Papingo Rock Pools
Papingo, Greece
Natural pools carved by a stream in smooth limestone, a short walk from the road between the two Papingo villages. Cold even in August.
The Papingo rock pools (Papigo), known locally as Ovires or Kolymbithres, are natural swimming pools in Zagori in Epirus, northern Greece, near the villages of Mikro and Megalo Papigo. They are fed by the Rogovo stream, which rises on the western peak of Timfi (Tymfi).
The water is clear and flows constantly, but stays very cold even in summer; in winter it freezes. One source describes the pools as about 2 to 3 m deep in the middle, with edges that can be shallow and rocky, so check the water before you jump. The pale rock gets very slippery when wet. According to historical sources, Ali Pasha already chose the spot for his summer baths.
Sources disagree on the location: one puts the pools about 1 km from Megalo Papigo on the road towards Mikro Papigo, the other describes a footpath of about 900 m from the village car park in Mikro Papigo (roughly 20 to 25 minutes down, 30 to 35 back, with the return being the harder part). Clarify the access on site.
- Nearest town
- Papingo, Greece
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.9660, 20.7270
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping RV ParkingCampsite6 km from Papingo Rock Pools
- Motorhome stopover · MonodendriMotorhome stopover15 km from Papingo Rock PoolsMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · MonodendriMotorhome stopover25 km from Papingo Rock PoolsTentsMotorhomesFree
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Papingo Rock Pools?
Papingo Rock Pools is in Papingo, Greece, at GPS 39.9660, 20.7270. It is about 9 km from Monodendri.
Can you camp near Papingo Rock Pools?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping RV Parking, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Papingo Rock Pools?
Papingo Rock Pools is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Zagori: stone villages and the Vikos Gorge.
What is there to see near Papingo Rock Pools?
Places worth a stop nearby: Oxia Viewpoint (7 km), Konitsa Bridge (9 km), Stone Bridges of Kipi (13 km) and Ioannina Castle (35 km).
When is the best time to visit Papingo Rock Pools?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)