Overview

A great hike in a unique landscape. A good trail from Pentalofos climbs to a pass above Dilofo village. Then the trail descents to Paliomagero ravine and follow it to finally climb out of it near Dotsiko.

Description

From the central square follow the road south-east towards a monument and then before the school turn right down following the signs (red-yellow marks) through the village. At the southern edge of the village pass through an arched gate and follow the paved footpath traversing the steep rock face down to a gully crossed over a stone bridge (actually reconstruction of the old bridge). Climb gently along the footpath on the other side to join a track and turn left along it. After 100m and a fountain bear right on a paved footpath to reach Agia Sotira chapel. Continue on a good footpath gently uphill now through chestnut forest. Once out of the forest the path ascends over a few rock slabs and then becomes quite fuzzy and with plenty of undergrowth, but soon emerges at a pass on the ridge with a shrine.

Turn left and follow a narrow trail along the ridge marked with wooden poles. The path climbs to Splina peek with superb views and then descends to a saddle where it joins a track leading to Dilofo village in half an hour. There are no amenities there but if you have time it is a worthwhile visit to enjoy the unique traditional architecture. You can climb back on the ridge along the  footpath depicted on the map (sparsely signed and a bit overgrown at places but generally easy to follow) . Otherwise to continue to Dotsiko you have to continue on the ridge bypassing the rocky peek ahead either from the west along goat trails (very sparse signposting) or from the east along the forest track. The first alternative is a bit shorter but the path is steep, fuzzy and seriously eroded at places. Either way you end up at a saddle by Profitis Elias chapel (covered porch).

Start now descending on the south side of the main ridge to find a good path first traversing steep slopes and then descending along a narrow ridge towards the confluence of the two ravines visible ahead. The path is nowadays in disuse and at places buried under tall grass but as soon as you stay close to the ridge, you should have no problem following it. While descending enjoy the nice views of the ravine as well as the unique geology of the region. Eventually down in the valley cross the tributary stream and continue towards the chapel of Agios Minas where centuries ago the village of Mageri was (now Dasilio up on the hill). A few meters on the right of the chapel find a footpath and then join the track from Dasilio. Continue on this track for the next 5km along Paliomagero stream, crossing it several times.  There is little water in the summer but early in the season crossing may be more challenging. You have to rely on a GPS to find the point where you should leave the track (just before the 10th crossing of the stream) and follow a trail instead. The trail continues along the river a bit fuzzy and then turns left along a small gully into the forest. Although in disuse it is wide and clear and not hard to follow. Eventually the trail joins a forest track. Follow this to the left for 100m to join the new asphalt road from Eptahori. Continue on paved road on the other side of the ridge down to Dotsiko.

Amenities

There are a couple of hostel and  few tavernas in Dotsiko.

Signposting

The section from Pentalofos to Dilofo is signposted although not very consistently.

Transportation

None

Maps

Anavasi map "Gramos, Smolikas, Voio, Vasilitsa" (1:50000)