Fresh air, singing of birds, rustling of leaves, background lull of a running creek and indoor comforts including feather beds, relaxing warmth, rich-flavoured coffee and breakfast menus of renowned Epirus pies, fresh eggs and hot infusions are some of the delights that can be expected when spending some time at Zagorohoria, the Zagori villages, a group of beautifully preserved villages in the Zagori area of Epirus, northwestern Greece.
The hospitality offered in the area is both homely and luxurious, discreet and elegant. Spending a little time at the Zagori villages, tucked high in the Pindus Mountains, is truly rejuvenating and as empowering as the pure sunrise experience in this part of Epirus.
We recently visited Zagori and present here 25 special guesthouses that offer authentic Epirus-style hospitality.The hospitality offered in the area is both homely and luxurious, discreet and elegant. Spending a little time at the Zagori villages, tucked high in the Pindus Mountains, is truly rejuvenating and as empowering as the pure sunrise experience in this part of Epirus. We recently visited Zagori and present here 25 special guesthouses that offer authentic Epirus-style hospitality.
Gioraldi mountain resort
Situated at the highest point of Ano Pedina, this mountain resort, a utopian stone-built universe, resulted from the development of four 18th century buildings. They were renovated with respect to the area’s traditional architecture, especially the artistry of Epirus’ renowned stonemasons. Gioraldi mountain resort features well-preserved details from the past, such as a wood-fired oven at the old kitchen and a main fireplace, and offers 14 comfortable rooms. They are equipped with antique furniture, old light fixtures, paintings, engravings and porcelain pieces, as well as modern amenities, ensuring a dream stay. The comforts include soft feather beds and quilts, hydro-massage facilities, smart TVs and a fireplace, all within a captivating natural environment that makes the resort a complete place. Its owner, Mr. Kostas Dimitriadis, who knows the area well, will offer tips for excursions in the magnificent Pindus Mountains area, plus a range of recreational activities available in the region. These include horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, river kayaking and paragliding for unforgettable experiences at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Ano Pedina, +3026530 71813, gioraldi.gr
Apeiros Chora, Kato Pedina
An imposing building in Kato Pedina, this Zagori mansion, converted into a guesthouse, is made unique by its design and authentic accommodation experience.
“Serving as the family home over eight generations, most of the original elements have been carefully preserved for inclusion into the building’s new appearance and use. We took care to enhance the place with all the modern amenities sought by modern-day travellers, and also opted for environmentally friendly energy systems aligned with the planet’s needs,” explained Athena, who, along with her husband, Giorgos, and their son, Xenophon, offers high-quality services at a building of significant architectural history for the region.
As in the past, the kitchen is still at the heart of the building. Irresistibly flavoured biscuits, delicious cakes, pies and tarts are all made on a daily basis at this guesthouse kitchen, delightful and sparse with many references to its past. This guesthouse offers 8 rooms, differing in style, over three floors. Kato Pedina, +30 2653071188, apeiroschora.gr
Porfyron, Ano Pedina
Made distinctive by its crimson colour amongst the stone houses of Ano Pedina, Porfyron has managed to preserve a balance with the building’s history, dating back to 1850. The building originally served as a private residence, hosting, for many years, a prominent doctor of the region. In 1960, it was converted into a girls’ school, while its present owners, Rita and Giannis, bought the building in dilapidated state. Their extensive revamp effort resulted in a gorgeous and comfortable guesthouse with eight rooms, most with fireplaces. The facility is filled with history, which is further highlighted by the choice of furniture and decorative elements, all old-style. A French map from the mid-19th century, at the guesthouse’s main interior staircase, is impressive. Both Rita and Giannis prepare delicious dishes that may be enjoyed for breakfast or as meals. Giannis oversees the menu, which is revised daily and includes vegan selections. Ano Pedina, +30 2653071579, porfyron.gr
Aristi Mountain, Aristi
An ideal combination of luxury and true hospitality, this guesthouse is located in Aristi, the heart of Zagori. The resort, named after its location, is a perfect place for relaxation and reinvigoration, offering high-quality services that pay attention to detail and consistency. The resort’s scattered stone buildings surrounded by gardens filled with trees and flowers; its marvellous view of the Astraka Towers, vertical rock formations; and the winding road leading to Papigo, are all trademark features of the Aristi Mountain Resort. This guesthouse has received many distinctions, helping promote the entire Zagori region around the world. Aristi’s cuisine, curated by well-known chef Giannis Liokas, focuses on utilising local products, a strategic choice which the chef masterfully combines with modern cooking techniques and presentation. Aristi, +30 2653041330, aristi.eu
Thoukididis, Kapesovo
