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Voidomatis River – Vikos – Papigo ~ Ioannina routes

October 29, 2018 · by: Athina Leave a Comment

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Old, weathered, or revamped doors in Ioannina, Megalo & Mikro Papigo

If you have been around Kicking Back the Pebbles a while, you know we are currently exploring (part of) the region of Epirus and the regional unit of Ioannina, in northwestern Greece. We deployed the city of Ioannina as our center of “operations” and that gave us the ability to launch in a number of different directions around the region and take daily road-trips to places of interest: After we visited Metsovo, the next day we set off for the Vikos–Aoös National Park and the glorious Voidomatis River. You need about an hour to reach the river at the National Park—after 33 miles— near the village of Vikos, through the National Road EO20 (called “Ioanninon-Kozanis”) and then through the provincial road from Kalpaki to Papigo.

Drive from Ioannina to Voidomatis River
The Vikos–Aoös National Park

The park is named after the two major gorges of the area and includes 31,135 acres/12,600 hectares of mountainous terrain with numerous rivers, lakes, caves, deep canyons, and dense coniferous and deciduous forests, while it spans an elevation range of 1,804 to 8,192 ft/550 to 2,497 m. It was declared a national park in 1973. It’s currently part of the Natura 2000 Network and one of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks.

Vikos Village

Vikos (in Greek: Βίκος), also known as Vitsiko, belongs to the village complex of the municipality of Zagori. It is a traditional settlement (declared in 1978) lying at the northern end of the Vikos Gorge and it offers an excellent designated viewpoint to the gorge and a path that leads from the village to the Voidomatis Springs inside the gorge.

Vikos Village | Kicking Back the PebblesVikos Village | Kicking Back the Pebbles

The Vikos Gorge

The Vikos Gorge (in Greek: Φαράγγι του Βίκου) lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi (part of the Pindus mountain range), with a length of about 12 mi/20 km. It has been listed as the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width, in the 1997 Guinness Book of Records—its walls range up to 2,952 ft/900 m in depth at a point where it is 3,609 ft/1,100 m wide (which means that its depth reaches its width by 98%).

Vikos Village | Kicking Back the Pebbles

The Astraka peak–not its highest–of Mt. Tymphe.

Voidomatis River

Voidomatis [in Greek: Βοϊδομάτης] is a tributary of the Aoös river. Its main current sources are located under the village of Vikos. Along its path it converges with other water currents originating from the banks of the Vikos Gorge. The river has a total length of 9.3 mi/15 kilometers. The name Voidomatis—meaning “the eye of the ox”—derives from the fact that oxen have clear blue eyes, like the waters of this river. There is also the Slavic etymology bode-mat which stands for “good water”. You can brave a dive into its ice-cold waters during summer, but be warned, it’s not for the fainthearted.

Voidomatis River | Kicking Back the Pebbles Voidomatis River | Kicking Back the Pebbles Voidomatis River | Kicking Back the Pebbles Voidomatis River | Kicking Back the Pebbles

You will need about 30 minutes to drive from Voidomatis to Papigo (9.6 miles) through the provincial road of Kalpaki. The drive from Megalo to Mikro Papigo is an additional 7 minutes but under good weather it is also a very easy and pleasant hike.

Drive from Voidomatis River to Papigo

Papigo Village

Papigo is one of the 46 villages of the municipality of Zagori, the famous Zagorohoria (also spelled Zagorochoria). It is separated in two districts (mahalades), the Big/Megalo & the Small/Mikro, built at the foot of Astráka (one of Mt. Tymphe’s summits). Megalo Papigo sits at an altitude of 2,952 ft/900 m and Mikro Papigo at 3,215 ft/980 m. The distance between them is roughly 1,5 miles.

Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the PebblesMegalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Megalo Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Megalo Papigo has a handful of cute & quaint little cafés

Drive from Megalo Papigo to Mikro Papigo Mikro Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Mikro Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles Mikro Papigo | Kicking Back the Pebbles

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The slate-tiled rooftops of the houses are one of the specific characteristics (among others) that render Megalo & Mikro Papigo a protected traditional settlement.

