15 February 2025.
The Aoös Gorge is among the most impressive natural features of the Northern Pindos National Park and is best explored via this easy trail that leads to Stomio Monastery.
Plunging sharply from the edge of the Tymfi massif, Aoös Gorge extends for some 10 km and is flanked by a wall of spiky peaks, including the prominent summit of Gamila which climbs to 2,497 m.
Perched high on a rocky outcrop that juts into the leafy canyon, Stomio Monastery, also known as Panagia Stomiou Monastery, holds an incredible position. The monks sure were onto something when they designated this lush promontory as their new spiritual home.
The monastery has its origins in the late 1500s and has existed in its current location since 1774. Tucked away in its jungle oasis, the otherworldly setting of this sacred site, surrounded by the raw majesty of nature, was meant to invigorate the soul.
Though despite its remote location, the complex was destroyed during World War ll, except for the church which was spared, and lay in ruins until its restoration in the 1960s.
After a delightful morning spent hopping through turquoise rock pools, swimming in icy rivers and careening along hairpin-bend-laden mountain roads, I arrived to a grey and drizzly Konitsa, located at the mouth of the Aoös Gorge, as part of my weeklong roadtrip through the Zagori region in northern Greece.
From here, Stomio Monastery is reached via an easy hourlong trail which provides a wonderful introduction to the area and is connected to Drakolimni which gives access to Papingo, Vikos Gorge and the entire Tymfi massif for those embarking on a multi-day hiking trip.
This short guide outlines the Stomio Monastery walking routes, as well as how to get there and where to stay.
There are two ways to reach Stomio Monastery from Konitsa and the trail signs don’t mince words – there’s either the easy road or the difficult mountain path.
To experience a variety of vantage points within the gorge, I’d recommend taking the easy track on the way there and returning via the more difficult route.
If you’re a regular hiker, the difficult way really isn’t that hard, especially if you’re covering it on the return leg when much of the route is downhill.
Distance | 9.6 km (easy route) or 10.3 km (difficult route)
Duration | 2.5 to 3 hours
Elevation Gain | 528 m (easy) or 629 m (difficult)
Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
Trailhead | Konitsa Stone Bridge
Conveniently, the Stomio Monastery trail starts at Konitsa’s most famous attraction, the historic Konitsa Stone Bridge which arches high above the turquoise Aoös River (also known as the Vjosa River where is crosses into Albania) and offers spectacular views looking directly into the gorge.
There’s parking on either side of the bridge, though the south side is more spacious with easy access from the main road as well as a small water fountain and information panel.
Ioannina, the closest city, is located around an hour away, or for those travelling within Zagori, Monodendri and Papingo can also be reached in around an hour.
I travelled here from Papingo via the enchanting Voidomatis Ice Age Trail and stunning mountain pass that crosses through Aristi.
For those travelling by public transport, there are limited services between Ioannina and Konitsa with three buses per day during the week and just one daily service over the weekend. See the timetable here.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // With scarce public transport in the region, travelling with a rental car is really the best way to explore.
As the gateway to Zagori, Ioannina is the ideal place to collect your vehicle with several companies located in both the airport and city centre. Alternatively, Athens or Thessaloniki are major hubs for those arriving further afield.
I recommend using Discover Cars which offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
Konitsa cascades across the mountains to meet the vast patchwork of fertile plains that sprawl around the confluence of the Voidomatis and Aoos Rivers. A busy road with 12 hairpin bends carries you from the valley floor into the heart of Konitsa and the mountains beyond.
After the charms of the tranquil Zagori villages, Konitsa very much feels like a large, bustling town where you’ll find a variety of accommodation both in the centre and on the hillside, making use of the beautiful views across the lush checkered plains.
Hotel Rodovili | Located a short walk from the centre of Konitsa, Rodovoli is one of the top-rated options in town and offers comfortable rooms ranging from basic doubles to deluxe suites. An excellent breakfast is included, reserved street parking is available and you can find very reasonable deals here out of season. Check rates and availability here.
Konitsa Mountain Hotel | Perched high above Konitsa, this traditional mountain resort offers a variety of spacious rooms, but the real drawcard is the exceptional views that can be enjoyed from the hotel’s balcony. If you’re planning to take the mountain pass to Iliochori after your stay, this location makes for an easy morning departure. Check rates and availability here.
