Vikos Gorge from Monodendri to Vikos

The gorge

The Vikos Gorge cuts through the Tymfi massif, in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park, in Zagori. Depending on the source it is between 20 and 32 km long and in places has walls of more than 800 m. The Guinness Book gives it as the deepest gorge in relation to its width. In its final stretch rise the sources of the Voidomatis, a river of transparent, icy water.

Crossing it on foot from Monodendri to Vikos is Zagori's classic crossing: a whole day going down to the bed, walking along the bottom among holm oaks, oaks, dogwoods and junipers, and climbing up the other side. With luck you will see wild goats on the slopes.

The route step by step

1. Monodendri, at about 1,060 m. Leave the car in the village car park. The path goes down from the village on a cobbled track. If you have time to spare another day, the monastery of Agia Paraskevi is a stroll from the village.
2. Descent to the bed. The cobbles turn into a path and drop steeply to the bottom of the gorge. It is the hardest part for the knees.
3. The bottom. You walk for several hours along the edge of the watercourse, which in summer is usually dry on this stretch, among forest and boulders. Halfway along is the only spring on the route.
4. Sources of the Voidomatis. At the end of the gorge the river gushes out suddenly. It is the place to eat and rest before the last climb.
5. Climb to Vikos. A cobbled slope climbs to the village of Vikos, the shorter finish. If you have the legs, you can carry on by another path towards Mikro Papingo, which is longer.

Distance, elevation and time

The Vikos-Aoos Geopark gives about 10.6 km and between 6 and 7 hours, with moderate difficulty. The Trekking Hellas guides count 12.5 km, about 825 m of ascent and 1,138 m of descent, with 7 or 8 hours of walking. It is a demanding route because of the duration and elevation, not the technique: you need good fitness, experience of long walks and no vertigo on some edge stretches.

Waymarking and season

The path is marked and well laid out. The Geopark recommends doing it from April to November; the best weeks are in May, June, September and October. In July and August the bottom of the gorge accumulates heat at midday: set out early. In winter, and when the river is high after rain or snowmelt, some stretches can be dangerous or impassable: check the conditions before setting out.

Water and food

There is only one reliable spring, halfway. Bring at least two litres per person and food for the whole day. To start early, sleep in Monodendri: the Hotel Monodendri and its restaurant are in the village.

The way back

The crossing is linear: your car stays at Monodendri. The usual way back is a taxi from Vikos or Papingo to Monodendri, which is best booked in advance; ask at your accommodation. Another option is to sleep on the other side, in Papingo, and return the next day.

With a guide

If you prefer to go accompanied, there are two options with a local guide:

• Trekking Hellas: crossing from Monodendri to Vikos with a meeting at 8:00 in Monodendri, finishing around 15:00. Includes guide, poles, snack, local transfer and insurance. For 2026, €85 per person in groups of 4 or more (€120 if there are two of you). From age 12.
• Alpine Zone: a private crossing of about 12 km and 8 hours, from Monodendri to Vikos or Mikro Papingo, with a light meal at the sources of the Voidomatis and water. From €70 per person, from age 4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

With children or a dog

It is not a route for small children because of its length. With fit teenagers, yes. You can take a dog, but bring water for it and keep it on a lead: it is a national park.