Epirus Smolikas Via Ferrata Drakolimni

With our departure starting early on Friday afternoon from Athens to the picturesque Konitsa.
Our stay in a wonderful hostel in the area, rest and traditional pies will prepare us for our Saturday outing.

On Saturday we will get up early we will eat our breakfast with images from expected fireplaces to surround us and it counts we will start our ascent to Smolikas.
Accommodation can also be done in tents.
Destination at 2,637 and the second highest peak in Greece, a stopover, the Lake of the Heart, Drakolimni Smolika.
The return will find us in the hostel roasting chestnuts and watching the videos of the climb.
The traditional food is great! You will enjoy the famous pies, the spicy delicious sweets on a spoon and the fresh meat of the region, as well as local red wine and tsipouro.

For our last day, we have the best part of the area, the Vikos Canyon with a breathtaking view, as a seal for our wonderful mountaineering weekend. Vikos Canyon is one of the most famous sights in Zagori, a monument of nature! It is one of the largest, deeper and most impressive canyons in the world, with vertical geological formations, a wide variety and alternation of different ecosystems and a feast of flora and fauna. It is located at an altitude of 550-1779m. It is about 24 km long and is included in the Guinness book as the narrowest canyon, only 1100 meters at its narrowest point and at the same time a depth of more than 900 meters. It starts from the bridge of Cocoros, ending at the Voidomati bridge. To the charm of the canyon contributes also the side river of Aoos, the river Voidomatis that runs through it. Nature lovers will immediately see some rare species of shrubs and trees, as well as unique endemic plants in the canyon.

The main forests here are composed of broadleaved deciduous species of maples, willows, oaks and other trees such as plane trees. We will cross the canyon through a well-marked path, which starts from the village of Monodendri and ends at the village of Vikos. The journey takes about 6 hours and is unparalleled in natural beauty. It is a scenic path with alternating scenery, ups and downs, enjoyable hiking in places overlooking a lush path and other places alongside the riverbed. The day will end in the village of Vikos, where there are good dining options and tsipouro.
Zagori, with its natural diversity, is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and we will experience it all in a special mountaineering weekend, rich in images, experiences and intense feelings that will accompany us on our return back to Athens.

Experience: Experience needed
Difficulty level: 3/5 - 3/5
Transportation
By your own vehicle up to the meeting point.
*the transportation by the company’s vehicle can be arranged after contacting the company.

Meeting point & time: will be arranged with your guide.

Safety and Health
You need to be healthy and not have heart problems.

Participation and Accommodation

• The cost of participation for the two-day activity is 60 euros.
• The cost of accommodation in tents in a controlled area is 3 euros per person.
• The cost of accommodation in a hostel is 20 euros per person.