Setting off, the trail begins along a wide paved road which hugs the edge of the Aoos River, a turquoise ribbon surging over a riverbed of pearly white stones.
Weaving alongside rugged cliffs, you’ll pass a small waterfall on the opposite bank and the distinct red rooftop of the Stomio Monastery soon springs into view, taking pride of place on its lofty tree-enshrouded perch.
After just 1.2 km, you’ll reach the trail’s main intersection where the path splits between the easy and difficult routes.
The easy option is slightly shorter, follows a wide gravel road for much of the way and is mostly flat until the final ascent to the monastery, while the difficult route follows a rocky mountain track across the undulating terrain that frames the southern wall of the gorge.
You can walk there and back along either route, though for the best of both, I’d suggest walking there along the easy route and returning via the difficult path.
The easy route continues straight along the gravel road alongside the river for the next 2 km where it veers right into the forest to begin the final ascent to the monastery.
After a few hundred metres, the paved surface picks up again and you’ll reach a wide concrete platform that spans across the river, funnelling the water into a string of cascades that spill into a brilliant blue pool.
Onwards the trail becomes increasingly lush with verdant trees crowding along the river banks and impressive peaks looming ahead.
Leaving the river behind, the path swings into a dense patch of forest and begins a steady climb towards the monastery for the remaining 1.5 km.
After a short way, the trail rejoins the ‘difficult path’ before crossing over the Grabos River.
Along this final stretch, there are some short, steep ascents and you’ll have the option to either stick to the road or take the small forest trail which is more direct and cuts out some of the hairpin bends.
Finally, you’ll emerge on the promontory that plays host to Stomio Monastery where the road bends to the left and brings you into the sacred complex.
Unfortunately during my visit I arrived quite late in the day to find the gates were closed, but the views from outside are simply stunning, overlooking the aqua thread of the river meandering between the steep cliffs of the Aoos Gorge.
In the distance, the plains of Konitsa climb into far away mountains, while the phenomenal peaks of the Tymfi plateau stand proudly overhead.
For the return journey, the ‘difficult’ mountain trail sticks high along the canyon wall and offers up spectacular views for much of the way.
From the monastery, head back down the road, over the stream and take the left fork at the sign-posted intersection.
The route moves between paved pathways and pretty forested trails, bringing you to several rocky outcrops that peek between the trees and reward with breathtaking vistas across the forested gorge where the monastery is often visible on its leafy perch.
Compared with the flat terrain of the easy route, this trail guides you over several small hills that pitch up sharply, though for the most part, the route tracks downhill to bring you back to the road that hugs the river’s edge.
The final descent where the paved track picks up again is particularly steep and can be somewhat slippery in the wet.
When I began the hike, there was a persistent drizzle and the mountains were wrapped in monotonous grey cloud, but thankfully things began to brighten up for the return journey.
For the final kilometre to Konitsa Bridge, the turquoise river sparkled alongside the trail, the impressive ochre-stained pillars burned bright in the afternoon sun and the skies cleared to reveal the mighty crest of Gamila standing guard across the gorge.
Before heading off, be sure to take a closer look at the single-arch of Konitsa Bridge which climbs to a height of 20 m above the river and is believed to be the largest in the Balkans.
Admire the views from the top, but for the best vantage point, cross over to the northern bank and walk down to the pebble beach where the bridge creates a perfect frame for mountains beyond.
Just outside the Stomio Monastery, you’ll see trail signs for the spectacular Drakolimni or Dragon Lake which lies tucked away at the edge of the Tymfi mountains.
Ordinarily, the lake is reached from Papingo on the opposite side of the massif, but it’s also possible from this side of the range and makes a feasible starting point for anyone planning a multi-day hike through the region.
From the monastery, it’s a steep 5-hour climb up the mountain to the high alpine plateau where you’ll find Dragon Lake. Once up top, you’ll need to be prepared to camp or book a night at the Astraka Refuge which sits on a spectacular ridge line a further hour from the lake.
The refuge is open for hikers between late May and early October and offers dormitory-style accommodation with an onsite restaurant for meals. A sleeping sheet or sleeping bag is essential for all guests.
Further trails fan out from here leading amongst the highest peaks of the Tymfi plateau or across the mountains towards Vikos Gorge and the lovely Zagori villages. Learn about my other favourite hikes in this Zagori hiking guide.
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