Vikos Gorge
Vikos gorge is located in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park and it is a natural monument that captivates every visitor. It has been described as the “Grand Canyon of Greece” and it is listed as the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width (12km long, over 900m deep and 1100m wide) in the Guinness Book of Records. The gorge has been included in the European & Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO, while the Voidomatis River that crosses it, is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. Vikos gorge stretches from Monodendri to the village of Vikos, and constitutes one of the most popular destinations in the country, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. The entire area has been included in the European network of “Natura 2000” protected areas, while the rich flora and fauna exhibit exceptional scientific interest. Endemic, rare and unique species of vegetation form a magnificent backdrop, especially during flowering season. Some of the most impressive flowers that grow in Vikos gorge are wild lilies belonging to the genus Lillium, Narcissus poeticus, the spring gentian, while the wild orchids stand prominently. But we could not fail to mention the large number of aromatic and medicinal plants that grow in the area, which were used in the past by the famous “Viko-doctors”, who cured many illnesses with natural remedies.
Vikos gorge and the entire area of the National Park is also a wildlife nature reserve. The fauna is of great interest in terms of the species we encounter. As an example, we mention the wild goat (Rupicapra rupicapra) that lives on the inaccessible rocky slopes, while the number of roe deer and wild boars that live in the area is significant. The avifauna is also rich, which includes many species of predators, such as the Golden Eagle, the Egyptian Vulture, the booted eagle, the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon.
Vikos Gorge is a popular tourist destination that offers sweeping views and hikers are enchanted by this magnificent landscape. The best view of the gorge will be enjoyed from the village of Vradeto in Beloi and from Oxia in Monodendri.
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