Aoos river
The Aoos River in Epirus is one of the few free-flowing rivers in Europe, shared by two countries! With a total length of 260 km, it flows along a route of unrivalled natural beauty, crossing 70 km on Greek territory before entering Albanian territory, to continue its journey with the name Vjosa, and flow into the Adriatic Sea.
The Aoos River stems from the Pindos mountain range, just outside Metsovo. The namesake artificial lake, a popular tourist destination, was created in the ’80s, impressing visitors with its exceptional beauty.
Then, the river crosses the Aoos gorge, between the mountains Tymphi and Smolikas and ends in the plain of Konitsa. The 8 km route is a captivating natural landscape, with rich vegetation, running water and a mosaic of ecosystems with an astonishing variety of species. The mixed forests of the Vovousa-Laista-Vrysochori region are particularly impressive, as black pine trees coexist with firs, various species of oaks and maple trees, and lots of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The fauna also presents a remarkable diversity of species. The brown bear, the wolf, the otter live in the national park, the chamois lives on rocky slopes, and a significant number of roe deer and wild boar feed in the dense forests.
The Stomio Monastery, the jewel of the region associated with Agios Paisios, is built at the inner part of the gorge and the large single-arched Konitsa Bridge is found at its exit. Just past the fertile plain of Konitsa, Aoos joins Voidomatis and before crossing the border, in Molyvdoskepasti, they meet Sarantaporos, which stems from the Grammos mountain range. The remaining 190 km of the Aoos River cross neighboring Albania and flow into the Adriatic Sea.
The Aoos River is considered a “paradise” for Kayak lovers; it is ideal for diving in the summer and for rewarding walks through a dreamlike landscape along the riverbank.
