DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Vikos-Aoos National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
—°2
Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)

Weather…

Vikos-Aoos National Park is located in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece and was founded in 1973. Spanning a core area of roughly 126 square kilometers, it features some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the Balkans. The centerpiece of the park is the Vikos Gorge, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the world's deepest canyons relative to its width. The terrain is dominated by the imposing Mount Tymfi, with peaks reaching over 2,400 meters and hosting alpine Dragon Lakes (Drakolimni). The park serves as a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and otters, which thrive in its dense forests and along the Aoos River. Geologically, the area is a massive limestone formation characterized by numerous caves and karst features shaped by erosion over millions of years. The traditional stone architecture of the nearby Zagori villages, including iconic arched bridges, blends seamlessly into the rugged natural environment. It is now recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its exceptional geological and ecological value.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2261014202323181383
Rain mm1079482565537222982103129136

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Located in mountainous Epirus, the park is typically accessed via winding, sometimes steep mountain roads that often originate from the city of Ioannina.
📅
Best season
Late spring to early autumn is the safest time to visit; in winter, heavy snowfall frequently blocks the roads and pristine mountain hiking trails.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The terrain is extremely rugged and mountainous, featuring deep canyons, dramatic rock faces, and challenging paths that require good physical fitness.
🎒
What to bring
High-quality hiking boots with ankle support, layered weatherproof clothing, sufficient provisions, and a reliable topographic map are strictly necessary.
🅿️
Parking
Parking is usually found in the traditional Zagori villages at the edges of the gorge, which serve as the starting points for most hiking expeditions.
⚠️
Safety
Stay away from dangerous cliff edges, be highly aware of rapid weather changes in the mountains, and respect the natural habitat of the brown bears.
⏱️
Time needed
A standard visit with short hikes often takes a full day; extensive trekking expeditions directly through the deep canyons will require multiple days.

Geography

Coordinates
39.97000, 20.73000

Facts

  • Founded in 1973 in the Pindus Mountains of NW Greece.
  • Contains the Vikos Gorge, one of the world's deepest canyons.
  • The core protected zone covers approximately 126 square kilometers.
  • Mount Tymfi features peaks reaching up to 2,497 meters in height.
  • Home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears and Balkan chamois.
  • Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its unique geology.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PapigoPapigo<1 km · WExplore →
Mount TymfiMount Tymfi6 km · NEExplore →
Vikos GorgeVikos Gorge8 km · SExplore →
KonitsaKonitsa11 km · NExplore →
ZagoriZagori12 km · SExplore →
Mount SmolikasMount Smolikas20 km · NEExplore →
LeskovikLeskovik23 km · NWExplore →
Pindus Mountain RangePindus Mountain Range23 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Vikos-Aoos National Park (2)

Papingo🌿 nature

A nature reserve near the easy on the eye village of Papingo in the Vikos, Aoos National Park.

Rogovos Basins📍 landmark

Natural rock pools with clear water located in the Vikos, Aoos National Park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Vikos Gorge?
It is considered one of the deepest gorges in the world relative to its width.
Are there good viewpoints?
The Beloi and Oxya viewpoints offer spectacular views deep down into the gorge.
How difficult is hiking in the park?
Trails of all difficulty levels exist, but sure-footedness and good fitness are often required.
What are the Zagoria villages?
Traditional stone villages in the park, famous for their architecture and old arched bridges.
Can you swim in the Aoos River?
The water is very cold, but in some spots, a short refreshing dip is possible.
Vikos-Aoos National Park: where is it located?
Vikos-Aoos National Park is located in Greece.
Vikos-Aoos National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Papingo, Rogovos Basins.
Vikos-Aoos National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vikos-Aoos National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Vikos-Aoos National Park is located in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece and was founded in 1973.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Greece →

Nearby cities

Larissa — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Larissa
Larissa is the capital of the Thessaly region and lies on the banks of the Pineios River.
Ioannina — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Ioannina
Ioannina lies on the shores of Lake Pamvotis in the Epirus region.
Trikala — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Trikala
Trikala is a city in Thessaly crossed by the Lithaios River.
Katerini — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Katerini
Katerini is a dynamic city in Macedonia located at the foot of Mount Olympus.
Agrinio — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Agrinio
Agrinio is the largest city in Aetolia-Acarnania and a historic center for the tobacco industry.
Veria — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Veria
Veria is a historic city in Central Macedonia with a rich Byzantine past.
Corfu Town — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Corfu Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Venetian architecture, majestic fortresses, and elegant arcades.
Kozani — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Kozani
Kozani is a city in Western Macedonia famous for producing high-quality saffron (Krokos).
Ptolemaida — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Ptolemaida
A major industrial and energy hub in Western Macedonia, known for its vast lignite mines and power plants, set in a wide plateau.
Giannitsa — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Giannitsa
The largest city in the Pella regional unit, Central Macedonia.
Naoussa — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Naoussa
A city on the eastern slopes of Mount Vermio, known for its wine and waterfalls.
Edessa — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Edessa
Edessa is known as the 'City of Water' in Macedonia.
Florina — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Florina
Florina is located in northwestern Macedonia along the Sakoulevas River.
Alexandreia — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Alexandreia
Alexandreia, located in the heart of the fertile plain of Imathia, Greece, is a modern agricultural hub close to important archaeological…
Kastoria — Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greece)
Kastoria
Kastoria is picturesquely situated on a peninsula in Lake Orestiada.