# Papingo rock pools

What to do en Zagori · Zagori

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/things-to-do/papingo-rock-pools · Revisado: 2026-11-12

- Duración: 1 h
- Temporada: July – August for swimming
- Para quién: Families

Natural pools of the Rogovos stream between Megalo and Mikro Papingo, about a 15-minute walk down from Mikro Papingo. Very cold water; swimming in summer.

What they are
The Papingo rock pools, called Kolymbithres or Ovires of the Rogovos in Greek, are natural basins that the Rogovos stream has carved into the limestone, between the two villages of Papingo: Megalo (the big one) and Mikro (the small one). The water settles in polished rock bowls, one after another. Above them rises Astraka, in the Tymfi massif.
It is a short, cool outing for the afternoon, after a long hike or a day driving around Zagori.
Getting there
Papingo is in western Zagori. From Monodendri it takes a little over an hour by car, and the last part is the winding road from Aristi.
A simple path leads down to the pools from Mikro Papingo square: it passes a small chapel and zigzags down for about 15 minutes to the streambed. From there you follow the stream upstream: the first pool is about 200 m along, the second 100 m further up and the third, the biggest and deepest, about 80 m after that. In total it is about 1.8 km there and back, with 80 m of descent and as much again of climbing on the way back. Allow half an hour each way and some time in the water.
The streambed is uneven, slippery rock: it is easy, but not for flip-flops. The climb back is more tiring than it looks.
Swimming
The water comes down from the mountain and is very cold. In April it is around 7 °C, which takes away any wish to swim; in July and August a swim is possible, though the water still takes your breath away. The flow changes with the season: in high summer it drops to just enough to keep the pools filled, and in spring or after rain the stream can run high. Do not dive in without checking the depth and do not get in if the water is flowing strongly.
When to go
For looking, all year except when the stream is in spate. For swimming, July and August, in the early afternoon, when the sun warms the rock. In summer, early or late in the afternoon there are usually fewer people.
Facilities and water
There is nothing at the pools: no drinking water and no toilets. Bring water, a towel and footwear with grip. Tavernas and accommodation are in the villages: in Mikro Papingo you have Veranda 1700 for eating and Mikro Papigo 1700 for sleeping; in Megalo Papingo, the Papaevangelou Hotel.
With children or a dog
For children who walk well, it is a short outing with a reward. Watch out for wet rock and deep pools: always with an adult beside them. Dogs are fine, but on the stretches of polished rock they will struggle; keep yours on a lead near other bathers.
How to combine it
The pools are on the way of the Geopark's great Papingo – Drakolimni – Papingo route. If you climb to Lake Drakolimni in the morning, a cold dip on the way back, if you have any energy left, rounds off the day nicely. For the next morning, rafting on the Voidomatis is a short drive away.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 39.97, 20.727

## Cerca de aquí

- [Papaevangelou Hotel](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-stay/papaevangelou-hotel), a 963 m
- [Mikro Papigo 1700](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-stay/mikro-papigo-1700), a 1.0 km
- [Veranda 1700](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-eat/veranda-1700), a 1.0 km
- [The Aristi to Papingo road](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/things-to-do/aristi-papingo-road), a 3.2 km
- [Astraka refuge](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-stay/astraka-refuge), a 3.8 km
- [Astraka refuge kitchen](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-eat/astraka-refuge-kitchen), a 3.8 km
- [Aristi Mountain Resort](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-stay/aristi-mountain-resort), a 4.5 km
- [Salvia](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori/where-to-eat/salvia-aristi), a 4.5 km

## Consejos

### Go to the third pool
It is the biggest and deepest, about 80 m above the second.

### Wear shoes with grip
The rock in the streambed is polished and wet; in flip-flops you will slip.

### Swim when the sun is high
In summer, in the early afternoon the rock is warm and the cold water is easier to bear.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### Can you swim in the Papingo rock pools?
Yes, in July and August, although the water is still very cold. In spring it is around 7 °C.

### How long does it take to get there?
About 15 minutes down from Mikro Papingo square to the streambed, and a few more minutes upstream to the pools. Round trip, around an hour.

### Do you have to pay?
No. It is a natural spot with free access.

Destino: [Zagori](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/epirus/zagori.md)