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Routes and Hikes in Papigo

All of our routes/rides are done in open fields and along shady tree-covered footpaths under the majestic view of the mountain peak of Astraka and with an experienced guide. The horses are all trained and comfortable with people, seeking friendly pats and a little loving where-ever possible.

The rides consist of easy and comfortable routes for beginners but also more challenging routes for more experienced riders with durations of 15, 20, 30 or 45 minutes in the nearby vicinity of the village.

Routes that require a more advanced knowledge of horse-riding are also available with duration of about 1 hour up to a full days ride. Hopefully in the future rides including overnight camping in the mountains will also be available for the more adventurous.

Also for the younger children and interested beginners, rides can be undertaken in a closed in area under our supervision.

Sila

duration: 15-45 min
(trail open and ridden all year round)

This route takes us along abandoned open fields allowing for the rider to sit comfortably while adapting and learning the basic commands used to guide, start and stop the horse. Halfway through, once the rider begins to get the hang of things, we pass by the village's cow stable, across from which a long flat area allows us to "stretch" the horse's legs with a friendly and easy trot, canter or gallop. As we loop around we are a met with a wonderful view of the Vikos gorge, the distant villages Vikos and Aristi and the springs of the river Voidomatis. The cliff faces of the Northern Pindos begin to slip away as we enter a slightly tree covered landscape along a dirt road. Eventually we arrive at one of the village local's goat stable where we veer off the road onto a small trail rising up to the abandoned open fields. Just before returning to White-Pegasus' stable we pass the beautiful and quiet cemetery on the village outskirts, viewing the traditional stone roof-tops of the houses below

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Ag. Ilias

duration: ~ 1:30 hour
(must have basic horse experience, trail closed during christmas/new years holiday season)

This route takes us below the small church of Ag. Ilias. Riding along a dirt road and then veering up the small path towards the abandoned village of Kleidonia, the route has an old western feel to it, from climbing up and down a steep bank to riding silently through old abandoned orchards.

Liaskovetsi

duration: ~ 1:15 hour
(for more advanced riders, trail closed during christmas/new years holiday season)

This route takes us along the outskirts of the village, and onto the road leading to Mikro Papigo for a small duration. We then enter the covered pathway of "Panagia" next to the newly built soccer field to reach the other end of the village. Leaving the last of the traditional stone houses behind us we follow a dirt road up and away towards the distant mountain peak of "Lapatos". As we approach the road evens out and becomes greener allowing for a gentle trot or gallop to ensue. Following the road, on our right hand side we can see the winding asphalt road leading to the village of Mikro Papigo far below us. The cliff faces remain steadily on our right hand stoically gazing at us. Eventually we reach the springs of the village's natural swim hole "Rogovos", the gentle stream provides a welcome respite for the thirsty horses and we then turn around and return to the village.

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Koula

duration: ~ 6-7 hours
(must have basic horse experience, trail closed during winter)

Koula" is a peak located in the west a couple of kilometers from the village. In order to reach it we travel through the village square winding up and up through narrow streets towards the village water tank. Once there we get a wonderful last glimpse of the village from above as we leave it behind to climb ever higher towards the distant dark green fir forests dotting the mountain side ahead. Along the way we pass the spring "Mihovrisi" and the water trough "Nifitsa" for the seasonal sheep herds that come up here to escape the hot summers. Weaving through the fir trees we eventually reach an opening near the top that lets us see the wonderful vista below us. Continuing we arrive at the dirt road created by the fire wardens as a safety lane for fires which we follow all the way to the peak. On the way back we either return from the same route or from the village of "Kleidonia" which is linked to Papigo with a dense and sometimes overgrown footpath.

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Kserolimnes, Dragonlake etc (available in the near future)

duration: a full day and 3 day pack trail ride
(only for experienced riders)

Other routes that can be taken on horseback include rides up to the mountain refuge, and from there on to the re-known "Dragonlake" and the dried up lake beds. Once up past the Astraka refuge the routes are limitless and due to the fact that there is an immense plateau up there it offers numerous opportunities for the horses to run, frolick and gallop along covered large distances quite easily. Most of these routes though require a full day and are not for the frightened beginner as the path up to the refuge, though well and often walked, does have the tendency to be narrow and steep at certain points. Also many of these routes may eventually be made into overnight stays on the mountain plateau in order to be able to cover and see more areas. On these routes there is also the opportunity to view chamois, wild mountain goats, not found anywhere else in Greece in viable population numbers other than the Northern Pindos mountain range.

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Hikes

For those not so keen on horses and riding we also organize hikes or treks in the surrounding area of the National Park of Northern Pindos. Such routes include the Vikos gorge, the peaks of Astraka and Gamila, a spectacular view of Dragon lake and many others according to the clients choice and time frame etc.

The duration of each trek varies beginning from 4 hours up to full day hikes or treks with the potential for some to even be overnight camping trips.

Contact us so that we can arrange the appropriate route for you according to experience, level of difficulty and your time frame. An experienced escort will guide you along each hike and trek that you select.

For the rest of the company that either may not wish to partake in the rides or are simply waiting their turn, the hotel/restaurant/cafe "Kalliopi" located beside us is a pleasant place to relax and wait.

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* Our guides are knowledgeable about the wildlife of the area (with B.S. Wildlife Biology and M.S. Wildlife Management and Conservation) and are able to answer any questions or thoughts you might have about the area.

*All of our guides are trained in first aid

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