Zagori is Greece’s best kept secret. Once a staging point for wealthy Ottoman traders, today the 46 stone villages perched among the mountainsides preserve a traditional way of life, long-forgotten elsewhere.
Photographer Chris Joubert came cycling in Zagori with us this spring, and we think he’s perfectly captured its beauty.
His photos reminded our Operations Director Sally of why she fell in love with the area during her time as a host. Here she tells us some of her favourite things about Zagori.
Dramatic Mountains and Gorges
Chris has truly found the magic in Zagori’s landscapes. Above is the Vikos Gorge, a breathtaking canyon that splits through the Pindus Mountains. From a distance, it’s hard to believe that anything could live in its rocky depths, but up close we see that it’s home to a huge range of flora, with many species found nowhere else in the world.
The Vikos Gorge may be Zagori’s most eye-catching landscape, but there’s plenty more to discover. Cycling through Zagori, you’ll discover poppy fields, forests and high pastures – some best viewed from the saddle, while some look their best from a picnic table up high with a glass of white in hand.
Cycling, Walking and Swimming
The cycling in Zagori is some of the most spectacular in Greece. We stick to almost exclusively quiet tarmac roads, with barely anyone to be seen. The switchbacks you can see above lead to the charming village of Papigo. As we ascend (with a little help from the e-bike motor) each corner allows an opportunity to soak in the increasingly magnificent views. We go slow here; it’s a ride to savour.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore off the bikes too. Zagori is a dream for walkers, and perfect for anyone who wants to take a dip in spectacular surroundings. A personal favourite is a natural pool near Kipi, which Chris has captured below. It’s a little chilly, but absolutely worth it.
Stone Villages
The cultural landscape of Zagori was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. The traditional stone villages, known as Zagorochoria, are linked via stone arched bridges, cobbled paths and staircases, many of which we explore on our journey.
Despite the populations of these villages being tiny – Vradeto, for example, has only three permanent residents – there is still a strong sense of community, offering a window into how life once was in the mountains.
The People
There are so many things that make Zagori special but, ultimately, it all comes down to the people. We meet fantastic characters on our journey, all keen to show their beautiful home and traditions to Slow Cyclist guests.
Below you can see Yiannis performing with his band, guest house owner Frossi laying out a beautiful breakfast spread in Petroto and chef Lila preparing a feast. These are just some of the people who make our journey so memorable.
If you’ve been inspired, find out more about our journeys in Zagori or enquire now.
