Hiking in Gyftokambos and Sarakatsani huts – Zagori – North Pindos

On August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

After a short stay in the foothills of Strogoula, we decided to move northern and visit one of our favourite mountainous destinations of Greece, Tymfi. Though, about a month ago, we have been again in Tymfi, from the side of Konitsa, this time we decided to visit Gyftokambos and the famous Sarakatsani huts.

Prior of arriving in Gyftokambos, we have got the info that in the area there is a lovely location to stay overnight and we certainly did not loose our chances to visit the area.

Tymfi_Zagori_Gyftokambos_Sarakatsan_142044_569 — Free In Zagori

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Hiking to Balta di Stringa Waterfall – Iliochori – Zagori (Tymfi)

On July 31, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking5 Comments

We are in the middle of the summer season in Greece, and this summer the temperatures are very high even for Greece. Having daily temperatures above 40 C, there are not many outdoor activities that we can enjoy, but we can certainly enjoy a lovely and easy hike to the breathtaking waterfall of Balta di Stringa.

Balta di Stringa is located just one kilometer far from the village of Iliochori. There is a main watrfall followed by other two small waterfalls in a row. The main waterfall is over 25 meters high.

Hiking_Balta_di_Stringa_Iliochori_Tymfi_Pindos_092605_919-copy — Balta di Stringa main Waterfall

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Summary

On July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking14 Comments

Tymfi is a mountain in the northern Pindus mountain range, northwestern Greece. It is part of the regional unit of Ioannina and lies in the region of Zagori, just a few metres south of the 40° parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2,497 m (8,192 ft), being the sixth highest in Greece.

This is a short summary post with the highlights of the Thru-Hike of the northern side of mountain Tymfi. If you wish to see the individual posts which contain detailed information and more photos, you can click to the following links:

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part3_Astraka_Refuge_Davalista_Konitsa_082545_516 — Reflections of Astraka peak right on Xeroloutsa (waterpond) Tsoumani

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Hiking in Zagori – Villages and Stone Bridges – Greece (family friendly)

On June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking18 Comments

Having completed one of the most exciting trekking trips in Tymfi, we decided to explore a bit further the area and specifically the Zagori villages.

Zagori, is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Asprangeloi. It has an area of some 1,000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria), and is in the shape of an upturned equilateral triangle. Ioannina, the provincial capital, is at the southern point of the triangle, while the south-western side is formed by Mount Mitsikeli (1,810m). The Aoos river running north of Mt Tymfi forms the northern boundary, while the south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to Mount Mavrovouni (2,100m) near Metsovo.

Hiking_Zagori_Villages_Bridges_Zagorochoria_MAIN-copy — Kalogeriko Bridge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 3 – Astraka Refuge – Davalista – Konitsa

On June 6, 2021June 6, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking18 Comments

The third day of this amazing thru-hike, started after a good sleep and rest in the mountain refuge of Astraka. Although, day one and day two we had to carry a heavy load, we were very excited to carry on with our adventure and exploration of Mt. Tymfi.

For this third and last day on the mountain, we had as first goal to go through the Davalista pass which is located NW from the Astraka refuge, and as a final destination to get back to Konitsa where we had parked our car.

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part3_Astraka_Refuge_Davalista_Konitsa_082510_297 — Astraka peak – What a lovely morning view from the refuge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 2 – Sadi Migas – Karteros Pass – Astraka Refuge

On June 3, 2021June 6, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering23 Comments

Following a rather good night of sleep in the “secret” log cabin, we woke up with a unique and mesmerising morning view. The early morning sun beams were gently hitting the high peaks of Mt. Tymfi and specifically Gamila peak. The contrast of the rock and the clear blue sky was great and there was clearly visible a line, which happens to be one of the most repeated trad-climbing routes of Gamila, Tsekouri.

Although this second day we had to cover quite some distance and to climb up Karteros’ pass, we took it rather easy with our breakfast. We enjoyed our morning coffee and talked about past mountaineering activities and climbing routes.

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part2_Sadi_Migas_Karteros_Pass_Astraka_Refuge_084234_795 — Our morning view from the log cabin

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 1 – Konitsa – Moni Stomiou – Sadi Migas

On June 1, 2021June 6, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking24 Comments

Few years ago, I have visited the magnificent Mt. Tymfi from the south side and I was amazed by the beautiful landscape, villages and hiking routes had to offer. The past winter, Greece was under strict lockdown and it was rather difficult -and illegal- to visit Mt. Tymfi from another area. Though, nowadays, it is possible again to travel within Greece and therefore we have decided to visit again this magnificent mountain, but this time to reach the high peaks via the north side hiking routes.

Specifically, we decided to start from Konitsa, then hike towards Moni Panagias Stomiou, Sadi Mygas, Karteros Pass, Loutsa Robozi, Xeroloutsa Tsoumani, Astraka Refuge, Davalista and return back to Konitsa.

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Summary

On September 10, 2017May 4, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking10 Comments

This is a short summary post with the highlights of the Thru-Hike of mountain Tymfi. If you wish to see the individual posts which contain detailed information and more photos, you can click to the following links:

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 1 – Kapesovo – Mezaria Gorge – Vikos Canyon – Mikro Papingo

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 2 – ASTRAKA REFUGE – ASTRAKA PEAK

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 3 – Dragon Lake (Drakolimni)

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 4 – GAMILA – STOMA – MEGAS LAKOS -TSEPELOVO – KAPESOVO

Mount_Tymfi_(Pindos)_Thru-Hike_Part_01_Kapesovo_Mezaria_Gorge_Vikos_Canyon_Mikro-Papingo_0605 — Vikos Canyon as see from Beloi

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 4 – GAMILA – STOMA – MEGAS LAKOS -TSEPELOVO – KAPESOVO

On August 27, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking20 Comments

This is the fourth and final part of the Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike. In case you haven’t checked the first, second and third parts, feel free to check it out here:

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 1 – Kapesovo – Mezaria Gorge – Vikos Canyon – Mikro Papingo

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 2 – ASTRAKA REFUGE – ASTRAKA PEAK

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 3 – Dragon Lake (Drakolimni)

Mount_Tymfi_(Pindos)_Thru-Hike_Part_03_Dragonlake_Drakolimni_0716 — Waking up in Drakolimni (Dragon Lake)

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 3 – Dragon Lake (Drakolimni)

On August 23, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking15 Comments

This is the third (of the four) part of the Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike. In case you haven’t checked the first part and second part, feel free to check it out here:

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 1 – Kapesovo – Mezaria Gorge – Vikos Canyon – Mikro Papingo

Mount Tymfi (Pindos) Thru-Hike Part 2 – ASTRAKA REFUGE – ASTRAKA PEAK