Vikos Aoos National Park
Vikos Aoos National Park is located in the northern part of Greece, on the border with Albania. This is a unique place where mountain landscapes, canyons, rivers and rich flora and fauna combine. In 2005, the park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Geology
The park covers an area of over 12,000 hectares and includes the Pindos mountain range, which is one of the highest in Greece. Here you can see the Vikos Canyon, which is considered one of the deepest in the world, as well as the Aoos River, which flows along the bottom of the canyon. The length of the Vikos gorge is 20 km, and the height differences range from 450 to 1600 meters. The width in some places is only 2 meters, and the maximum width is 400 meters. There are rockfalls in Vikos Canyon due to the steep slopes. Vikos Aoos Park has Mount Timfti, which has 3 peaks: Gamila 2497 meters, Astraka 2436 meters, Gura 2467 meters. Also in this mountain there are quite deep caves Epos (451 meters) and Provatina (408 meters). At the top of Gamila there is Lake Dracolimni, which translates as Lake of the Dragon. According to legends, dragons fought among themselves, throwing huge rocks and trees, forming such a bizarre landscape. The lake itself occupies 1 hectare and is 5 meters deep.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of Vikos Aoos Park is rich and diverse. Many species of rare and unique animals live here, such as the brown bear, wolf, lynx, royal eagle and many others. There are also many plant species, including perennial grasses, trees, and shrubs. There are about 1,800 species of plants and 24 species of animals, 133 species of birds, and an abundance of trout in the rivers.
Vikos Aoos Park is a popular destination for tourists who come here to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, hike the trails and visit many attractions. One of the most popular attractions is the Meteora Monastery, which is located on top of a cliff and is one of the most famous monasteries in Greece.
There are also many villages and towns in the park where you can get to know the local culture and traditions. One of the most interesting villages is Papigo, which is located at an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level and offers beautiful views of the mountains and valley.
There are many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in Vikos Aoos Park. Hiking, cycling, and rafting on the Aoos River are available here. There are also many ski resorts located in the Pindos Mountains.
In general, Vikos Aoos Park is a unique place where beautiful mountain landscapes, rich flora and fauna, as well as many opportunities for outdoor activities are combined. This is a place worth visiting for anyone interested in the nature and culture of Greece.
