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Getting here, and the small print
Koukouli is at the end of a mountain road, fifty minutes from Ioannina airport. It is easier than it looks on a map, and in snow it is an adventure. Here is everything you need to know before you set off.
Four ways up
By air
Ioannina airport (IOA) has flights from Athens twice a day and, in summer, a few from abroad. From the airport it is 41 km and about fifty minutes to the house. There is a car hire desk in arrivals; book ahead in winter.
By bus
From Athens (Kifissos terminal) or Thessaloniki, the KTEL bus to Ioannina takes six and a half or four hours. From Ioannina, the Zagori bus leaves the regional terminal on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 in the morning and 3:15 in the afternoon, and stops in the square at Koukouli. Otherwise, a taxi costs about €55; we can book one for you.
By car
From Ioannina take the Konitsa road north for 14 km, then turn right at the Zagori sign. The road climbs through Asprangeli and Kipi; turn left at the three-arched bridge for Koukouli. The last 3 km are narrow, with stone walls on both sides. Park in the square and walk down the path: it is two minutes, and we will carry your bags.
In winter
From December to March you need winter tyres or chains in the car, by law and by common sense. The road is ploughed early, but not always before eight. If snow closes it on the day you arrive, call us, and we will either meet you at Kipi with the Land Rover or move your dates.
The address, for the satnav
Kato Mahalas 7
440 07 Koukouli, Zagori, Epirus
Satnavs send people down the stepped lane behind the church, which a car cannot take. Park in the square by the plane tree and ring: we come up with a barrow for the bags.
- Telephone
- +30 26530 71408
- stay@oxya.example
- Arrive
- 15:00 to 21:00
- Leave
- by 11:00
Questions people ask
And if yours is not here, ring. Katerina answers the phone from eight until ten at night.
Ask for a roomWhen can we arrive, and when must we leave?
Arrive 15:00 to 21:00; leave by 11:00. Arriving after nine? Tell us and we will leave the key in the blue box by the gate, and soup on the stove.
How do we pay?
We ask for the first night as a deposit, by bank transfer, once we have confirmed your dates. Cash or card when you leave. City tax is €1.50 a room a night, set by the state.
What if we have to cancel?
Free cancellation until 14 days before arrival. After that the deposit is kept, unless we can let the room again. In snow, the road can close. If it does on your day of arrival, you move your dates or get the deposit back, whichever you prefer.
Can we bring children?
Children are welcome. The Stable sleeps four, and we lend cots and high chairs. The house has steep wooden stairs, so small children need a hand on them.
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are welcome in the Vault and the Stable, which have doors to the garden, for €10 a night. Kanela will want to be introduced.
Is there a minimum stay?
Two nights at weekends and three at Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Easter.
Is there Wi-Fi, and a signal?
No televisions anywhere. Wi-Fi in the rooms and a quiet house after eleven. The phone signal in the village is good; in the gorge there is none.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Two tavernas in Kipi, ten minutes by car or forty on foot, and dinner here on request. The village shop in the square sells bread, cheese and not much else, and closes at two.
Do we need a car?
It helps. Without one, the bus, taxis and our lifts will get you to most walks, and three of them start at the gate.