Exotic Greece: Zagori traditional villages Monodendri & Vitsa, Epirus | Travel guide
Discover the beauties of Zagori at the northwestern part of Greece and the small traditional villages surrounded by virgin nature of Pindos mountain, the famous Vikos gorge, the rivers and the stunning old stone bridges of the Epirus!
This lovely pool with the amazing view was at the stone-built Archontiko Zarkada in Monodendri and we ate delicious local dishes at the main square of Monodendri village in a restaurant called I pita tis Kikitsas. At the end of the video, you may enjoy views of Aghia Paraskevi monastery overlooking Vikos Gorge.
Monodendri is one of the famous Zagori villages and belongs to the Municipality of Central Zagori. Built at an altitude of 1,060 meters, just 39 km. from the city of Ioannina offers unique views of the slopes of Tymfi and Astraka.
Its name probably comes from a big tree that it was in the village until 1840. Until 1753 it was a community with three neighborhoods (Vitsa, Ano Machalas, St. George), which later formed the modern village.
Monodendri is located in a prominent position as it has easy access to the gorge of Vikos and the stone towers of Oxia to the left of the village, composing a landscape of rare and fabulous beauty.
Monodendri experienced great economic and commercial peak in 18th and 19th century and were erected many churches, schools and mansions from their benefactors. The village is the birthplace of the national benefactors of Greece Manthos and Georgios Rizaris.
Rizari brothers were merchants with base in Russia, they gave a lot of money in the liberation struggle of the country and provided their property for the establishment and operation of Rizarios Church School. With money from the legacy of the brothers Rizari, today it operates the handicraft school where you can view or buy beautiful textiles and embroideries.
Monodendri has also Rizarios Exhibition Centre which hosts significant international art exhibitions such as Manos, Bresson, Boissonas and others. Today at the home of Rizari brothers, it is housed the elementary school with the busts of the benefactors contempating the ridges of Tymfi.
From the village of Monodendri comes the great teacher of the Nation Athanasios Psalidas (1767-1829).
Monodendri is one of the most beautiful villages of Zagori with unique views and attracts many visitors every year. It is one of the first and oldest villages of Zagori which were developed touristically and now have many tasteful guesthouses and hotels that provide a high level of service for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Characteristic stone streets, stone houses and mansions will impress you with their famous local architecture and they will revive past times. The whole village is evenly built with gray stone. In the taverns and restaurants of Monodendri you can find local traditional food and of course the famous pies.
From Monodendri starts the path that leads you through the Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis springs, after an enjoyable trip. The village is the starting point for the Vikos gorge but also for many hiking and walking trails.
Monodendri deservedly claims a position of one of the most beautiful villages of Zagori and not unjustly, as it offers a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and breathtaking views!
Regional Flavours & Products
In Monodendri and in all villages of Zagori you will find rich and delicious dishes, traditional dishes such as the famous Zagori pies all made with fresh local ingredients. The traditional flavors of Zagori satisfy even the most demanding visitor.
Try the local meat cooked in a pot, lamb in a pot, pompari, Easter crumbs, fried pork, kontosouvli, ewe grilled, baked beans, briam. Of course it would be a great omission not to try some of the famous Zagori Pies like flour pie or zymaropita, spinach pie, milk pie, nettle pie, gkizopita, pumpkin pie, frumenty pie, chicken pie, cheese, mushroom and almond pie, baklava, pancakes and apple in the oven. You can accompany your meal with locally produced wine, fine raki or ouzo.
From Monodendri and other Zagori villages you can buy dairy products, chestnuts, apples, walnuts, honey, mushrooms, sweets, jams, pickles, local meats and folk art.
Cultural events
Monodendri made many cultural events during the summer months as theater and concerts. Monodendri made many cultural events during the summer months as theater and concerts.
– Feast of Agia Paraskevi on July 26th.
#mysticgreece #zagori #greece
Zagori | Greece | great natural beauty and classic bridges, with striking geology , Víkos Gorge
Geography Game Greece :
Travel Game Quiz about Greece :
Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, in northwestern Greece. It’s dense forests and rugged mountains are furrowed by powerful rivers and dotted with traditional villages, many featuring grand stone houses dating from the late eighteenth century. The best way to enjoy the area is by hiking the numerous paths connecting the villages. The most accessible and rewarding target is the wonderful Víkos Gorge.
