Paliochori is a mountain village at an elevation of 950 metres on the northern slopes of Lakmos. The village is home to Deos Gorge and a historic complex of several mills; nature and architectural history are thus presented as distinct topics. Two name forms are also part of the village’s description: Paliochori Mikrou Peristeriou and Paliochori Metsovou refer to the same village. When it comes to the gorges, it is worth keeping their locations distinct: Goura is associated with the area of Mikró Peristéri, while Deos is associated with the village of Paliochori.

Locating Paliochori on Lakmos

Paliochori is in Epirus, in the Regional Unit of Ioannina, near the border with the Regional Unit of Trikala. The mountain village lies on the northern slopes of Lakmos, also called Peristeri; this mountain range is part of the southern Pindus. The 950 metres refer to the village’s elevation. This identifies different levels for orientation: Ioannina is the Regional Unit to which Paliochori belongs, while Trikala is nearby at the border. Lakmos, or Peristeri, locates the village in the mountains; Pindus refers to the broader mountain range. The village’s alternative names are distinct from these: they refer to the same place, not to another mountain or regional designation.

Goura and Deos: two gorge locations

A January 2014 article describes Goura Gorge, in the area of Mikró Peristéri in the Municipality of Metsovo, as suitable for canyoning. Deos Gorge, by contrast, is in the village of Paliochori. The information helps answer different questions: Goura is described as suitable for canyoning, while the Deos description gives its location and specific features of the route. Keep these locations distinct rather than associating both gorges with the same place.

A description from 2014 says that the three final consecutive abseils on the Deos route give it its name. Their heights are 21, 11 and 23 metres, in that order. The middle drop is therefore the lowest, and the last is the highest of the three. This sequence gives the route description a specific focus on its final section. If you are considering a canyoning trip, find out about access and how it is carried out beforehand.

Historic mill complex

The village is home to a complex belonging to the Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God, comprising a watermill, a fulling mill and stamp mills. It is protected as a historic monument and is considered an important example of regional folk architecture. The description thus covers several named types of mill within a single ensemble. Monastery ownership, monument protection and architectural classification are distinct features: the monastery indicates ownership, protection indicates monument status, and folk architecture reflects the ensemble’s regional significance.

The mill complex adds a cultural focus alongside the geographical setting and the gorges. If you plan to visit it, check access beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Ano Ravenia, Zitsa, Neokaisáreia, Perama, Kalarites, Tsepelovo, Fragkades, Vovoúsa

Go to the broader travel overview: Ioannina.