Epirus

Epirus, Greece. A land with two souls

Epirus is a moving land of unique beauty. Majestic mountain massifs and beautiful pristine beaches tell the story of one of the most hidden corners of Greece

Epirus, the most mountainous region in Greece, is instead blessed with a lush and soaring landscape reminiscent of Scotland at its finest, mountain villages to rival (whisper it) the best of Provence, and that gloriously unspoilt Ionian Sea coastline. Add to this a densely forested landscape (home to brown bears, wolves and jackals), lonely cliff top monasteries, soul-stirring mountain vistas, low-key seaside resorts and skies patrolled by birds of prey including golden eagles, and it’s easy to see why the Greeks have been keeping Epirus a secret from the world for so long.

Below is a step-by-step guide of how to make the most of this beautiful corner of Greece.

INTERIOR

The Pindus Mountains

Located within the Zagori region of Epirus, this range is home to two national parks, rugged peaks, rare flora and fauna, and 48 charmingly rustic but surprisingly grand villages. I’d recommend staying couple of days in the area before or after time spent at the coast.

Spiritual awakening

Epirus is dotted with monasteries but among the smallest and most atmospheric is Saint Paraskevi, a stone-walled chapel dating from the 15th century. Paraskevi, located high above the Vikos gorge near the village of Monodendri, is worth a detour for its original frescoes and stupendous views. Admission: free. Park in Monodendri for the 10-minute walk to Paraskevi (signposted from the village). Arrive before 10.30am to avoid the minibus tours.

Humps ahead

Until as recently as the Fifties the stone-arched bridges that criss-cross the Zagori region played a vital role in linking communities. Today, many of these bridges, which date from the 18th and 19th centuries, can be seen from the modern roadside. The main road to Kipi, just after the turning for Dhilofo, offers a chance to get up close to some of the oldest and most impressive. Of note are Kokkori bridge, dating from 1750, which is backed by a pinnacle stack and spans a high arch above the Voidomatis river; and Plakida with its three deceptively steep but elegant arches.

Farther north, the Konitsa Bridge, spanning the Aoos river near the village of Konitsa, has the highest span of any bridge in the region and is hung with a bell to warn of the danger of crossing in high winds. Admission: free. There is roadside parking at Kokkori and a sign indicating the location of six other nearby bridges of note.

Move over Provence

The 48 villages of Zagori are home to stone-built mansions topped off with smart slate roofs, built by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the loveliest is Dhilofo, located at the foot of two hills, with its cobbled narrow streets, delightfully sleepy atmosphere and glorious views from its church. Dhilofo also makes a great spot for lunch: Sopotseli Taverna, in the village square, has handwritten menus offering deliciously simple and traditional dishes. Touristy Monodendri and Papingo (the letter a magnet for its natural bathing pools) are marginally livelier but it’s low-key Dhilofo that ranks among the most attractive.

Take the high road

In a region of superlative landscapes navigated by switchback bends and cliff-hugging passes, where you’re more likely to encounter a herd of goats than a passing car, it is almost impossible to single out a best driving route. Worth a mention, though, is the winding road up to and from Oxia, for the Vikos gorge, through a “stone forest” of stratified rock. On the drive down you are rewarded with views of a mountainous landscape blanketed in forest as far as the eye can see.

A walk on the wild side

For those opting for stays of more than a couple of days, there are a number of options for exploring the Zagori region on foot, ranging from woodland walks and day-long hikes to an ascent of Gamila for a sighting of Dragon Lake.

THE COAST

An early morning dip

Greek mythology has it that the Acheron river is where the souls of the newly dead were transported into Hades. Today, the river makes an exhilarating wild swimming spot. Head to Glyki and follow the signs for Acheron. It’s a 10-minute walk to the river, followed by 15 minutes of wading before taking the plunge and swimming in its chilly waters. Arrive before 10am to explore its cooling depths in peace. Admission and parking: free. Shoes with a good grip are recommended for wading.

Beside the seaside

The pretty resort of Parga is worth a look for its vibrant seafront lined with pastel-coloured houses, Venetian hilltop castle and bustling bars and restaurants. Parga is a touristy spot but this does not detract from its charming natural setting, the focal point of which is the tiny island of Panagia, located just offshore, and its terracotta-topped church.

Beach life

Pack a picnic and head north along the coast road to the wide sandy beach at Karavostasi. Flanked by pine-studded headlands, its proximity to a nature reserve makes this a largely unspoilt spot and even in high summer there is plenty of space on which to spread a towel. Climb the steps at the southern end of the beach to visit the remains of the 4th-century town of Dymokastro, with its fabulous views out to Corfu and Paxos. 

Messing about in boats

Hire a boat in the low-key seaside resort of Sivota to visit the verdant string of islets that lie just offshore. This mini archipelago is home to a number of beaches, the most popular of which is Piscina for its crystalline waters, and hidden coves in which to drop anchor.

Picture perfect

Pootle back along the coast road in the direction of Parga about an hour before sunset for a number of excellent roadside vantage points from which to stop and photograph nearby Corfu as the setting sun turns the southern end of the island a fiery red. Or head straight for the mountain village of Perdika, which also offers spectacular sunset views, along with atmospheric bars, a good choice of restaurants and a glimpse at an authentic slice of Greek life.