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Lipsi island: Best of Beaches & Sights, Dodecanese - Greece 4K | the Land of Calypso
LIPSI: A FAIRYTALE IN THE AEGEAN
Unspoilt Aegean colour for peaceful holidays with a scent of authenticity and pristine nature that will enthrall you. In the southeast Aegean, north of Leros and east of Patmos, a small speck of land surrounded by 24 islets, forming a glittering necklace, awaits you for a dreamy holiday. It is Lipsi – mythical Ogygia - the island of goddess Calypso.
With a hamlet that sweeps up on all sides like the tiers of an amphitheatre from a naturally protected bay, Lipsi has travelled through the centuries while still preserving its authentic culture. Today, it offers itself to visitors who want to escape and enjoy nature’s gift of peace and quiet in the company of the hospitable locals.
Enjoy swimming, diving and fishing in crystal clear waters of exceptional beauty. Wander along its alleyways, take in its sights, taste the local cuisine, live life the way locals do by participating in their celebrations which continue to cherish the values and customs of the island. A unique life experience is in store for you on a small island which radiates character and self-confidence.
Things to do in Lipsi: The wine festival. Viticulture is a time-honoured tradition in Lipsi. Their sweet wine is famous as it used to travel all the way to the Vatican to be used in the Holy Communion. The locals are really proud of their exquisite product and they arrange festivities during summer to celebrate it. If you are there, they will naturally offer you a glass or two and invite you to celebrate the circle of life with them with traditional songs and dances.
The feast of “Panagia tou Harou”
August 23rd is devoted to “Panagia tou Harou” and hundreds of visitors flock to the island to pay their respects to the miraculous icon in the church of the same name. The traditional feast, which starts with the Vespers on the beaches and the two big squares, lasts for twenty-four hours.
Wonderful, unspoilt beaches
A lattice-work of rocky outcrops and beaches with crystal clear waters, either sandy like Katsadia, Kampos, Tourkomnima, Platys Gialos and Lientou or pebbly like Hohlakoura, Xerokampos, Papantria and Monodendri, will offer you endless hours of rejuvenation and relaxation.
Hidden gems of Lipsi
Explore the raw beauty of the landscape
On Lipsi not a day goes by without being able to experience something brand new and original. The twenty four islets that embrace it are “living museums of natural history” awaiting exploration. With their rich flora and fauna and their registration in the Natura 2000 catalogue, they make the ideal refuge for the Μonachus-monachus seal, sea turtles as well as Eleonora’s falcons, herring gulls and other rare birds, whose nests occupy every eligible nook and cranny.
Swim in the turquoise waters, dive to admire the wonderful sea bed, or take a boat ride to visit secluded bays, cave formations, coves and beaches and, if you are lucky, a dolphin may join you!
For imaginative palates
Resisting the influx of “tourist cuisine”, the inhabitants of Lipsi use their local produce in delicious, traditional recipes. Their sea provides its treasures generously: cray fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, fish and octopi ideally accompany the ouzo you will drink in the harbor at dusk, a meeting place for locals and visitors who do not take long to become one big convivial group.
And if you prefer home cooked food, try stuffed mountain goat, courgette flowers with rice, “pitaroudia” and “giaprakia”. Accompany your meal with exquisitely delicious hand kneaded bread and local Lipsi wine. For a sweet tooth, “pougakia”, “patsavouropita” and “xerotigana” with honey will leave no room for complaints. The game of flavours never ends on Lipsi!
Footpaths – hiking routes
If you love hiking routes, follow the wonderful paved footpath past the holy church of the “Kimisi tis Theotokou” – Assumption of the Holy Mother of God- all the way to the temple of «Ano Kimisi”, or climb to the “Aravis” mill at the highest point of the Hora (the main village).
The view to the big Aegean blue will be reward enough. If you want to go higher, the castle with the remnants of an acropolis lies at the highest point of the island. The serenity of the landscape will captivate your heart!
underbare unberührte Strände
Ein Gitterwerk von Felsen und Stränden mit kristallklarem Wasser, entweder sandig wie Katsadia, Kampos, Tourkomnima, Ornos und Lientou oder steinig wie Hohlakoura, Xerokampos, Papantria und Monodendri, wird Ihnen endlose Stunden von Erholung und Entspannung anbieten.
La couleur éternelle de la Mer Égée, cadre de vacances paisibles, avec un parfum d’authenticité et une nature vierge qui vous charmera
Un entrelacs d’affleurements rocheux et de plages aux eaux limpides vous invitent à des heures de ressourcement et de relaxation. Les plages sont de sable, comme Katsadia
#lispsi #greekislands #secretparadise