A vast complex of mountains, peaks, plateaus, valleys and gorges traverses the Greek mainland from the Northwest to the Southeast, creating the Pindos mountain range – the so called “Spine of Greece”.

Pindos is considered the southernmost extension of the Dinaric Alps and lies in the rugged and mountainous Epirus region, which boasts an incredible history and culture dating back to ancient times.

During our 9-day trek you will explore three of the highest mountains of Greece – Grammos, Smolikas and Tymfi – and their alpine lakes, remnants of the Ice Age. Dramatic high altitude sceneries and incredible landscapes will be a feast for your eyes!

Locals in Greece call high altitude alpine lakes ‘dragon lakes’ or ‘drakolimnes’ because they are believed to have been created by dragons throwing stones at each other. Each ‘dragon lake’ bears the name of the monster that created it. We will aim to spot the Alpine newt Triturus alpestris, a very rare amphibian species living in these lakes, believed to be one of the few survivors of the dinosaurs’ era.

Every day you’ll rest at picturesque guesthouses and refuges at remote villages such as Grammousta (Mt Grammos), Pades (Mt Smolikas) and Papigo & Elafotopos (Zagorohoria, Mt Tymfi). You will have time to relax and wonder around the most picturesque villages in Greece, the attractive and mysterious Zagorohoria and traverse Vikos gorge, the deepest canyon in the world; a real paradise for nature lovers!

Finally you’ll experience how life is perceived at the highlands of Greece… where one of the last remaining original mountainous tribal cultures of Europe still exists! If we are lucky we’ll join one of their famous “panigiria”, village celebrations that take place throughout the summer.

Here is an example of what you will experience during our unique Pindos hiking & alpine lake hopping in Northern Greece:

Join our Pindos hiking & alpine lake hopping adventure!

Those who will dare to take the endeavor will reward themselves with the experience of a lifetime:

Conquering three of Greece’s highest peaks,

Exploring three mythical alpine lakes,

Wander around the most picturesque and remote villages of Greece, the attractive and mysterious Zagorohoria,

Traverse the Vikos gorge, the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width,

Enjoying unspoilt sceneries with breathtaking views,

Swimming into crystal clear waters,

Meeting locals and the most original mountainous tribes in Europe,

Spotting unique wild life and endemic flora!

This is a relatively demanding hiking adventure, with treks at high attitudes and remote alpine zones and large cumulative elevation throughout the week. You should estimate between 6 and 10 hours approximate walking time per hike. Though previous experience is not necessary, a reasonable fitness level is required.

Temperatures can get pretty chilly at night, even during the summer months, while rain is always a possibility. You are strongly advised to come prepared for a real mountaineering experience, meaning you’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes and walking poles, a backpack of no less that 40lt, a day pack, waterproof shells, warm clothes and socks and a personal first aid kit. Full list and further information will be provided. Away from the big towns, there are no shops, so you’ll need to purchase everything you need prior to the beginning of the adventure.

The itinerary below is subject to changes according to the weather conditions or other special events taking place during the week. The enjoyment of our guests and their safety are always our main priorities.

Flexible itineraries are available based on the needs of our guests. We can organise a more challenging or a more relaxed-pace itinerary offering you more time to relax and enjoy the mountains and nature of Pindos and its picturesque Zagori villages.

It is possible to join us for 7 or 9 days or extend your hiking adventure for a few days and explore Olympus mountain or Meteora… or combine it with a week at the Ionian islands of Lefkada or Ithaca. Please contact us for further information.

We have reserved for you lovely authentic family-run guesthouses and mountain refuges at very picturesque locations. The refuges in Greece are quite basic but they provide shelter. The owners are very hospitable and helpful and are known to provide the most delicious breakfasts and meals. We’ll send you full details.

Solo travellers are welcome. It’s always more fun to walk with a group of like-minded travellers.

We look forward to show you the best North Greece has to offer! This unique cross-country hiking holiday is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the Greek mountainous nature, history and culture, off-the-beaten track… while enjoying the great outdoors to the maximum.

We organise our hiking and alpine hopping adventure in Northern Greece between May and October.

Contact us for further information and special offers!

HIKING & ALPINE HOPPING IN NORTHERN GREECE HOLIDAY FEES

9-day hiking holiday staying at traditional family-run guesthouses and refuges:

All prices are per person for two people sharing a standard double room.

• 9 nights – EUR 996 to EUR 1107 depending on the season
  
• Supplement for single rooms: EUR 135

We offer group and special offers. Please contact us for further information…

The fee includes:

• 6 guided hikes at Zagorohoria & Grammos, Smolikas, Tymfi mountains
• Accommodation x 9 days
• Breakfast
• 24% VAT
• Transfer from and to Thessaloniki
• Luggage transfers
• Transfers to and from our starting and ending walking points
• Client’s information brief by e-mail
• An arrival briefing
• Presentations and information on the biodiversity & local flora and fauna

Book your walking holiday and discover the best Northern Greece has to offer!