Life continues to be injected into Kapesovo, an old stone-built village, by the Papageorgiou family, through its running of the Thoukidis guesthouse. Gianna, one of the family’s daughters – the other, Elli, runs Sterna, a café and shop serving and selling homemade delights, as well as various other regional items, including maps and books – focuses on the essence of hospitality. Her meticulous approach makes this guesthouse’s accommodation experience unique, fine touches including ideal mattresses and quality cosmetics. Each of the six rooms of this stately building, built in 1875, has its own name, indicating its original use, when a prominent family of the region lived in the house. For example, the Mantzato room is where the old residents dined, the Ontas room was the summer room, while the Mesofounti room, as was discovered during the building’s renovation, provided a link to the mansion next door as protection against invaders during Ottoman rule. Gianna, upon arrangement, can prepare exceptional meals for guests based on regional recipes. She uses organic vegetables from the guesthouse garden. Kapesovo, +30 2653071761, 2979953798, thoukididis.gr
Kores Boutique Hotel, Vitsa
Offering a panoramic view of the Zagori slopes, the Kores hotel, in Vitsa, occupies three buildings with 13 spacious rooms and suites. The rooms have fireplaces and verandas, while the carefully selected furniture is stylistically balanced between modern and classical, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Vitsa, +302653071888, koreshotel.gr
Astra guesthouse, Papigo
Combining tradition with modernity, this guesthouse, an oasis of relaxation and hospitality, is situated at a village of widespread beauty and serenity, making it an ideal accommodation choice for a reinvigorating stay. The pastel earthy tone colours that dominate the space and the elegance highlighted by the furniture create a relaxed atmosphere for guests. Megalo Papigo, +30 2653042108, astra-inn.gr
MountGrace Suites & SPA, Monodendri
Located at Monodendri, one of the most impressive Zagori villages, MountGrace Suites & SPA is made special by its eco-friendly principles. This guesthouse, a European-style luxury chalet, includes eastern touches, offering particular elegance. It is spread over two separate buildings and offers choices between Superior and Junior Maisonettes. An assortment of furniture and upholstery styles, from modern and minimal to vintage, corduroy and velvet, offers a contrasting colour range that helps turn this accommodation stay into an experience. Handwoven rugs and fireplaces complete the setting, while the imposing hotel lobby offers a memorable welcome. Monodendri, +302653072021, 2653071111, mountgrace.gr
Dilofo Hotel
Stone-built and spacious, the Dilofo Hotel, masterfully incorporating many modern elements, is situated at the entrance of one of the most striking Zagori villages, Dilofo. Its wood and stone elements, elaborate ceilings and discreet lighting create a relaxed setting. The restaurant, open only to hotel guests, serves a rich range of traditional Zagori recipes, including soups, bean soup, boiled meat dishes, local pies, as well as imaginative meze varieties, accompanied by the wine of local winemakers. Guests can also enjoy hot beverages, including herbal teas, ideal for the fireplace. Dilofo, +30 2653025905, 2651200265, dilofohotel.com
Pirrion Wellness Boutique Hotel, Ano Pedina
At Ano Pedina, Pirrion, at once stylish, comfortable and hospitable, offers lovely suites named after citrus fruit species as a “tribute to seasonality and Mediterranean food, customary signs of hospitality.” Enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace while planning your trip’s next excursion into Zagori’s nature. Ano Pedina, +30 2653071141, https://www.pirrion.gr/
Monopatia Resort, Ano Pedina
Monopatia Resort offers one-of-a-kind hospitality as a neighbourhood setting in Ano Pedina. Threshing floors, cobbled paths and stone walls surround two gorgeous stately homes from the 1800s, eight barns transformed into modern accommodation units, and two new buildings. The resort offers six double rooms, and a two-room space accommodating up to four persons, as well as eight separate small houses. Epirus’ scenery is combined with high-standard hospitality for a unique experience. This facility also offers a specially designed space able to host various events, including conferences, corporate seminars, as well as cultural and social events. Ano Pedina, +30 6945209500, monopatiaresort.gr
Aberratio Boutique Hotel, Aristi
Epirus’ charming architectural style and quality hospitality are combined to create a unique world at the Aberratio Boutique Hotel. Enjoy extraordinary scenery close to the Pindus Mountains summit and the Voidomatis river. Aristi, +30 2653042202, aberratio.com
Petroto, Fragades
The Petroto guesthouse, in Fragades, by the village entrance, offers an unobstructed view of Mitsikeli as well as other villages. A two-storey building, the guesthouse, whose architectural style is based on Zagori’s old style, offers five rooms, all discreetly and attentively decorated in accordance with the area’s traditional character. The guesthouse kitchen, open from noon until nighttime, is cosy and filled with the scent of delicious food prepared by Mrs. Froso, always keen to offer insight into the region’s special cuisine. Fragades, +30 2653071107, +30 6937707522, +30 6937977523, petroto-zagori.gr
Avragonio, Papigo
