National Park of Tzoumerka, Peristeri & Arachthos Gorge

Understand

The relatively unknown mountain national park near Ioannina has a certain tradition as a hiking area, but is far less frequented than the Vikos-Aoos National Park further north. If you want to experience wild nature away from the tourist crowds, this is the place for you. Many of the waterfalls and other sights are only accessible on foot. If you have mobility problems or are not athletic, you will essentially only be able to see the villages in the national park.

History Since 2009 there is the small national park Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Archatos Gorge. It lies substantially within the boundaries of the previously designated Important Bird Area (IRA) Tsoumerka and the Athamanikon Mountains Natura 2000 Conservation Area and covers approximately 820 km².

Landscape Tzoumerka, also Athamanika, is a mountain massif in the southern Pindos Mountains in Epirus that stretches in a north-south direction. The north-south extent of the Tzoumerka is about 40 km, the east-west extent 15 to 20 km. The highest peak is Kakarditsa at 2429 m. To the west of the Tzoumerka massif, the Arachthos river flows north-south to its confluence with the Ambracian Gulf at Arta, to the east the Acheloos river flows north-south to its confluence with the Ionian Sea. Thus, the Tzoumerka massif represents the watershed between these two great rivers of Greece.

Flora and fauna Mixed forest that changes into coniferous forest at higher altitudes and above the tree line into forest-free mountain tundra

Climate As is typical in the high mountains, it is much colder all year round than on the coasts. From mid-May all pass roads are usually open. This is the best time to visit the falls, which carry a lot of water due to snowmelt. The water levels decrease in June and in July/August most are dry. Midsummer is the best time for hiking and visiting the villages. It is then warm enough to take a dip in the ice-cold rivers and streams.

Getting there

The deep valleys of the Arachthos and Acheloos rivers represent topographical barriers that make it difficult to open up the Tzoumerka to traffic. The only good motorable access to the tourist centers at the villages of Sirako, Kalrites and Matsouki is from Ioannina. In the east, a road leads from Trikala via Mesochora to the west side over very winding mountain pass roads that are only passable in the summer months. The few roads crossing from east to west are not passable in winter, with the exception of the connection Arta - Mesochora - Trikala running along the southern edge. The asphalt road over the Barros Pass, which is usually open from May, is of particular importance. It connects the upper Acheloos valley with Matsouki or Kalarites and is particularly popular as a motorbike route.

Getting around

Your own vehicle, preferably off-road, is the only way to explore the area in a reasonable amount of time. Bus connections are available, but very time-consuming. Most attractions have to be hiked, so you need a certain level of fitness.

See

Villages

1 Matsouki. A small, relatively meaningless mountain village with a water mill and a well-known waterfall nearby. (updated Nov 2022) 2 Kalarites. (1200m). Village with typical old stone houses and stone paths, car-free. (updated Nov 2022) 3 Sirako. Old stone bridges, small cobbled streets, beautiful houses with arches and vaults, restored guest houses, traditional picturesque taverns and stone fountains make the car-free place at 1200 m an experience. (updated Nov 2022) 4 Katarraktis. (800m). A special feature are the two waterfalls, which are in the immediate vicinity, just outside the village and accessible to every visitor. (updated Nov 2022) 5 Plaka. A few houses. Known because of the stone bridge there and as the starting point for rafting tours. (updated Nov 2022) 6 Pramanta. It is one of the largest villages in the area and a good base from which to explore the area. A number of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, medical services, a pharmacy, ATM, post office and police station are available locally. (updated Nov 2022)

Nature 7 Arachthos river. A mountain river on the western side of Tzoumerka. (updated Nov 2022) 8 Acheloos River. Mountain river on the east side. (updated Nov 2022) 9 Baros Pass. Incredible views of Tzoumerka. Greece's highest asphalt road is only open in the summer months due to heavy snowfall. Popular with motorcyclists. Even in July, temperatures usually remain well below 20 °C. (updated Nov 2022) 10 Bathing beach at Acheloos. Very nice opportunity to swim in the river in summer. A somewhat adventurous photogenic suspension bridge leads to the opposite bank. (updated Nov 2022)

Waterfalls 11 Klifkis waterfall & Klifkis cascades. Nice waterfall but difficult walk (more than 1 hr). Only for sporty people. (updated Nov 2022) 12 Matsuki waterfall. Beautiful, but not easy to reach waterfall. Alternatively, he can be seen from above from the bridge leading to Matsuki, or a 2-minute walk to a balcony platform from the street. T

Do

Rafting: there are a number of providers, as the area is ideal for this. Meeting point is often at the Plaka Bridge. Otherwise, information material is available in every hotel and restaurant. Hiking: In the Tzoumerkagebirge there are a number of marked hiking trails with special signposts for both beginners and experienced hikers. See here for routes. 4x4 Tour: A number of providers organize interesting, worthwhile excursions into the mountains Motorcycle/Enduro: The whole area is a fantastic route for motorcycle tours both on country roads and off-road.

Buy

There are basic necessities to buy in every village, for everything else you go to Ioannina. In the village of Pramanta there is the greatest choice.

Eat

There are several restaurants in each village, serving part-grilled, part-cooked food. A specialty of the area are Pittas, e.g. B. with cheese, spinach filled dumplings.

Sleep

One should choose the location of the accommodation so central that one is close to the sights that are of interest to one. Well located and with plenty of accommodation is the village of Pramanta. The very winding narrow roads in the area make progress very slow. Since there is also time for hiking for many sights, the access routes should be kept as short as possible. There are no cars in the picturesque village of Sirako. The accommodations must also be "hiked" here.