9 Things to Do in Monodendri Greece: A Hidden Gem in Zagori

Monodendri Greece is a beautiful stone-built village located in Zagori, a stunning and mountainous rural area including 45 other traditional villages. Monodendri Greece is situated at 1060 meters, near the edge of Vikos Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge and a favorite trail for international hikers.

If you appreciate rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, stone-arched bridges over the Voidomatis River, tradition, and authenticity, then Monodendri is a destination you should explore.

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My Latest Video on Monodendri

Best Things to Do in Monodendri Greece

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this charming village has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the highlights of Monodendri, sharing tips and sample itineraries to help you make the most of your visit.

Evgenia smiling in front of Vikos Gorge in Monodendri Greece.
Exhausted but happy at Vikos Gorge

Zagori, also known as Zagorochoria, is so rich in culture and picturesque that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023.

People walking under a large plane tree in a picturesque stone-paved square in Monodendri with outdoor seating, surrounded by historic stone buildings.

To enjoy Monodendri and Zagori, we suggest spending a week seeing a good chunk of its incredible villages, history, and spectacular scenery. I stayed for 4 days in Monodendri and I hope I can inspire you to enjoy this area as much as I did!

1. Explore Monodendri Village

A beautiful yard with stone houses with blue doors and flowers in Monodendri Greece.

Monodendri Greece experienced a significant economic and commercial boom in the 18th and 19th centuries. The affluent villagers of that era constructed stunning stone houses and grand mansions, some of which have now been transformed into impressive hotels and guesthouses.

A cobblestone alley with trees in Monodendri Greece.

One of the best things to do in Monodendri Greece is to take a stroll through the village. Admire the well-preserved stone houses with colorful doors and windows, yards adorned with flowers, and narrow cobblestone alleys.

The Agios Athanasios Church in Monodendri Greece.
Agios Athanasios Church

You will love its main square with towering plane trees surrounded by centuries-old churches such as the imposing church of Agios Athanasios.

A cobblestone alley flanked by pots with fucshia and white flowers in Monodendri Greece.
The alley leading to the main square

Every corner of Monodendri is worth exploring with a beautiful spectacle awaiting you at every turn of the tiny alleys.

2. Crossing Vikos Gorge (Top Activity in Monodendri)

A hiker standing in a forest in Vikos Gorghe in Monodendri Greece.

Vikos is listed as the world’s “deepest relative to its width” gorge by the Guinness Book of Records. The Vikos Gorge spans 32 km (20 mi), with walls ranging from 120 to 1,350 meters in height and a width that varies from 2,500 meters to just a few meters.

An emerald lake surrounded by high rocks in Vikos gorge in Monodendri Greece.

We hiked the gorge from Monodendri to Vikos village (or you can hike in the opposite direction). We covered approximately 12.5 km of terrain with a moderate to challenging level of difficulty. It took us about 7 hours to cross it including a few brief stops and an extended break at the breathtaking Voidomatis lakes.

Vikos Gorge in Monodendri Greece.

From there, we had to ascend a very steep uphill trail to reach Vikos village, which proved to be quite challenging, especially considering our fatigue. For the return trip to Monodendri, we had pre-arranged a taxi (for €10 per person). This was one of the most rewarding hikes of my life, I simply loved it!

Read a dedicated post on crossing Vikos Gorge here.

3. Monastery of Agia Paraskevi

Evgenia at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi viewpoint in Monodendri Greece.
At the Monastery Viewpoint

The 600-year-old Monastery of Agia (Saint) Paraskevi in Monodendri Greece offers a spectacular view of the Vikos Gorge.

If you start from Monodendri’s main square, you can reach the monastery in just 15 minutes by following the wide, pedestrian-only cobblestone road.

The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi was built between 1413 and 1414 by the local leader and Bishop of Epirus, Charles I Tocco. According to historical sources, the wealthy local lord Michael Therianos built the monastery as gratitude to Agia Paraskevi for healing his daughter.