A standout Zagori guesthouse, Avragonio resulted from the restoration of six traditional houses from the 1760s and traditional-style construction of 19 fully equipped apartments will all amenities. The furniture was carefully designed and crafted by Economidis, a modern workshop specialising in traditional styles, while all bed linen used is eco-friendly. Wooden elements feature in all rooms, generating a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Guests may relax at the sunny veranda by the guesthouse swimming pool, offering a terrific view of the mountain. The guesthouse also features a garden and conference facilities. Megalo Papigo, +30 6982985492, avragonio.gr
Papigiotis Hotel, Tsepelovo
Situated in gorgeous Tsepelovo, Papigiotis Hotel is a stone building with rustic rooms whose verandas offer a view of the Tymfi Mountain. Oak wood flooring, carefully selected furniture and modern amenities make the Papigiotis Hotel an ideal place to stay. Breakfast includes homemade marmalades and regional-recipe pies. Guests may enjoy Zagori specialties at the hotel restaurant, as well as coffee or drinks by the fireplace. Tsepelovo, +30 2653081012, zagori-papigiotis.com
Bagia Exclusive
Bagia Exclusive, at the village Kipoi, offers a fantastic view of the triple-arch Kalogeriko bridge. The guesthouse was built in accordance with the area’s traditional architectural style, incorporating wood and stone elements that recreate the charm of old Bagias, as Kipoi was formerly known, when it was the head village of Zagori. Bagia Exclusive offers spacious rooms for two or three persons as well as luxury suites with hydro-massage facilities. Most rooms have their own fireplace. Kipoi, +30 2651023999, https://bagiaexclusive.gr/el/
Kipi Suites, Kipoi
Kipi Suites, in the heart of central Zagori, at Kipoi, is nestled amid a lush landscape of beech trees, river sources and streams. Offering guests an authentic hospitality experience fully respectful of the region’s traditional architecture, the unit is comprised of eight comfortable suites featuring earth tone colours and furniture of exceptional quality and design. The hotel, striving for increased environmental sustainability, is equipped with an electric vehicle recharging station. Zagori, +30 2653071995, kipisuiteszagori.reserve-online.net
Zagori Suites
Situated in Vitsa, 1,000m above sea level, Zagori Suites is an atmospheric facility offering seven luxury suites and a dining area with a view of the Pindus Mountain ridges. This unit, fully harmonised with the natural environment, represents a leading Zagori area accommodation choice for travellers seeking comfort and luxury. The spot serves as an ideal base for exploring key regional attractions such as the Vikos Gorge, the Stone Forest (Petrino Dasos), the Soudena flatlands, and other delightful Zagori areas. Vitsa, +30 2653071076, 6944342739, zagorisuites.gr
Gamila Rocks Mountain Hotel, Aristi
Gamila Rocks combines easygoing comfort with luxury. It offers a sauna, gym, open-air hydropool and beautifully decorated rooms. Its hypoallergenic mattresses, designed to prevent allergic reactions, combined with natural personal care products, enhance the accommodation experience, while the homemade breakfast buffet offerings and wine bar ensure an authentic Greek experience. Aristi, +30 2653041070, https://gamilarocks.com/el/
Mikro Pappigo 1700 Hotel & Spa
Offering 15 rooms and suites as well as a lovely spa, this facility, spread over various levels, is deservedly regarded as one of the finest spots of the Vikos Gorge region as well as Mikro Papigo and Megalo Papigo. It is comprised of five single or two-storey buildings which, combined, give the impression of a small, self-sufficient village. The unit, designed by top-notch designers, enables guests to detach from the pressures of everyday life. Zagori, +30 2653041179, mikropapigo.gr
Primoula Country Hotel & Spa, Ano Pedina
This hotel and spa, in Ano Pedina, housed at a fully renovated mansion, offers an unforgettable accommodation experience at rooms with fireplaces, family-size rooms, suites and separate units, all furnished with quality and luxury intact. Guests may enjoy breakfast prepared with pure products from the region, including cheese, eggs, honey, herbs, as well as pies filled with wild greens. Ano Pedina, +30 26530 71133, primoula.gr
En Hora Vezitsa, Vitsa
A mansion fashioned in Zagori style, En Hora Vezitsa is located at Vitsa’s cobbled square with a centuries-old plane tree. All rooms are furnished and decorated in traditional style, the aim being to make guests feel comfortable and at home. The facility offers ten rooms, a charming sitting room with fireplace, as well as an outdoor space. Vitsa, +302653071449, +302651038091, +302653071449, +302651038091, +306949447448, +302653071564, vezitsa-zagori.com
5 Korfes, Papigo
The management of this facility, offering spacious and autonomous houses, aims to highlight the sense of mountain life for guests by offering a totally free experience. All the houses are fully equipped with modern features, making stays comfortable and pleasant. King size beds, quality mattresses and cushions offer pleasant sleep and rest. Papigo, +30 2653041111, 6944945060, 5korfes.gr
Papigo Towers Mountain Lodge
At the entrance of Mikro Papigo, this unit was named after five imposing vertical rocks, known as the Astraka Towers, on the mountain over the village. The unobstructed view from the veranda and guesthouse dining room, seemingly suspended over the Vikos Gorge, is breathtaking. Nothing interferes between the hotel and the mountain range. Mikro Papigo, +30 2653041441, papigotowers.gr
