Zagorohoria

Introducing Zagorohoria

A cluster of 46 providentially preserved mountain hamlets, the Zagorohoria takes its name from an old Slavonic term, za Gora (behind the mountain), and the Greek word for villages (horia). These villages are tucked into the folds of the Pindos range and are filled with inexhaustible local legends and with marvellous houses, ranging from humble cottages of stone and slate to grand, fortified mansions made of the same hardy materials. These remote villages were once connected by paths and old stone bridges. Today, you’ll see the bridges arching over riverbeds and valleys, though paved roads now connect the villages.

Although time and emigration have left some villages mostly uninhabited, shed no tears: the rise of boutique and environmental tourism has led savvy locals to prosper by converting the Zagorohoria’s old mansions (arhontika) and smaller traditional homes into lovely and unique guesthouses (xenones) very popular with Greek and foreign solitude-seekers. Encompassing the magnificent Vikos-Aoös National Park, the Zagorohoria is a top destination for nature photographers, hikers and climbers.

Last updated: Oct 6, 2008