Monodendri, Greece

Monodendri highlights

Known for hiking pass, mountain town, museum, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, orthodox church, orthodox monastery

Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Monodendri is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Zagori region in Epirus, Greece. Situated at an altitude of 1060 meters, it is part of the Central Zagori area within the prefecture of Ioannina. The village is nestled near the edge of the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, the world's deepest canyon, and the Voidomatis River, a tributary of the Aoos River.

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Last reviewed: 24 February 2025

Monodendri description

The name ＂Monodendri＂ (meaning ＂lonely tree＂ or ＂single tree＂) came into use only in the beginning of the 19th century. Its origin is in a very large tree, whose remains still existed in 1910. The village was previously considered a neighbourhood of Vitsa.

Monodendri has a rich and diverse history dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence shows human presence in the area from at least the last ice age, around 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. The village itself was founded in 1412, initially as part of a community with the nearby village of Vitsa, before becoming independent in the 17th century due to population growth.

As with the other Zagori villages, Monodendri enjoyed an extended period of commercial and economic prosperity during the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Ottoman rule, Zagori, including Monodendri, retained a significant degree of autonomy and experienced a golden age in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There were schools built, churches in the Byzantine style and luxurious stone manors. The first school was founded in 1750. In the school taught among others Paparousis, who later in 1814 taught in the Academy of Bucharest and in Vienna, where he published an article on Physical Science in Logios Hermes.

Orthodox Albanians have settled the village after the 15th century, later assimilating into the local population. Sarakatsani have settled at the beginning of the 20th century. Monodendrites usually immigrated to Macedonia and Southern Greece. Outside Greece, they immigrated to Egypt, Romania, Asia Minor, Africa and the United States.

Monodendri is renowned for its well-preserved stone houses and grand mansions, many of which have been converted into hotels and guesthouses. The village features cobblestone streets, traditional stone architecture, and centuries-old churches such as the church of Agios Athanasios in the central square.

Near the village lies the historic monastery of Agia Paraskevi, built on the edge of the Vikos Gorge. The 600-year-old Monastery of Agia Paraskevi was founded in 1412 by Michael Voevodas Therianos and the people of Vitsa, as stated on an inscription, during the reign of Carlo I Tocco. It was a property of the monastery of St Elias but was refounded as a nunnery in 1778. The panoramic view from the monastery is spectacular.

The village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Vikos Gorge being one of its main attractions. This gorge is not only the world's deepest canyon but also a haven for unique flora and fauna. The area is perfect for hiking, with trails such as the Vikos Canyon Hike and the Stone Bridges & Traditional Villages of Zagori hike, offering breathtaking views and a serene environment.

Monodendri offers a variety of activities and attractions for tourists. Visitors can explore the village’s main square, admire the stone houses, and visit the Rizareios Exhibition Center, which houses a photographic exhibition and other cultural artifacts. The village also hosts cultural events during the summer months at its stone theater. Day trips and excursions to nearby villages, stone bridges, and historic sites like the archaeological site in Genitsari are also popular.

Monodendri is an all-year-round destination, appealing to different types of tourists depending on the season. During the summer and fall, it is a favorite spot for hikers and those seeking to escape the heat of Greek cities. In the winter, the village transforms into a magical winter wonderland with snow-clad mountains, making it a popular destination for winter sports and scenic views.

Monodendri is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, the village provides an authentic and enriching experience. Its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and traditional Greek culture makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Greece.

Monodendri related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Monodendri during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Monodendri.

