Vikos National Park Travel Guide

Vikos National Park, established in 1973, spans over 12,000 hectares of mountainous terrain in the Pindus mountain range. The park is named after the Vikos and Aoös Gorges located within its boundaries. The park's core is the Vikos Gorge, carved by the Voidomatis River. It stretches approximately 20 kilometers, with depths exceeding 1,000 meters in some areas. The Guinness Book of Records recognizes Vikos Gorge as the deepest gorge in the world relative to its width.The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 1,800 plant species and various wildlife, including rare birds, reptiles, and mammals like the brown bear, wolves, and Balkan chamois. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through lush forests, rocky cliffs, and serene meadows. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, rafting, and exploring traditional villages.The area is rich in history and culture, with ancient stone bridges, traditional villages known as the Zagorochoria, and Byzantine monasteries scattered throughout the landscape. These villages are connected by a network of stone-paved paths, many dating back centuries.