7 λόγοι για να πας Ζαγοροχώρια

1. Οι ταβέρνες της Αρίστης.

2. Τα πέτρινα τοξοτά γεφύρια του Ζαγορίου. Πολλά από αυτά βρίσκονται σε δύσβατες περιοχές, απομακρυσμένα από χωριά και οδικούς άξονες, αλλά κάποια είναι κοντά σε κεντρικούς δρόμους – όπως το μικρό γεφύρι στο ρέμα Ζαβογιάννη, στο 2ο χιλιόμετρο της επαρχιακής οδού Καλπακίου-Πάπιγκου. Σίγουρα ένα από τα 93(!) θα ταιριάξει στις βόλτες ή στις πεζοπορικές εξορμήσεις σας. Ο ψηφιακός οδηγός Ζαγορίου για τα πέτρινα γεφύρια θα σας βοηθήσει να επιλέξετε.

3. Τα κρυσταλλένια νερά του Βοϊδομάτη που θεωρείται ένας από τους καθαρότερους ποταμούς της Ευρώπης. Αν είστε φαν, η εξόρμηση για ράφτινγκ είναι απαραίτητη.

4. Οι «οβίρες», τα φυσικά δηλαδή βυθίσματα γεμάτα με νερό –γνωστά και ως κολυμπήθρες– κατά μήκος της κοίτης του ρέματος Ρογκοβό, ανάμεσα στο Μεγάλο και το Μικρό Πάπιγκο.

5. Η θέα από το κιόσκι του χωριού Βίκου προς την ομώνυμη χαράδρα.

6. Η ορειβατική διαδρομή της Αστράκας με αφετηρία το Μικρό Πάπιγκο (3 ώρες).

7. Η βουτιά στη Δρακόλιμνη της Τύμφης, μία ώρα από το καταφύγιο της Αστράκας, σε υψόμετρο 2.050 μέτρων, για να συναντήσετε τα «δρακάκια», δηλαδή τους αλπικούς τρίτωνες.

Sources: Wikipedia / Encyclopaedia Britannica
*images by Athina D. Pantazatou for Kicking Back the Pebbles

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About Me

A stalwart bookworm ever since I can remember myself. I studied English & American Literature and became an EFL/ESOL Teacher. I successfully(!) combined teaching and working as an executive secretary, in a big advertising company and a law firm, for several years. I'm a freelance writer, line editor, and blogger as of lately. Also, a bit ironic by nature but, all in all, quite easy-going. Partner to 1 & mother to 2 cats. I once tried to give up coffee and then swore to never make that mistake again... Read More…

