The name “Zagori” is Slavic and means “beyond the mountains”. During Ottoman rule, the area reached its economic and intellectual peak. However, Zagori declined after Ali Pasha’s death (1822) when it lost the benefits it enjoyed. The wars of the 20th century also had devastating effects. Zagori is divided into Western, Central and EasternZagori.
Western Zagori (west of Timfi)
Ano Pedina. A well-preserved traditional village, built near a plateau (altitude 960 m). Home to a number of eminent thinkers and national benefactors. The Monastery of Evagelistria (1793), contains icons from the 17th-19th century. It is located 35.5 km NW of Ioannina.
Vitsa. A traditional Epirus village which consists of Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Vitsa. As the birthplace of important historical figures, the village has many wonderful mansions. Skala of Vitsa leads to the double-arch bridge of Misios, while archaeological digs on route to Monodendri have unearthed a settlement and two graveyards. It is located 36 km NW of Ioannina.
Kato Pedina. Known for its stone threshers and ostrich farm. Kato Pedina is built atop a plateau (altitude 940 m) where ancient graves have been discovered. The chapel of Aghios Nikolaos Vastanion-Kalivion dates back to the 15th century. It is located 37.5 km NW of Ioannina.
Monodendri. A designated traditional settlement (altitude 1,060 m), with stone houses and picturesque cobble roads, where the Rizario Centre of Handicrafts, with traditional broidery weavings operates. It is located at the entrance of the Vikos gorge. The cobblestone trail leading to the Monastery of Aghia Paraskevi (15th century) and continuing through the gorge is wonderful. It is located 39 km NW of Ioannina.
Elafotopos. Elafotopos stands out from the rest of Zagorochoria for its wonderful traditional architecture, its elaborate town planning and the impressive location it is built in (altitude 1,100 m). The churches of Aghios Georgios and Kimisi tis Theotokou contain gold-plated rood screens and old icons. The location “Kastro” contains traces of the fortified settlement of the Molossians. It is located 40.5 km NW of Ioannina.
Aristi. A gorgeous traditional Epirus village, where findings from the Paleolithic period have been discovered. The “Stamatis Mansion” is an exceptional sample of the local architecture. The Monastery of Panagia Spileotisas (16th century), built in a beautiful location near the banks of the Voidomatis river. “Kastraki”, with its panoramic view, contains ancient findings. The route at “Kagelia” from the Voidomatis bridge towards Papigo, is charming. It is located 48 km NW of Ioannina.
Aristi Mountain Resort
The "green story" of Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas starts from its architecture. It is built in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape and the local architectural style. Only local materials, stone and wood decorate the inner and outer part of the buildings. The operational needs of the buildings are both environmentally sustainable and with a very low impact on nature. The installed heat pumps have significantly diminished the use of oil, while only LED bulbs are used for the lighting.
Waste water is processed in a high tech tertiary cleaning system, to ensure that released water is as clean as possible.
Our purchases are chosen with care and contain a low percentage of packaging materials. We recycle as much as we can and transfer our recycling waste to Ioannina.
The staff of the Resort is locals. We use local products, and cooperate with local companies in order to maintain a close relationship with the local community.
It is ensured that the hotel and all its operations meet the high standards set by the ISO 14001 requirements
We report monthly our environmental indices, train our staff regularly, and also try to increase the awareness of our clients towards preserving the environmental integrity of the area.