Geopark
A geopark is an area with clearly defined boundaries that has significant geological heritage sites and special ecological, historical, archaeological, and cultural value. The area management body, alongside local stakeholders and the local community, collaborates with the aim of promoting the area's biotic and abiotic factors and highlighting it. This is done through actions that promote geotourism, education, and other activities geared towards the sustainable development of the region.
The Vikos Aoos Geopark It occupies the northwestern part of the Regional Unit of Ioannina in the Region of Epirus, and specifically the majority of the Municipalities of Zagori and Konitsa. The area is dominated by the high mountains of the Northern Pindus: Smolikas (2,637 m), Tymfi (2,497 m), Trapezitsa (2,022 m) and Nemertika (2,486 m). The other two rivers in the area, Voidomatis and Sarantaporos, are also included in the Aoos river basin. The region has significant designated archaeological sites, Byzantine and, in particular, many post-Byzantine and modern monuments.
World unique
Area
Residents
Settlements
Traditional settlements
Altitude
Wildlife
Types of flora
Stone bridges
Natura Areas
Cultural Monuments
Landscapes
Landscapes
A wide variety of diverse and complex landscapes of high aesthetic value.
Settlements
Settlements
Harmony of the human-made and natural environment
Gorges
Gorges
Two large and imposing gorges (Vikos, Aoos)
Mountains
Mountains
Two of the country's highest mountains (Smolikas, Tymfi)
Rivers
Rivers
A river (Aoös), with two tributaries (Voidomatis, Sarantaporos), considered the last wild river in Europe.
Caves
Caves
Extensive karst system with numerous sinkholes and subterranean caves featuring unique biological communities.
Human presence
Human presence
Continuous human presence from the Paleolithic era to the present day
Inheritance
Inheritance
Zagori Cultural Landscape – World Heritage Site
Environmental Information Centres
At the information centres, visitors can obtain information about the Geopark, its geotopes, georoutes and activities, as well as more general information about the wider area, its culture and history.
Information Centres for the Vikos-Aoos Geopark
Vikos-Aoos Geopark Information Centres
Great Papigko
• Voidomatis (Klidonia)
Northern Pindos National Park Information Centres
Asparagus
• Little Papigo
Konitsa Environmental Education Centre
Konitsa Municipality Information Centre
Zagori Municipality Information Centre
Vikos Aoos Geopark Preservation and Promotion Committee Offices
Offices of the Management Body of the Northern Pindos National Park
Konitsa
Great Papigo
Vojdhomati (Klidonia)
Vitsa
