The North Pindos Trail is one of the best trekking routes in Northwestern Greece, offering a perfect mix of scenic landscapes and rewarding hiking challenges. Located in the historic Pindos Mountains, this trail allows hikers to explore untouched nature, traditional villages, and diverse hiking routes. As a result, it is an ideal destination for anyone seeking trekking in Greece beyond the typical tourist areas.
The Pindos mountain range is famous for its impressive natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The area includes deep forests, high limestone peaks, clean rivers, and dramatic gorges. Moreover, hikers encounter protected wildlife and rare plant species throughout the trail.
Additionally, iconic locations such as Vikos Gorge and the stone-built villages of Zagori make the North Pindos Trail a visually striking and culturally unique trekking route.
While hiking the North Pindos Trail, visitors enjoy warm Greek hospitality in every village they pass. Traditional guesthouses, local inns, and family-run eateries offer delicious Greek cuisine made from fresh ingredients. Furthermore, travelers can easily connect with local culture and experience traditions that have been preserved for generations.
The North Pindos Trail stands out for its combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging hiking routes, and authentic cultural experiences. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for experienced hikers as well as beginners seeking a guided adventure in the Greek mainland.
Ultimately, this trail offers one of the most memorable trekking experiences in Greece, blending natural beauty, culture, and adventure into one unforgettable journey.
Tour highlights
The North Pindos Trail leads you deep into one of the most remote areas of the Greek mainland. The landscape is wild, untouched, and full of character. As you move through this region, you experience a side of Greece that few travelers ever see.
Along the way, you encounter a unique culture shaped by the Vlach mountain people. These communities have lived in the Pindos Mountains for centuries.
You walk through wilderness areas and climb Mount Smolikas, which rises to 2,637 meters and is the highest peak in the Pindos range. This ascent adds both excitement and reward to the trekking experience.
During the trek, we visit several Vlach-speaking villages, including Samarina, Distrato, Metsovo, and Vovousa. Each one has its own history, traditions, and distinct mountain charm.
Additionally, the journey begins at Tsepelovo, one of the most famous villages in the Zagori region.
The adventure includes nights spent camping in the wilderness. This allows you to fully connect with the natural beauty of the Pindos Mountains. We also enjoy a special barbecue under the stars.
Furthermore, throughout the trek, you taste delicious local cuisine and meet warm and welcoming Greek mountain people who are proud of their heritage.
This trekking tour offers a rare look into a “forgotten” Greece. Life in these villages is simple yet meaningful, and people work hard to preserve their traditions.
Nevertheless, visitors are always greeted with genuine smiles and heartfelt hospitality, making the North Pindos Trail an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.
Tour requirements
What to bring with you
A glance at what you will experience





We start in the morning from Tsepelovo and follow the trail up to Tsouka Rossa pass, at 2315m.
From there we hike down, following a beautiful path across varied scenery, until we reach Vrissochori village.
In Vrissochori, mini buses wait to transfer us to Pades, a small village on the foot of Mt Smolikas.

Early in the morning we start climbing to the top of Smolikas mountain (2.637m – second highest peak in Greece). We will walk by a beautiful alpine lake at 2200m.
From the peak, hiking down the mountain through pine and beech forest, we will reach the Vlach (nomad) village Samarina, where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

We start in the morning from Samarina and we climb up the mountain of Gomara, a beautiful forest above the stream of Valia Kirna with beautiful views along the way.

Early in the morning we’ll head for Vovoussa village, which is situated close to the banks of the Aoos River.
The walk is through forest in one of the most unexplored areas of Greece. Lots of wild animals find refuge here, such as the brown bear, wolves and wild cats!

We will enter the protected area of Valia Calda. The walk starts next to the river Aoos and slowly enters the Arkoudorema stream (bear stream), which our path crosses several times!
At the end of this beautiful walk we will have our tents organized and a barbeque will be prepared for our evening meal. Overnight stay in tents.

We ascend towards the twin alpine lakes of Flegga, above them is the peak, which offers great views to the plateau of the artificial lake of Aoos.
Descending we reach the big lake and then we are transferred to Metsovo, a mountain town hidden within the mountains!

Depending on departure times, we visit Metsovo and walk around town.


We start in the morning from Tsepelovo and follow the trail up to Tsouka Rossa pass, at 2315m.
From there we hike down, following a beautiful path across varied scenery, until we reach Vrissochori village.
In Vrissochori, mini buses wait to transfer us to Pades, a small village on the foot of Mt Smolikas.

Early in the morning we start climbing to the top of Smolikas mountain (2.637m – second highest peak in Greece). We will walk by a beautiful alpine lake at 2200m.
From the peak, hiking down the mountain through pine and beech forest, we will reach the Vlach (nomad) village Samarina, where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

We start in the morning from Samarina and we climb up the mountain of Gomara, a beautiful forest above the stream of Valia Kirna with beautiful views along the way.

Early in the morning we’ll head for Vovoussa village, which is situated close to the banks of the Aoos River.
The walk is through forest in one of the most unexplored areas of Greece. Lots of wild animals find refuge here, such as the brown bear, wolves and wild cats!

We will enter the protected area of Valia Calda. The walk starts next to the river Aoos and slowly enters the Arkoudorema stream (bear stream), which our path crosses several times!
At the end of this beautiful walk we will have our tents organized and a barbeque will be prepared for our evening meal. Overnight stay in tents.

We ascend towards the twin alpine lakes of Flegga, above them is the peak, which offers great views to the plateau of the artificial lake of Aoos.
Descending we reach the big lake and then we are transferred to Metsovo, a mountain town hidden within the mountains!

Depending on departure times, we visit Metsovo and walk around town.