kickingbackthepebbles

If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christ If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christmas tree, I say 2020 is it! 🎄🎄🎄
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I've listed my items, in case you're interested @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). For the items specific to the Greek market, I've listed similar on Amazon and Amazon.co.uk (some are affiliate links).
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P.S.: I realize as I'm posting this that several online shops are swamped with orders during lockdowns and have decided to go on a brief halt. Also, keep in mind that all shipments are susceptible to delays due to Covid-19 restrictions. My post is only meant to inspire you and not to overwhelm you in any way. If you like the look and wish to go for it, you can totally DIY it—or do something similar—with whatever materials you have at hand. To recreate these particular baubles, use matte black spray-paint and give your old ones a coat or two. Use a small paintbrush and mod-podge to draw snowflakes (or any other shape you 🖤), sprinkle with gold glitter, and voilà! Things should get better. Be patient, keep your chin up, and get creative—it helps battle the blues. 
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #christmas #christmas2020🎄🎅🎁#christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmas2020notcancelled #christmasdecor #tistheseason #christmasmood #holidays #festive #seasonsgreetings #christmasshopping #happyholidays #christmascheer #photooftheday #instagood #christmasvibes #countdowntochristmas #countdown #joy #noel #holidayseason #christmassy  #christmas2020doesnthavetosuck #christmas2020loading #lockdownchristmasspecial #lockdownchristmas2020
Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Supe Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. What a marvelous week this has been! 
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I've kept you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below and today is no exception. Copy & paste the link below to Krystina's final weekly post where you can find a roundup of the entire Superfood Week and today's recipe by Foodie and Wine Lover—a direct link will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I did. Thanks for following along! 😊
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Pear & Blue Cheese Salad 🥗 by @foodieandwinelover @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/15/november-superfood-week-day-7/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Foodie and Wine Lover @ https://foodiewinelover.com
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #foodiewinelover  #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Pumpkin With Pomegranate and Cream of Feta 🥘 by @eatyourselfgreek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/14/november-superfood-week-day-6/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Eat Yourself Greek @ https://eatyourselfgreek.com
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #eatyourselfgreek  #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Delicata Squash With Arugula and Aronia Berries 🥗  by Sweet Greek  @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/13/november-superfood-week-day-5/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Sweet Greek @ https://mysweetgreek.com/blog/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #xtinaxenos #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week, featuring yours truly! (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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The recipes are also available on my site, but due to a broken recipe plugin and a chronic procrastinator—yep, referring to me again—they're all messed up and nowhere near shearability. If you do insist on jumping over, you may proceed at your own risk. 😅 For the time being, here's where it's safest:
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Roasted Carrot Saffron Soup & Coriander Chickpea Soup 𝑝𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑖 @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/12/november-superfood-week-day-4/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my post from two days ago for more deets! 
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You can find the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Carrot, Ginger, and Apple Smoothie🧋& Beet Soup 🥣 by @kouzounaskitchen @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/11/november-superfood-week-day-3/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my previous post for more deets! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Fasolada, Greek White Bean Soup 🥣 & Briam, Greek Style Mixed Oven-Roasted Vegetables 🥘 by Cook Like a Greek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/10/november-superfood-week-day-2/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳 Cook Like a Greek @ https://cooklikeagreekblog.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #cooklikeagreek #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, pomegranate, green or matcha teas, nuts, and berries, usually get all of the glory. And yet, more research is uncovering the age-defying, disease-fighting, fat-blasting super-powers of commoner foods you've been likely overlooking. Leeks, carrots, beets, chickpeas, beans, squash, pears (to name but a few) are cheap, quick to prep, unexpectedly tasty, and most are probably already in your kitchen. To make it even easier for you to tap into their head-to-toe benefits, @kouzounaskitchen is hosting a superfood week get-together of foodies (myself included), featuring recipes packed with a wide array of the aforementioned age-erasers! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Mediterranean Roasted-Chickpea Salad 🥗 & Leek, Vegetable & Feta Cheese Puff Pastry Pie 🥧 by Foodzesty @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/09/november-superfood-week/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Foodzesty @ https://foodzesty.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #foodzesty #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
— Lucy Maud Montgomery, 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐺𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠
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 🍂🌰🍄 I'm slowly falling into autumn even though Attica's warm weather doesn't really agree. One of my favorite web and graphic design sites @designerblogs is helping set the mood instead. I've been using their blog planner for years—it's one of the best you'll find out there. Its pages will help you brainstorm post ideas, draft your weekly uploads, set monthly and yearly goals, track monthly and yearly and stats, track affiliate links, social media advertising and posts, newsletter campaigns, finances, usernames & passwords, giveaways—you name it! I'll leave the links for both their classic design and this year's limited edition blush-color planners below (copy & paste on desktop), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). 
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Aaand don't forget to grab your own monthly quote and matching wallpaper for desktop, phone, and tablet from their FREEBIES section and get your boo-game on with their spooktacular Halloween resources (also linked)! 🎃👻
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➡️➡️ Designer Blogs resources:
2021 Blog Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-blog-planner/
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2021 Life Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-my-life-planner/
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Free October wallpaper @ https://www.designerblogs.com/free-october-wallpaper-2020/
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Halloween freebies @ https://www.designerblogs.com/category/seasonal/halloween/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #bloggerlife #organizingblog #travelblog #foodblog #dreamingoftraveling #wanderlust #keepinitreal #quarantinelife #itsfallyal #fallcolors #pumpkinseason #verilymoment  #aquietstyle #momentsofmine #planneraddict #plannernerd #plannerlover #plannergeek #plannerlife #designstudio  #planners #anneofgreengablesquote #anneofgreengables #lucymaudmontgomery
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