Place Aristi Info and Map for Aristi Δυτικό Ζαγόρι, Κοιλάδα του Βοϊδομάτη, Zagorochoria

ARISTI

Aristi is a mountain village that belongs to the West Zagori of prefecture of Ioannina in Epirus. Aristi, which is one of the largest villages of Zagorochoria, is built on a green slope at an altitude of 642m. Initially the settlement was called Artsista, but in 1928 received its present name. Aristi in the recording of 2011 numbered about 130 residents and has been declared a traditional settlement, because preserves the image and the character that had in the past. Aristi was one of the first Zagorochoria, in which had been founded school. The school worked with the financial assistance of the Monastery Spileotissa. The natural landscape with lush and wild vegetation and the picturesque village of Aristi make it an ideal destination for excursions. Remarkably, Aristi is situated to the road to Papigo and the boundaries of the National Park of Vikos - Aoos and is one of the entrances to the Park.

ACCESS TO ARISTI :

Aristi is 48 km. away from Ioannina. From Thessaloniki you can cover a distance of 260 km.through Egnatia Road and arrive in Ioannina, or head to Konitsa. From Athens you can come to Ioannina via Patras, covering 445km., or via the National Road Athens - Lamia.

ATTRACTIONS IN ARISTI :

Near Aristi you can see the ruins of the settlement of the Byzantine period. Also very impressive is the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Spileotissa. The Monastery of the Virgin Spileotissa was built in 1579 on the edge of a rock cave, which is just over the river and the bridge of Voidomatis. In Aristi, you can still admire the Church of the Assumption, which was built in 1718 and has an imposing bell tower. The cobbled streets, the old village fountain, old mansions, traditional coffee shops and the church mark a place that was full of life with attributes of wealth and prosperity.

ACCOMMODATION IN ARISTI – BOARD  – ACTIVITIES :

In Aristi there are many elegant hotels, traditional hostels or apartments. Different categories of accommodation coincide with the different tastes of visitors and promise a pleasant stay.  In Aristi also will find traditional cafes and shops with folk art. Restaurants abound in the area and there you can taste traditional dishes of Greek cuisine. Do not forget to try the local meat and other traditional flavors, such as Zagori pies. Because Aristi is a short distance from the ravine of Vikos and the river Voidomatis, constitutes the starting point for walks in the woods of Voidomatis or climb to Drakolimni Gamila. Many of the guests rafting waters of Voidomatis river, do horseback riding or take 4x4 jeep tours.

NEARBY DESTINATIONS TO ARISTI :

If you visit Aristi, you can also browse through the nearby popular Zagorochoria, as Vikos and Papigo. Very close is the town of Konitsa. Further afield lie Ioannina and Metsovo.

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