3day Hiking Excursion Tzoumerka, March 23-25

A unique destination in the mesmerizing Athamanic Mountains and the wonderful Pramantas await us to offer us wonderful images and memories.

Explore with us the unspoiled nature of Tzoumerka, the almost untouched natural landscape and the traditional villages of Epirus. The high peaks, the green forests with the impressive waterfalls, the stone-built villages with our picturesque cobblestones will once again take us on a special adventure.

Program

Day 1 – March 23, 2024

The original destination is Kalarrites, which at an altitude of 1200 meters stands opposite Sirrakos and between them runs the rushing river Chrousias, which in its course joins Karlibou and then the Matsoukiotiko stream.

The most famous for the picturesqueness of the path of the area we chose for the first day, is the one that connects the two stone-built villages of Kalarrites and Sirrakos. The impressive route starts at 1130 m., descends to an altitude of 990 m., and then climbs up to reach Sirrakos at 1220 m.!

Traditional cuisine, a hot tsipouro and the company of the stoves and fireplaces await us once we finish the hike.

Day 2 – March 24, 2024

The next day will find us again in the area and after a traditional meal with continental pies we will make our way to neighboring Matsuki.

A very old path that starts just outside of Kalarrites towards the monastery of Vyliza and the neighboring village of Matsouki.

We will follow the path that descends towards the banks of the Kalarritikos river. The initially steep descent gradually becomes normalized and when we reach a little above the height of the river, our path moves parallel to it, the right bank of the Kalarritikos. Before the first half hour is over, we come across the old stone "Karlibos bridge". A beautiful building that is lost drowned in the rich vegetation of the area.

Entering the last stage of our journey, I follow the path that leads from the monastery to our final destination, the village of Matsuki. For the most part, our route is now on a newly built stone path. Its reference point is the 102 consecutive steps..

On our way back to Kalarrites we will also visit the impressive Holy Monastery of Kipina! Built in 1212 on the rock, it is one of the most impressive monasteries in Greece, the most impressive being the wooden bridge, which during the period of the Turkish rule the monks raised with a lever to protect themselves from raids.

Day 3 – March 25, 2024

After having a good breakfast, we will board our vehicles for new trekking quests

The third day will take us to Pramanta and a superb route that starts through the village and leads us to one of the highest waterfalls in Greece, Kefalovryso.

Final destination is Melissourgoi, its northernmost village built at an altitude of 850-870 m on the slopes of Tzoumerki, right on the borders of the prefectures of Arta and Ioannina.

Information about the area

The Athamanic mountains, more widely known as Tzoumerka, are a mountain range in western Greece, which essentially constitutes the southern part of the wider Pindos mountain range that rises between the Arachthos and Achelous rivers, where the ancient Athamania is, hence their name.

Their highest peak is Kakarditsa with an altitude of 2,429 meters and the next highest is Katafidi with an altitude of 2,393 meters.

The Athamani mountains have been declared a National Park of Tzoumerki, Peristeri and Arachtos ravine.

In modern Greek history, Tzoumerka became particularly famous, even famous because it was one of the largest centers of the Greek Kleftouria, as well as a famous armatoliki.

During the period of the Ottoman rule, the villages of Tzoumerka were characterized as "free" and called by the nickname "Kefalochoria".

Technical Details

1st day

• Altitude difference: 320m altitude
• Activity duration: 5 hours
• Route length 10 km.
• Suitable for : Families yes (12+) – pets – moderate fitness

2nd day

• Altitude difference: 855m altitude
• Activity duration: 3 hours
• Route length 8 km
• Suitable for : Families yes (14+) – pets – moderate fitness

3rd day

• Altitude difference: 672m altitude
• Activity duration: 4 hours
• Route length 9 km
• Suitable for : Families yes (14+) – pets – moderate fitness

Participation fee

• Only activities €90/person
• Activities and accommodation in a hostel €220/person
• Transportation from Athens with extra cost, uppon arrangement