Credit: Alexandros Avramidis

Inside the monastery, you’ll discover exquisitely preserved frescoes, the abandoned monks’ cells, and a small shop where handmade icons of Greek Orthodox saints are available. I bought a small icon and a jar of exceptional thyme honey!

4. Vikos Gorge Viewpoints

Vikos Village Viewpoint

If you do not feel like crossing the Vikos Gorge but still want to enjoy spectacular views (and take photos) of the gorge, you can visit these impressive viewpoints:

a. Oxia (or Oxya) Viewpoint is the closest to Monodendri village. It is just a 7.5 km drive along an asphalt road that leads to a parking area. From there, a 200-meter paved path takes you to a point offering a fantastic view of the gorge.

b. Vikos Village Viewpoint is 24 km north of Monodendri and the ending (or starting) point of the gorge. While there, you can explore the charming village and capture some stunning photos of the gorge.

Beloi viewpoint by Topoguide

c. Beloi Viewpoint is probably the best spot to admire the breathtaking beauty of Vikos Gorge! However, you’ll need to drive approximately 32 km from Monodendri to Vradeto village. From there, it’s a relatively easy 2.3 km hike to the Beloi viewpoint.

5. Monodendri Greece Food Tasting

Monodendri and the Zagori region, in general, are renowned for their phyllo pies, particularly their flour pies made with flour, eggs, butter, and feta cheese. On the main square of Monodendri, you can find two fantastic restaurants, Kikitsas’ Pies and Froso’s Pies. I enjoyed their delicious salty pumpkin pie and spinach pie.

Froso’s Pies tavern

I also tried their local meat dishes, which included pork with mustard and veal in a red sauce. These meats are sourced from free-range animals. The dishes came with generous portions of rice and authentic fried potatoes, totally mouth-watering.

Across from the two taverns, there is a lovely cafe under the plane trees where I had a break and enjoyed a cold wild berries smoothie.

A few meters down the road is also a small gift shop where you can pick up some local products like honey, herbs, and handcrafted jewelry as mementos of your trip.

There are also a few great taverns on the upper side of Monodendri where most of the hotels are located and are worth visiting.

6. Rizareios Exhibition Center

Monodendri was the birthplace of Greece’s national benefactors, Manthos, and Georgios Rizaris. They donated all their fortune to support the newly liberated and independent Greek state.

In Mondendri I visited the Rizareios Exhibition Center, housed in a beautifully preserved stone mansion. I was fortunate to view a photographic exhibition of Fred Boissonnas, a Swiss photographer and a devoted Philhellene.

I saw some very famous photos of Greece (1908) including the famous image of Fred Boissonas hanging from a basket as he is carried inside the Meteora Monasteries. The center is open every day between 9.00 and 16.00 with a €2.5 entrance ticket.

This photo exhibition was one of the most enjoyable things to do in Monodendri.

7. Rizareios School of Arts and Crafts

In 1979, the renowned Rizareios School of Arts and Crafts was established in Monodendri. Its goal is to promote educational, cultural, and social development in the Zagori region.

In particular, the School aims to preserve traditional crafts, which are currently at risk of disappearing such as weaving with loom. It seeks to provide professional training for girls from the wider region, reflecting the grand vision of the Rizaris family.

I was so amazed at the craftsmanship of the tapestries and fabrics in their exhibition center. There is also a shop where you can buy unique handmade materials.

8. Rafting in Voidomatis

Credit Vasilios Iosifidis

Begin your day with a thrilling adventure by joining a guided rafting trip down the Voidomatis River. The crystal-clear and freezing-cold waters and lush scenery make it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.

Voidomatis River has a total length of 15 kilometers and is the ideal river to immerse yourself in the world of rafting. The route is amazing as it passes through the lush heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park. The best time for most outdoor activities in Voidomatis is between May and early October.

9. The Kokkoris Bridge

Kokorou stone bridge in Zagori November

16 km southeast of Monodendri Greece stands one of the most famous and well-preserved stone bridges of Zagori, the Kokkoris bridge. The bridge, built in 1750, is a single-arched bridge with an arch span of 23.6 meters and an arch height of 13.3 meters.

