Zagori: Stone villages & bridges tour from Ioannina

Summary

Half-day in Zagori: bridges, villages & a bit of mountain magic

Step into Zagori’s world of stone villages and ancient bridges on this half-day tour from Ioannina. You’ll wander through forests, gaze over Vikos canyon, taste local snacks, and hear stories from your guide that bring each stop alive — little moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left the mountains behind.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what “the place behind the mountain” really feels like? That’s how our guide described Zagori as we left Ioannina — and honestly, I didn’t expect the road to twist so suddenly into another world. The air got cooler, sharper somehow, and when we stopped at the Stone Forest near Monodentri, it smelled faintly of wet earth and wild herbs. Our guide handed me a snack (something with honey — sticky but good), then pointed out how those limestone slabs looked like someone had been stacking pancakes for centuries. I tried to take a photo but it just didn’t catch the weird silence up there.

We kept going until Oxia viewpoint — which is supposed to be the best view of Vikos canyon. I mean, you hear “canyon” and think Grand Canyon or whatever, but this felt different. The light was kind of blueish that morning and there were these tiny birds darting around below us. Our guide told us stories about old traders crossing here; I kept thinking about how anyone could build stone bridges in a place like this. And then we actually saw them — four different ones: Kapetan Arkouda bridge first (I nearly slipped on the stones), then Kokkori-Noutsou where you can see Vitsa village perched above. Each bridge has its own story; apparently local craftsmen built them all by hand in the 18th century. It’s wild to think they’re still standing.

I liked Plakidas bridge best — three arches, almost cartoonish if you squint — but maybe that’s just because we stopped for sodas nearby and everyone started swapping stories about their home towns. Our guide laughed when I tried to pronounce “Kipoi” properly (I probably butchered it). Last stop was Kapesovo village for the Vradeto steps; I’ll admit my legs were done by then but seeing those zigzagging stairs carved into the hillside was worth it. There’s something about walking where so many feet have gone before you… makes you feel small in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Central Zagori Highlights

• Start tour from Ioannina
• Visit Stone Forest in Monodendri
• View Vikos Canyon at Oxia
• Visit Kapetan Arkouda bridge
• Visit Kokkori - Noutsou bridge
• Visit Plakidas/Kalogeriko bridge in Kipoi
• See Vradeto steps in Kapesovo village

Top questions

How long is the half day tour to Zagori from Ioannina?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, with several stops at villages and bridges before returning to Ioannina.

Is pickup included for this Zagori tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off are included from all areas in Ioannina.

Do I need special shoes for visiting the stone bridges?

It’s recommended to wear walking shoes as some paths can be uneven or slippery.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks and soda are included during your trip through Zagori.

What villages will we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit Monodentri, Vitsa, Dilofo, Kipoi, Koukouli, and Kapesovo villages during the tour.

How many stone bridges are included in this itinerary?

The tour visits four historic stone arch bridges in central Zagori.

Is there a lot of walking involved on this trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness as some walking is required at viewpoints and bridges.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, pickup and drop off anywhere in Ioannina, all entry fees and taxes covered, snacks plus soda along the way, a set of photos from your guide to remember it by — all led by someone who knows these mountains inside out.