Zagori is a little-known gem of a place in north west Greece. While many visitors to Greece fixate on the islands, it’s this wild, wooded region in the Pindos mountains that many Greeks treasure. It's spectacularly beautiful, with scenery in the Vikos-Aoös National Park like a lost world and many traditional stone villages.

At the heart is the awesome Vikos Gorge, carved by the Voidomatis river over a half a million years. After the scenery, it’s the tranquility you notice: only 3,700 people live in Zagori’s 385 square-mile area. Escapism is guaranteed: mornings are soundtracked by birdsong and sheep bells; brown bears and chamois roam in the alpine meadows.

Video of Green Traveller's trip to Zagori and Epirus Coast

Filmed and produced by Richard Hammond for Green Traveller Media

Foreword by Christina Kalogera, Director, GNTO UK & Ireland Office

Greece has been a sea and sun destination favourite for British holidaymakers for decades with the Greek islands and their many obvious attractions often grabbing the limelight. But Greece has much more to offer. Many of the mainland destinations still remain undiscovered despite the fact that they are just as welcoming, just as beautiful and have as many cultural and historic attractions.

Zagori within the region of Epirus has one of the most dramatic terrains in Greece and is one of the most sought after destinations for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Pack your rafting gear and head for Voidomatis River and explore the stunning Vikos Gorge. Visitors can walk through the cobbled streets of the 46 stone-built Zagori villages and go mushroom picking in nearby oak and fir tree forests, while culture lovers can travel through time at the Dodoni and Nekromanteion archaeological sites.

The combination of the pretty Epirus coastline with its mesmerising white sand beaches along the Ionian Sea with the rugged, lush mountainous landscape of the Zagori creates a striking backdrop for holidaymakers looking for something completely different.

This Green Traveller’s Guide to Zagori and the Epirus Coast gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase another mainland gem of our country.

For more information go to: visitgreece.gr

Stay, Eat, See & Do

Our pick of places to stay and eat, and things to do across Zagori