Kolympithres of Papigko, natural bathtub-like formations in Greece

The Kolympithres of Papigko are a series of cascading limestone pools carved by the Rogovos stream at about 980 meters elevation. The clear mountain water flows through layered rock formations, creating multiple interconnected basins of varying depths.

The basins lie in a limestone gorge of the Rogovos stream near Papigko, at roughly 980 m in the Zagori mountains of Epirus. The pools are natural rock hollows that villagers have long used as bathing basins, which gave them the name kolympithres, the Greek word for swimming pools.

The Greek name Kolympithres means "swimming pools", from kolymbo, to swim. The basins lie beside the Rogovos stream just below the village of Papingo, and walkers on the path to the Voidomatis gorge stop at the flat ledges to sit and cool their feet in the greenish water.

The pools are accessible year-round via marked hiking trails, with summer offering the best conditions for swimming in the cold mountain water. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the rocks can be slippery and some paths have steep sections.

The water in these pools maintains a notably cold temperature year-round because it is fed directly by mountain springs. This constant chill offers intense refreshment but can make extended swimming challenging for those not accustomed to cold water.