Near the bridge, you can find the so-called “Davelis Cave” because George Davelis (a famous Greek robber) sought refuge there in 1881 when he was being pursued by the Ottomans. You can also visit the nearby outdoor chapel dedicated to Agia Paraskevi and the Kokkoros Mill.

Where to Stay in Monodendri

Ladias Balcony view

I stayed at Ladias Hotel which is a great budget hotel but I wasn’t very happy about the small bathroom. To be fair, I loved the balcony view, the owners were very friendly and hospitable and kept my luggage while I was wandering around Monodendri.

Breakfast at Ladias Hotel

As I was waiting for my friends to pick me up (they had gone to Smolikas Mount), they allowed me to sit on their terrace for a good 2 hours.

Mid-Range

Arktouros hotel room

Arktouros Hotel combines the warmth of a stone-and-wood traditional property along with spectacular views. It has a lovely garden and its breakfast is one of the best in Monodendri.

Luxury

Mount Grace terrace

I discovered MountGrace Suites & SPA as I was strolling Monodendri and I was impressed by their terrace and the mountain views. A classy hotel where you can enjoy a stylish stay in beautiful and spacious rooms.

How to Get to Monodendri Greece

Rio Antirio Bridge

Monodendri is located in the northwest of Greece, 41 kilometers (25 mi) north of the city of Ioannina. We drove from Athens through the Peloponnese, Rio Antirio Bridge, all the way to Ioannina and Monondedri, 446 km in total. If you are coming from Thessaloniki, the distance is 360 km and you can take the brand-new Egnatia Odos.

Public buses are going to Zagorochoria but this will limit significantly the sites that you can visit. Zagori is best explored with a reliable rental car.

When is Best to Go to Monodendri Greece

Monodendri is a favorite destination for Europeans who love the tradition, the architecture, and the unique ambiance of Zagori in general. The village and the whole area of Zagori are an all-year-round destination.

Zagori in fall

Monodendri is quite popular during the summer and fall as there are a lot of people hiking Vikos Gorge or trying to avoid the summer heat of the Greek cities. It is also very popular during winter, as the scenery becomes magical with the snow-clad mountains. You can check historical weather data for Monodendri here.

Planning Your Trip To Zagori Right Now?

Below are some of the top tours for Day Trips in Zagori and Monodendri. Don’t forget to plan when visiting the popular Zagori area!

Top Day Trips and Tours:

What to Wear in Monodendri

Hiking Vikos Gorge

Even if you are visiting Monodendri during summer, you will probably need a light jacket for the evening as this is a mountainous village. You can also forget your high heels in Zagori as the cobblestone alleys can be tricky to walk on. You better pack up your nice hiking shoes or any other comfortable walking shoes you are used to.

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary or a transfer within Greece? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a personalized itinerary!

Conclusion

Monodendri in Epirus, Greece, offers an enchanting blend of nature, culture, and warm hospitality that will leave a lasting impression on you! Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a peaceful escape, this hidden gem has it all. So, pack your bags, embrace the charm of Monodendri, and let the magic of Epirus unfold before your eyes.

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About the author
Evgenia Mataragka
Hi! I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever!

2 thoughts on “9 Things to Do in Monodendri Greece: A Hidden Gem in Zagori”

  1. Yasas Evgenia! An informative post thank you! I will be in Ioannina around the 28th of September and hope to go to the Zagorohoria. Unfortunately I do not drive. Do you know when the buses leave Ioannina for Monodendri, Aristi and Papingo? I appreciate that there is only one weekly. Thank you. Phil

    Reply
    • Gia sou Phil! I am glad you found my pos enjoyable and useful, thanks! Greek buses website is very difficult to find any info, I feel you. I havve this info for you but I strongly advice you to speak with them once you are in Ioannina. Ioannina to Papingo with a stop in Aristi: Every Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Ioannina to Monodendri every Monday: 05.45 , 14.00 The schedules are not fixed throughout the year. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the Ioannina KTEL station for updates. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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