The Northern Pindos National Park was created in 2005 by Joint Ministerial Decision /Decree 23069/Government Gazette 639D (14/6/2005). It is located in northwestern Greece within the limits of Ioannina and Grevena Prefectures. It is the largest terrestrial National Park of Greece, with an area of near 2,000,000 acres, which covers the entire region of Zagori, areas of Konitsa and Metsovo as well as the western part of the Grevena Prefecture. The responsible Agency for the management of the Northern Pindos National Park, is the Management Agency of Northern Pindos National Park, which is a public body under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry for the Environment & Energy.
The ecological value of the Northern Pindos National Park, which has been recognized at national, European and international level, results from the fact that it includes in its territory two (2) pre-existing National Parks, the Vikos – Aoos and the Pindos (Valia Kalda) National Parks and eleven (11) areas of the European Network of Protected areas «NATURA 2000». It also includes one (1) area which is classified as a Biogenetic Reserve, eleven (11) Wildlife Refuges and finally an important part of the Vikos – Aoos Geopark, which is part of the European and Global Geoparks’ Network.
The National Park’s vast area, defines a place of great ecological interest, of particular cultural importance and of high aesthetics. The high peaks of the mountains of Northern Pindos, such as Smolikas – the second highest mountain in Greece (2.637m), Tymfi (2.497m), Vasilitsa (2.249m), form an intense and diverse relief. The impressive gorges of Vikos and Aoos compose breathtaking landscapes.
Streams and rivers, such as Voidomatis, Aoos, Venetikos, create an impressive hydrographic network. Mountain lakes of Tymfi, Smolika and Fleggas known as “Dragonlakes” mark the southernmost mountain lakes of Europe, remnants from the Ice Age. Forest ecosystems, some of the greatest of the country and a large number of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, define a space of high biodiversity value. Ancient sites and monuments, stone bridges and buildings features of traditional architecture, complete the unique scenery of the Northern Pindos National Park.
Join the park: www.pindosnationalpark.gr/
