Tzoumerka National Park
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.
Get in
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.
Fees and permits
none
Get 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
- 🌍 Matsouki. small, relatively meaningless mountain village with a water mill and a well-known waterfall nearby.
- 🌍 Kalarites. (1200m). