16-ISABC · Ioannina 2023

A day trip to Vikos Gorge during the ISABC symposium in Ioannina

Nestled among the limestone ridges of the Pindus Mountains in northern Greece, Vikos Gorge draws hikers and geologists from across the globe for good reason. The sixteenth International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry, hosted by the University of Ioannina in June 2023, treats delegates to a guided day trip into this remarkable landscape, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dense scientific programme. For Australian chemists who spend much of their year tackling research questions in labs from Clayton to Camperdown, the excursion provides a chance to swap pipettes for walking poles, even if only for a single day.

The trip also doubles as a networking opportunity, with coaches carrying researchers from the University of Ioannina campus to the trailhead early in the morning. Anyone planning to attend the conference can review the full programme, abstract submissions, and travel logistics through the symposium secretariat, Zita Congress & Event Management, which handles accommodation requests and registration queries for delegates arriving from overseas.

The geography of Vikos Gorge

Vikos Gorge frequently appears on lists ranking the world's deepest canyons, measured proportionally to its width. The gorge slices through the Zagori region of Epirus and is part of the broader Vikos–Aoös National Park, a protected area recognised for its biodiversity and cultural landscapes. The cliffs rise sharply on either side of the Voidomatis River, whose famously clear, cold waters have shaped the canyon over millions of years.

Botanists visiting the park often point out the mix of Mediterranean and central European flora clinging to the limestone, an unusual combination that owes its existence to the steep microclimates. The gorge itself runs roughly north to south, with viewpoints such as the Beloi lookout offering sweeping panoramas that visitors can reach by vehicle before walking the floor of the canyon below.

The excursion itinerary

The day typically begins with a coach departure from central Ioannina, with delegates gathering over Greek coffee and a quick chat about the previous afternoon's poster session. From the city, the road winds westward through the suburbs and into a landscape of beech and oak forest that feels almost Tasmanian in its greenness, though the dry limestone pavements above the tree line give it a distinctly Mediterranean character.

Most groups pause at Monodendri, a stone village perched at the rim, before descending the well-maintained path that leads down into the canyon. A traditional taverna lunch usually follows the hike, with options ranging from grilled trout sourced from the river to slow-cooked lamb. Coaches return delegates to Ioannina in the late afternoon, leaving enough time to freshen up before the evening's social event.

Hiking through the limestone walls

The full descent and walk along the gorge floor takes around four to six hours, depending on pace and stops. The trail is graded moderate, similar to many of the multi-day walks found in Australia's alpine regions, though the terrain here is rocky rather than muddy. Researchers who normally chase enzymes in a controlled lab environment find the change of pace invigorating, with plenty of time for informal conversations about metal coordination chemistry or recent spectroscopic advances.

The Voidomatis River accompanies walkers for much of the route, and several springs feed into it from the cliffs. Geologists in particular tend to linger at outcrops where the rock layering is visible, while plant biologists keep an eye out for endemic species tucked into crevices. Even a relaxed pace allows plenty of time for photographs and quiet reflection.

Stone villages and local heritage

The Zagori region is famous for its network of forty-six traditional villages, each connected by centuries-old stone footbridges. Many of these arched crossings were built during the Ottoman era and remain in active use, with names like Plakidos and Lazaridis adding to the romantic feel of the landscape. Delegates with a cultural bent often linger at Monodendri's central square, where a centuries-old plane tree shades a small cafe.

The region's history of stone craftsmanship also translates into distinctive architecture, with slate rooftops and well-built walls standing up to the harsh winters. Anthropologists and historians in the symposium cohort frequently comment on how the isolation of these villages preserved a way of life that has largely vanished from lowland Greece, a parallel to the resilience of remote mining communities scattered across the Australian outback.

Preparing for the day trip

The June climate in the Pindus is warm but rarely punishing, though conditions in the gorge can shift quickly as cloud cover builds along the ridges. Sturdy footwear, sun protection, and at least two litres of water are essential, and a light layer proves useful during the descent when the shadows of the canyon walls keep temperatures cooler than expected.

Delegates are encouraged to confirm their attendance when registering, as coach seats and lunch arrangements need to be coordinated in advance. Some participants opt to bring a small daypack with a snack and their conference badge, which serves as the ticket for entry to the trail and the lunch venue.

Packing checklist for the hike

Where to stay before and after the excursion

Ioannina offers a wide spread of accommodation, from family-run pensions on the lake to purpose-built conference hotels close to the University of Ioannina. Delegates arriving a day early often prefer to stay within walking distance of the symposium venue, while those extending their trip gravitate toward the old town, where Ottoman-era buildings house boutique stays and rooftop breakfast spots.

A practical overview of what's available, from budget hostels to four-star conference hotels, is published in the official accommodation guide. Booking early is strongly recommended because June coincides with the broader Greek domestic tourism season, and rooms near the lake fill quickly.

Suggested viewpoints and stops

Beyond ISABC: related scientific gatherings

The applied bioinorganic community is small and tight-knit, with regular meetings that draw delegates from overlapping research groups. Past conferences have included events such as the International Porphyrin Symposium, which shares many of the same attendees and showcases work on tetrapyrrole chemistry relevant to bioinorganic applications.

For Australian researchers, attending ISABC in Ioannina offers a rare chance to engage with European collaborators whose names appear frequently on shared papers. The excursion to Vikos Gorge is, in many ways, a microcosm of the symposium itself: an opportunity to step outside the familiar, share a few hours of fresh air with new colleagues, and return to the lecture hall refreshed and ready for another day of discussion.

Reserve your spot on the excursion when you complete your registration through the ISABC symposium portal, and start planning your travel now to make the most of both the science and the scenery.