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Monodendri. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Northern Greece 15 days exploring tour from Thessaloniki. Thasos island, Philippi, Zagori mountain villages. all seasons tour 15 days Price from € 4,629 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Thessaloniki, Greece tour finishes in: Ioannina, Greece tour duration: 15 days (14 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Ano Pedina, Aristi, Kavala, Kipoi, Metsovo, Monodendri, Papingo, Philippi, Thasos, Thessaloniki, Tsepelovo, Veria We welcome you to discover amazing Northern Greece region with our 15 days tour from Thessaloniki. With this tour we going to see the most important areas of Thessaloniki, come to see Thasos island, visit archaeological site Philippi (UNESCO World Heritage site), and spend few days in famous region Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site for Cultural Landscape). The tour will start with discovering Thessaloniki, called cultural capital of Greece, famous for its Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), cuisine, and never sleep atmosphere. After Thessaloniki we will come to Kavala, to see its historical center, fortress and taste wine in nearby winery. From Kavala, after short drive, we will take a quick ferry to Thasos island, where we will visit historical landmarks of Thasos town, museum of Olive and Olive oil, picturesque Kefalogourna waterfalls, Archangel Michael monastery, Marble Quarry and few other sites. When we return back from Thasos to mainland, we will explore huge and important archaeological site Philippi, with exceptional Roman architecture, its urban layout as a smaller reflection of Rome itself, and its importance in Christianity because of several visits to the city by the apostle Paul. From Philippi, we will continue to discover Northern Greece, by visiting Aigai, first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and the most significant places of classical Greece. Its inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. After Aigai, next place to visit is mountain town Metsovo, known from Ottoman census records. Metsovo residents got a special privileges by provided the special service of guarding local mountain passes and the servicing of travelers. Metsovo is known for merchants, traveling sheepherders, rich traders, and cuisine with famous local cheeses and winemaking industries, including the Katogi vineyard of the Averoff family. Large part of this tour is visiting Zagori region, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zagori contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages, also called Zagorochoria. The main source of income for the local communities originally came from commercial activities which resulted in migration to distant places. As result, the region is full of cute villages with stone houses, stone bridges, cobblestones, fountains, schools, temples and monasteries. UNESCO added Zagori to the list of Cultural Landscapes, acknowledging the universal value of Zagori's architecture as a representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori we will also come to few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints.

Exploring Northern Greece 18 days tour from Thessaloniki. Thasos island, Philippi, Zagori mountain villages and bridges, Corfu. all seasons tour 18 days Price from € 5,737 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Thessaloniki, Greece tour finishes in: Corfu, Greece tour duration: 18 days (17 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Ano Pedina, Aristi, Corfu, Dodoni, Ioannina, Kavala, Kipoi, Metsovo, Monodendri, Paleokastritsa, Papingo, Philippi, Thasos, Thessaloniki, Tsepelovo, Veria Come with us to discover amazing Northern Greece with our 18 days tour from Thessaloniki. With this tour we going to see the most important places in Thessaloniki, will come to Thasos island, walk archaeological site Philippi (UNESCO World Heritage site), and spend a few days in popular region Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site for Cultural Landscape). We will start with discovering Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece, known for its Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), renowned cuisine, and never sleep atmosphere. After Thessaloniki we will come to town Kavala, to see its fortress and historical center. On the way we will visit a winery with wine tasting. Short drive from Kavala, we will come to port to take a quick ferry to Thasos island, to see historical landmarks of Thasos town, Archangel Michael monastery, museum of Olive and Olive oil, scenic Kefalogourna waterfalls, Marble Quarry and few other attractions. After Thasos island, on mainland, we will come to explore large and very important archaeological site Philippi, its exceptional Roman architecture is small reflection of Rome itself, and very import for Christianity because of several visits of the apostle Paul. We will continue to discover Northern Greece, by visiting Aigai, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. Aigai was a first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and the most significant places of classical Greece. Our next place to visit is mountain town Metsovo, known from Ottoman census records. Metsovo residents had a privileges from Ottomans because they provided the special service of guarding local mountain passes and the servicing of travelers. Metsovo is known for rich merchants and traders, traveling sheepherders, specific cuisine used local cheeses, and wine making traditions including the Katogi vineyard of the Averoff family. Significant part of this tour is exploring the Zagori region (approved as UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cultural Landscape). Zagori, also called Zagorochoria, contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages. The main source of income for the local communities initially were commercial activities like trading to distant places. Rich residents during centuries built many villages with stone houses, stone bridges, cobblestones streets, fountains, schools, churches and monasteries. UNESCO added Zagori to the list of Cultural Landscapes, acknowledging the universal value of Zagori's architecture as a representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori we will also come to few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints. After we leave Zagori, we will come to Ioannina, to see its fortress, silversmith weapons and jewelery museum, and come to small island at the middle of Ioannina lake, to have a short walk with visiting a few churches and monasteries and the museum of famous Ali Pasha. From Ioannina, on the way to Igoumenitsa, we will come to see archaeological site Dodoni, know for its gorgeous ancient theater. From Igoumenitsa we will take ferry to Corfu. There on Corfu we need to walk its historical center, fortress, and we will come to see ancient Paleokastritsa monastery located on another side of Corfu island.