastery

It was founded around 1413–1414, when Despot Carlo I Tocco ruled Epirus, according to the inscription over the door; sources disagree on the founder's name. Its chapel is the oldest surviving one in Zagori. Today the monastery is abandoned, with no monks, and some of its buildings are in ruins, but the church and the courtyard are still standing, with the gorge at their feet.

You reach it on foot from Monodendri square along a cobbled path: it is about 600 m, a short walk. Beyond the monastery the terrain continues along the edge of the drop: go only if you are comfortable with heights and have good footwear.

The Oxia viewpoint

The road leaves Monodendri and climbs about 8 km through the stone forest, a landscape of limestone slabs stacked like books, to the end of the tarmac. From there you walk a short way to the edge: below, the gorge at its deepest, and opposite, the walls of the Vradeto side and the Beloi viewpoint. There are no cafés or toilets at the viewpoint.

On foot, the Vikos-Aoos Geopark proposes the Monodendri – Agia Paraskevi – stone forest – Oxia route, taking 2 to 3 hours.

Getting there and parking

Monodendri is about 50 minutes by car from Ioannina. Leave the car at the village car park to visit the monastery. For Oxia, carry on by car along the road leaving the village; it is narrow and winding. In winter, if it has snowed, ask in the village before driving up.

When to go

All year round, with the road clear. May, June, September and October are the most pleasant months in Zagori; in July and August, go early or late to avoid the heat and the groups. At weekends there are more people than on weekdays.

With children and reduced mobility

The path to the monastery is short and suitable for families, but the monastery and the viewpoint are above drops: hold children by the hand and do not count on railings. Beyond the monastery, do not continue with children. In a wheelchair, the cobbled path is difficult.

How to combine it

If you are going to cross the Vikos Gorge, do this the afternoon before: you will see from above what you will walk the next day. For food or a bed, the Hotel Monodendri and its restaurant are in the village. The Kipi bridges are a short drive away.