DOLIANI-VOUTSA MONASTERY-GREVENITI-TRISTENO (9,2 km)
Exploring the impressive and unknown Eastern Zagori!
A gentle hiking route to experience the unique wild beauty of Epirus.
The route in brief:
Doliani → I.M. Voutsas → Kourtia Bridge → Lake with Noufara → Greveniti → Tristeno.
The route in detail:
The starting point is the village of Eastern Zagori, Doliani. A walk around the settlement will reveal both its beauty and the wounds left by history, as it was almost completely burnt down during the World War II. Few of the old mansions may remain, but the cobbled streets, stone fountains and the dense network of stone bridges within the settlement are still impressive.
From the square of Doliani, our hike begins, which after a few hours, and after passing the Prophet Elias, will be framed by increasingly dense vegetation. Continuing on, we reach the Varda River, which we will cross via the Bridge of Kourtia, which was the main passage for those who wanted to move from Central Zagori to Eastern Zagori and vice versa.
We continue to the Voutsa Monastery (dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) where the monks will guide us through the monastery which, according to tradition, was built in 672 AD. The monastery is known for the varied iconographic themes of its frescoes. Its special strategic position made it an important hub for the movement of people and goods, but on the other hand it proved to be fatal as it was subjected to numerous raids with disastrous results, such as the burning of the monastery by German troops in 1943. At the same time, with the help of the monks, we will visit the monastery vineyard, which is home to several well-known varieties, but also a unique in the world, local variety called Vlahavona. The monastery has evolved into an excellent and award-winning wine production unit, so we will have the opportunity to combine the visit with wine tasting in the monastery’s showroom.
We leave the monastery behind and follow the path that will lead us to the bridge of Voutsa. After the bridge, we continue on the path and then on the road leading to Greveniti. Before reaching the village, we will stop at the impressive Lake Zorika, also known as “the lake of water lilies”, located in a dense forest of black locust trees. Then we arrive at Greveniti, the village with the spectacular view. Here too, history was inexorable: during the Second World War the village was shot three or four times by the occupying troops and many houses were destroyed and many inhabitants were executed. For the heavy toll of blood it paid in the war, it has been recognised as a ‘Martyr Village’. Nevertheless, with livestock farming and logging as their main activities, the inhabitants were able to bring the village back to life. The village has lost many of its old buildings, but retains the traditional architecture in the square, the church and the cobbled streets. We ascend and reach the old path, which was the main axis connecting Eastern Zagori with Metsovo and through its dense vegetation, will lead us to our final destination. A wander around the village will reveal the impressive settlement that dates back to 1,319 AD. Following the cobbled streets, we will be led to the many stone-built fountains, the traditional stone watermill (one of the few in Greece that are still in operation), the waterfalls and the stone bridge that connects the village’s two mahalades. Under the impressive plane trees of the paved square, we will rest and taste unique dishes of Epirus cuisine.
Meeting point: Doliani
Finishing point: Tristeno
Level: Easy (for the whole family and all experience levels)
Duration: Half day (2-3 hours)
Included: EcoMuseum Escort/ Guided tour of the Monastery – Luncheon/ Snack/picnic with local flavours in the middle of the forest/ Lunch at the Tristeno/ Transportation services (choice of meeting and ending point upon request)
