Visit the lesser known regions of northern Greece in this off-the-beaten track itinerary. This demanding trek will be well worth the effort as you explore some of Greece’s unique scenery and landscapes.
- Conquer three of Greece’s highest peaks
- Discover picturesque & remote villages
- Rewarding hikes to stunning alpine lakes
- Unspoilt high altitude scenery & stunning views
- Spot unique wildlife & endemic flora
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Vikos Gorge
This walk lets you explore the ‘Spine of Greece’. With a vast complex of mountains, peaks, plateaus, valleys and gorges, the Pindos Mountains are considered the southernmost extension of the Dinaric Alps. Visiting three of Greece’s highest peaks and their alpine lakes, remnants of the Ice Age, you will enjoy high altitude sceneries, incredible landscape views and night skies.
This unique tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the lesser-known Greek mountain regions. Discover picturesque and remote villages, meeting locals and spotting unique wildlife and endemic flora and fauna as you walk.
This is a demanding trek but it is well worth the effort to visit this incredibly beautiful part of Greece which is still untouched by mass tourism.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Thessaloniki & transfer to Pades Village
Arrive into Thessaloniki by 11am, from where you will be transferred to the mountainous village of Pades, which sits at an altitude of 1,140 metres at the foothills of Mt Smilikas. Enjoy a relaxed hike around the village this afternoon.
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Day 2: Conquer Mt Smolikas
Today you will trek to the peak of Mt Smolikas, Greece’s second highest peak and the highest in the Pindos mountain range at 2,637 metres. Ascending from the village square, you will pass through lush coniferous forest, home to some of Greece's rarest wildflowers. Admire the crystal clear Smolikas Alpine Lake, followed by an optional steep climb to the summit. Descend to the village of Palioseli.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 1,500 m | Descent: 1,500 m
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Day 3: Rest day in Vradeto
After a tough hike climbing Smolikas peak, today you get to relax with a rest day in the traditional village of Vradeto.
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Day 4: Hiking up to Gamila’s Crest
Today you will conquer Gamila's Crest, which is Tymfi's highest peak at 2,496 metres. With magnificent views, take some time to explore and rest before making your way to the mountain refuge where you will stay for the night and hopefully enjoy some stargazing.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 1,200 m | Descent: 1,200 m
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Day 5: Dragon Lake and Papigo Village
On the way to visiting the second alpine lake of the tour; the famous Drakolimni of the Tymfi mountain range, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Spend time relaxing by the lake before descending to the village of Small Papigo.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 1,100 m
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Day 6: Vikos Gorge Traverse
Starting the day with a descent into the bottom of Vikos Gorge, where the landscape offers diverse relief with abrupt altitude changes, steep slopes and precipitous rocky cliffs. After ending this full day trek in Monodendri Village, transfer to Elafotopos Village where you will stay the night.
Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 1,300 m | Descent: 1,300 m
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Day 7: Circular walk around little Zagorian paths
Today you will follow easy paths around the nearby villages of Vitsa, Koukouli, Kipi and Dilofo. The trail will take you through traditional stone-built paths and arched bridges, with a few little river crossings.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m
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Day 8: Hike through pristine forest
Today we visit the bridge of Aristi following a path of exceptional natural beauty, through the Voidomatis Ravine.
Walking distance: 6 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 300 m
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Day 9: Tsouka Petsik Peak and Lake Gistova
Today we will hike to Tsouka Petsik Peak with a challenging walk through alpine meadows and beautiful scenery. We will continue to Lake Gistova, and have a farewell barbeque back at our lodge this evening.
Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 1,400 m | Descent: 1,400 m
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Day 10: Transfer to Thessaloniki & fly back to the UK
A single timed transfer will take you back to Thessaloniki Airport in time for your return flight.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 10 days from £1,139 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 days from £1,459 per person
- Single room supplement: From £150
- Walking grade: Demanding
- Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
- Max alt: 2,637m
- Group size: 4-12
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- 8 x guesthouse, 1 x mountain refuge
- 9 breakfasts
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transfers on most days
Next Steps
| Year | Starts | Ends | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Holiday Status | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | |||||
| 2024 | 7 Jun | 16 Jun | £1,189 | Guaranteed** | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | 6 Sep | 15 Sep | £1,139 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
