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If when you hear the word gorge or ravine your mind goes to the Samaria Gorge or the Grand Canyon, the Vikos Gorge is the one that wins the impressions with its entry in the Guinness Book of Records.
The world record of Vikos
The Vikos Gorge is one of the most important attractions of the wider area of Zagori in northern Epirus. It is one of the most important and impressive gorges in the world, as it is the deepest in proportion to its width.
This feature also earned him a special first in the Guinness Book of World Records. According to the 2005 edition, the Vikos Gorge is the deepest in the world, being at one point 900 metres deep and 1100 metres wide.
This means that its depth is an impressive 82% of its width, with a depth/width ratio of 0.82, which, although not the largest, gives it the first place because of its great depth.
Of course, it is not the numbers and records that impress the visitor of the wider region but mainly the natural beauty and the imposing from edge to edge form of the gorge.
Viku Gorge, location
The Vikos Gorge is located in the core of the Vikos-Aoos National Park, an area that is one of the most important ecosystems in the country because of its rare flora and fauna. It has a length of about 11 kilometres and is crossed by a torrent which, at the exit of the gorge, becomes the beautiful Voidomatis River, with its crystal clear and clear waters.
The Vikos Gorge extends from the villages of Monodendri and Koukouli to the village of Vikos. It is a relatively isolated area where no human activity related to livestock farming or logging is allowed.
This combination has favoured the development of a large and special biodiversity and created a paradise for many rare and endangered species such as the deer, the bear, the wild goat, the golden eagle and others.
However, to enjoy the unique beauty of the gorge, we recommend that you cross it on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide, through the marked paths that cross the area. The duration of this tour is 5 to 6 hours and will offer you unique images of Greek nature and the particular beauty of the Vikos Gorge.
Locations or places with the best view of the Vikos Gorge
Whether you cross the gorge on foot or not, don’t miss the view from above. In particular, there are three locations, also known as sites, that offer unique views of the canyon and that you should definitely visit.
The first and easiest to access is Oxya, the second is from the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Monodendri and the third is Beloi.
In the first you go by car from the village of Monodendri, in the second again from Monodendri on foot, on the way you will find a sign that mentions the location of the gorge in the Guinness Book of Records , while in Beloi, which is perhaps the most impressive, you will go from the village of Vradeto (it is worth seeing from the road as it goes into the village, the impressive Skala Vradeto, the stone path-ladder, on the hidden mountainside) and then on foot (about 10 to 20 minutes walk).
Accommodation in Zagorochoria and the Vikos Gorge
See available hotels and guesthouses in the beautiful Zagorochoria and the Vikos Gorge.
text/photos: Yannis Tsouratzis
Photos of the Vikos Gorge
Oxya and Beloi locations on the map
Από το χωριό Βραδέτο ξεκινάει το μονοπάτι για τη θέση Οξυά, ρωτήστε καλύτερα αν έχει και πιο κάτω χώρο στάθμευσης αυτοκινήτων (αν δεν είστε του περπατήματος)
Kentriko Zagori 44007, Greece
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