Stephen Cole

This is a fine location from which to see the main stretch of the gorge, giving a view that is almost the exact opposite of the Beloi Viewpoint. It is a spectacular gorge, even if it lacks some of the intimacy of some of the smaller, more twisty gorges which abound in Greece. Access from the village is just a few metres along a paved path, ok in a wheelchair with a little help.

There are three popular spots from which to get a good view along the main length of the Vikos Gorge and this is the most accessible from the village of Monodendri, which is where many people chose to stay. All offer spectacular views which are constantly changing with light and weather, time of day and season. In an ideal world you'd be able to come back frequently and visit them all, but for most of us this is probably a half hour stop then there are other places to move on to. Access from the road is along a rough but well trodden path, about 5-10 minutes but not suitable for wheelchairs (the viewpoint at the village of Vikos is much better for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility).

This is a stunning evocation of a Mediterranean landscape, with cork oaks, olive trees, and all the shrubs of a typical hillside. Go in early spring to see a Judas tree is startling pink, or in high summer to catch the aromatics rising off the cistus growing on the banks around King William's Temple. In winter the range of shapes, colours and textures of the evergreen foliage is a delight - silver-grey santolina contrasting with dark rosemary and bright myrtle. Just remember that in Kew it isn't always as hot as Crete!