Aoos Gorge

The Aoos rises in the Pindus and cuts a gorge between the Tymfi massif and Mount Trapezitsa, running deep and green between walls that climb over a thousand metres. From the Konitsa bridge a path follows the left bank upstream, at first broad and then narrowing along ledges, reaching the monastery of Panagia Stomiou after about two hours: a small white complex on a shelf beneath an overhanging cliff, rebuilt after fires, with a spring and a terrace looking down the whole gorge. The walk continues to the Aoos springs and eventually into the high Pindus. The river is one of the last large free-flowing rivers in Europe, unusual for having no dam along its Greek course, and it carries otters and rare fish.

What you actually see

• Stomiou monastery - a white monastery on a ledge under a cliff.
• The riverside path - a two-hour walk along the gorge from the bridge.
• The free-flowing river - deep green water in an undammed valley.
• The gorge walls - Tymfi and Trapezitsa rising over a thousand metres.

When to go

Late spring and autumn for temperature and water levels; the path can be closed by rockfall after storms. Summer is walkable early in the day, with swimming in the river as the reward.

Honest expectations

The trail narrows to exposed ledges in places and is not suitable for anyone uneasy with heights or for small children. It is four hours round trip to the monastery. There is no water source on the route beyond the monastery spring, and no facilities.

Nearby

Konitsa and its bridge are at the gorge mouth; Papingo and the Vikos gorge lie over the Tymfi ridge.