Pindos Peaks Trek

National Park of Valia Calda - the wild forests and peaks.

Summary

Discover the wild beauty of Pindus National Park (Valia Kalda) on this guided walking holiday through north-western Greece. Trek among alpine lakes, dense forests, and dramatic gorges, encounter wildlife including bears, wolves, and golden eagles, and explore the traditional stone villages and bridges of Zagori. With expert guides, comfortable accommodation, and authentic Greek cuisine included, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

START / FINISH - Ioannina Airport

Activity code: GR-TR-PINDUS (VK1)

Difficulty: Challenging (average daily hike is 8 hours)

Duration: 8 Days

Pindus National Park & Zagori Walking Holiday – Alpine Lakes, Wildlife & Traditional Villages

Explore the remote wilderness of Pindus National Park (Valia Kalda), one of Greece’s most important protected areas, on this expert-led walking holiday. Established in 1966, the park preserves mountain biodiversity across its stunning landscapes, from extensive black pine and beech forests at lower altitudes to Balkan pine woodlands higher up. Its rugged terrain is home to the elusive Eurasian brown bear, as well as wolves, deer, wild cats, and the rare Balkan chamois.

The park also shelters over 80 species of birds, including ten rare species such as the Eastern imperial eagle, Golden eagle, and Lanner falcon, alongside a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Discover more than 1,000 plant species, including several endemic to the region, and enjoy crystal-clear alpine lakes, deep gorges, and sweeping mountain vistas. This is mountain trekking at its most spectacular, combining wildlife, flora, and panoramic scenery in one unforgettable experience.

The itinerary also includes visits to the picturesque villages of Zagori, known for their cobbled streets and traditional stone bridges, as well as the charming mountain town of Metsovo. Opportunities to extend your stay in Thessaloniki or along the coast make this holiday highly flexible.

This walking holiday is available as a Small Group Tour, with all meals, accommodation, and comfortable transport included. Your experienced English-speaking guide will share insights into the region’s natural and cultural heritage, while introducing you to local Greek cuisine along the way.

Accommodation has been carefully selected for character, comfort, and location. In the mountains, stays are at traditional guesthouses and mountain huts with bunk beds, pillows, and blankets. Mountain huts also offer restaurants, showers (cold water), and toilets. Guests are welcome to bring their own sheets, bed linen, and towels if preferred.

Practical Information

  • Minimum Age: 14 years; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

  • Flexibility: The itinerary may be adapted by the tour leader due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Group Size: Small groups, minimum 2 persons

  • Included: All meals, accommodation, transport, and licensed guide/tour escort


Rediscover the unspoilt beauty of northern Greece with hikes off the beaten track, enjoying alpine lakes, wildlife, traditional villages, and the warmth of Greek hospitality. This holiday is ideal for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

Extend your stay with a few relaxing days on Greece’s islands or elsewhere on the mainland — we can advise on options to complement your trekking journey.

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Available as a small group tour on the dates below or as a private booking.

Prices from £1240 per person

  • Single supplement: £ 190 per person

What's included on your trekking holiday ?

  • 6 nights on BB basis in local guesthouses based on double rooms with ensuite shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, telephone & internet access.
  • 1 night in Mountain refuge in dormitories
  •  6 picnic lunches & 7 dinners
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfer to and from Ioannina Airport
  • Experienced and licensed English speaking trekking guide.
  • Local taxes

 

Itinerary

Your guide will meet you in Ioannina and you will be transferred to the picturesque village of Tsepelovo in central Zagori.

*Other mainland airports can be arranged. If you fly into Corfu Airport you will need a ferry crossing to Igoumenitsa port (1.5 hours) and a transfer to Tsepelovo.

  • Overnight: Tsepelovo
  • Meals: Dinner

The hike starts on a forest road for around an hour and then you'll climb up to Diaselo Avalou ridge for a truly incredible view. Walk above the tree line on the open escarpment, and then descend into the forest to find a natural spring with fresh running water. Follow the forest road and the path to the village of Vrisochori.

Overnight stay in Vrisochori.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  1080 m- 2200m – 850m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate / Challenging

 

From the village of Vrisochori descend to the Aoos river via an old road that has been relaid over time. Perhaps you might like to take a refreshing dip before your climb, via path & forest road, to the village of Pades. You'll have glorious views of Mount Timfi today.

Overnight stay in Pades.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  850 m- 650m – 1100m
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate

Today is the second biggest day of trekking which will see you hike to the second highest peak in Greece (2637m). Brave souls have time to take a dip in the Dragon Lake (2100m) just prior to reaching the top. Having conquered the summit, follow the ridge past the peak of Mossia and descend to the village of Samarina.

Overnight stay in Samarina.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  1100m – 2637m – 2150m – 2600m – 1450m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Challenging

Leaving the village of Samarina, follow the forest road and then the National European walking path E6, through breathtaking fauna and flora. You'll have great views of Smolikas Mountain. Finish the day in the village of Distrato.

Overnight stay in Distrato.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1450m – 1100m- 1350m – 1000m
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate

The day begins with a small climb, after that you'll continue inside the National Park of Valia Kalda. You may encounter some bear footprints! You'll finish the day walking along a forest road before reaching the village of Vovousa.

Overnight stay in a private refuge in Vovousa.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1000m – 1200m- 950m – 1100m – 1000m
Trekking time: 7 – 8 hours
Trekking Difficulty Level: Moderate / Challenging

This is by far one of the best trekking areas in Greece. Today you will walk through the centre of the National Park, with its unspoilt fauna and flora. Here is the habitat of the brown bear, which gives its name to the stream (time for a swim, if desired). The climb to the top of Flega rewards you with magnificent views of the Lake of Aoos Springs. The day finishes in the refuge of Maurovouni. You will be collected from here and taken to the village of Metsovo.

Overnight stay in Metsovo.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1000m – 2159m – 1900m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking Difficulty Level: Challenging

After breakfast we transfer you to Ioannina Airport. Transfers to other airports can be arranged at extra cost.


Meals: Breakfast

 

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  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
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  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

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