Papigo to Drakolimni – Dragon Lake of Tymfi
High above the stone villages of Zagori, Drakolimni – the “Dragon Lake” – lies at 2,050 metres on Mount Tymfi, with the cliffs of Gamila reflected in its dark water. The hike from Mikro Papigo climbs past the Astraka towers to the mountain refuge and over the alpine meadows to the lake: one of the most spectacular mountain walks in Greece, best enjoyed over two days with a night at the refuge.
At a glance
| Region | Zagori, Epirus – Mount Tymfi, in the Vikos–Aoos National Park |
| Route | Mikro Papigo (about 970 m) – Astraka refuge (about 1,950 m) – Drakolimni (2,050 m), on the national trail O3; return the same way |
| Distance & time | About 8.4 km each way; around 4–5 hours up and a full day (about 10 hours) for the return trip |
| Ascent | More than 1,000 metres |
| Difficulty | Demanding – not for beginners; the descent is hard on the knees |
| Best season | May to October, when the Astraka refuge is open |
| Nearest airport | Ioannina; from Athens about 5 hours by road |
The route
Mikro Papigo to the Astraka refuge. From the upper end of Mikro Papigo the path climbs steadily in zigzags under the great limestone towers of Astraka, with wide views over Zagori, to the refuge on the saddle at about 1,950 metres. The refuge is open every day from May to the end of October and has about 50 beds.
Refuge to Drakolimni. From the refuge the path drops into the alpine plateau by the Tsoumani pond and climbs again over the meadows to Drakolimni, at 2,050 metres, under the cliffs of Gamila.
Two days are best. Day 1: Papigo to the refuge, overnight. Day 2: refuge to Drakolimni early in the morning, then down to Papigo.
Highlights
- Drakolimni, the Dragon Lake, with the peak of Gamila reflected in its water.
- Alpine newts living in the lake – please do not disturb them.
- The Astraka towers above Papigo and the views over the Vikos Gorge area.
- A night in a mountain refuge in the heart of the Pindus.
- The stone villages of Mikro and Megalo Papigo.
Safety tips
- Water taps along the way are not reliable and the pond dries up in summer – carry plenty of water.
- Check the weather before you go; storms build up quickly in the afternoon.
- Swimming in the lake is not permitted.
- Wear proper hiking boots and use walking poles for the long descent.
- Book the refuge in advance if you plan to stay the night.
How we help
- Transfers to Papigo and back to Ioannina or your hotel.
- An experienced mountain guide, on request.
- Guesthouses in Papigo and the Zagori villages, and help with the refuge booking.
Combine it with
Papigo is also a finishing point of the Vikos Gorge hike – walk the gorge one day and climb to Drakolimni the next.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do it in one day?
Yes, fit and experienced hikers can do the round trip in one long day of about 10 hours. Most people prefer two days with a night at the Astraka refuge.
Is it suitable for beginners?
No. It is a long climb of more than 1,000 metres. Beginners can walk part of the way up from Papigo for the views and return.
Can I swim in Drakolimni?
No, swimming is not permitted – the lake is a protected habitat for alpine newts.
When is the best time?
From late May to October, when the refuge is open. June and September are often the most pleasant months.
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Header photo: Dragon Lake – Stavros Charos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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