VIKOS GORGEVIKOS GORGE: A hidden gem of Greece. Vikos Gorge holds a Guinness world record for being the deepest gorge in the world. The gorge constitutes a true natural monument. Its overall length exceeds 30km (Tselepovo-Kleidonia). Its depth varies. In Monodendri it reaches 600m and is its the narrowest point and in Vikos village it reaches 1.200m (more than 1.300m in its east part and approximately 1.100m in its west part). In its deeper part the gorge reaches approximately 2.200m width.
Due to its geological isolation and the absence of human presence, Vikos gorge includes rare plant and flower species of Epirus. There have also been recorded more than 110 bird species, 19 serpent and amphibian species, as well as many rare butterfly species. Finally, in Aoos and Voidomatis rivers live 7 fish species. The best period to visit the gorge is during summer and in the beginning of fall when the river is shallow. This fact makes passages easier to cross. If you have a stable pace you can cross the gorge in approximately 7 hours. It might sound very long but the scenery with its beauties will definitely reward you. |
Vikos - AOOS National ParkIt was designated a National Park in 1973. Its core area consists of the Gorge of Vikos, the length of approximately 10 km. At the lower part of the gorge a rushing river flows, which becomes a permanent river (Voidomatis) at its end. The peripheral area is larger and includes the Aoos Gorge, the area of villages of Mikro Papigo and Megalo Papigo as well as a narrow area around the Gorge of Vikos.
The variety of the deciduous trees in the area of the heterogeneous forest is amazing. In the narrow, warm, wet and shady ravines and the steep slopes of the beech tree zone exist formations of Aesculus hippocastanum, Juglans regia and Fraxinus excelsior. The area comprises one of the most significant ecosystems due to its rare flora and fauna. The geographical isolation of the area, the relative small human impact and the large variety of kinds of natural habitats and microclimatic conditions favor the growth of various plant species. Therefore, the area is a place where many rare plants are gathered and sustained. Many of these are considered endangered species. |
DRAKOLIMNES - DRAGON LAKESThey lie scattered on Greek mountains, enveloped in myth about strange creatures and storiescreated by locals in the past. These blue gems decorate the green and sometimes white backdrop of alpine meadows, enhancing the beauty of Greek mountains. They are to be found on hard-to-reach mountain peaks mostly on the Pindus range, on the mountains of Epirus and W. Macedonia. They provide the perfect setting for relaxing and they are a source of beauty and wellbeing to nature-lovers as well as valuable objects for research to scientists. Their name brings to mind fairytales and their existence is a precious gift of Mother Nature!
These mountain lakes are the well-known dragon lakes (drakolimnes) which are remnants of the Ice Age according to scientists, or the dwelling places of dragons incessantly fighting each other according to tradition. They are areas with a singular and sensitive ecological balance. High temperatures, scant nutrients, wide variations in sunlight during the summer and the winter months have turned these alpine lakes into truly unique ecosystems. Their waters are home to the Alpine Newt (Triturus alpestris), a very interesting urodele amphibian, and a strong swimmer which also walks out of water. It is approximately 10-12 cm long with an impressive orange-red colour in the lower part of its body, and a dragon-like appearance! |
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Greece Adventure Trips
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