Voidomatis
Voidomatis (also known as "Vikos river") is a river in the Ioannina region, a tributary of Aoos.The river rises in the Vikos Gorge and follows an impressive waterway, wreathed with age-long plane trees that border its bed and traditional stone bridges. Voidomatis River joins its crystal clear waters with those of Aoos River, in Konitsa’s valley. It has a total length of 15 kilometers and is characterized for its clean water, as it is probably the cleanest river in Europe. The river is completely free of pollution, which means that you can even drink its crystal-clear turquoise water.
It crosses one of the most stunning natural environments of Greece, the national park of Vikos-Aoos, which has been designated a national park since 1973, as well as the Vikos Gorge, a monument of natural beauty. Voidomatis river gets its name from the combination of two words of Slavic origin. The word ‘Voda’ which means water and the word ‘Mata’ which means mother.
Along the Voidomatis are some of the most beautiful monotonous, continental stone bridges. The most famous is the bridge of Klidonia (or Klidoniavista), located at the exit of Vikos gorge. In the midway there is the deserted 16th century Agioi Anargyroi monastery. The location boasts perpendicular precipices and caves that had been used as monk retreats once.
Voidomatis is a suitable river for various river sports such as rafting, canyoning, canoeing and river trekking. The river is mild and its descent is easy and safe (class 1-2 on the International Scale of River Difficulty). This is why anyone with an average physical condition – even kids from 8 years old and up – can go on this unique rafting experience. In the area you can find many sports organizations frequently organize courses of water sports along Voidomatis River as well as excursions. A refreshing dive in the freezing waters is an option for the brave. The water temperature of the river is very low, around 4 ° C all year round.