Ariston Hotel

Set in the heart of the Pindus National Park, with the high peaks of Astraka and Mount Tymfi as a towering backdrop, Megalo Papingo is the main village of the area and a favourite amongst walkers and hikers.

The Ariston Hotel is at the edge of the village and is built and designed in the appealing local style using local granite and wood. It is a welcoming small hotel of three buildings - one houses reception, a lounge and a breakfast room; the other two contain the rooms.

The rooms are cosy and pretty, with good quality bedding and colourful decor. Rooms are double or twin bedded with a shower room and WiFi is provided. Due to the strict architectural restrictions in this preserved village, rooms do not possess balconies - there is seating in the courtyard - but most have lovely village and/or mountain views from their windows. Being at an elevation of 900m AC is not required.

Papingo’s half-dozen restaurants, plus a number of cafes, are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Walking and hiking are the major attraction here. The northern end of the Vikos Gorge which is 32 kms long (you don’t have to walk it all!), and reportedly the world’s deepest relative to its width, starts nearby and there are trails up the mountain, one of which takes you to the evocatively named Dragon Lake. This is serious hiking territory but more casual walkers can enjoy the local trails, and non-walkers can simply relax in magnificent scenery and explore some of the ancient stone bridges and many other traditional villages of the region.

The smaller sister-village of Mikro Papingo is just a few kms further on, and between the two - a 20-minute walk from the hotel - you will find the Papingo Pools; a series of limestone rock pools perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Standard Room

Twin- or double-bedded room with shower, WiFi and mountain / village views.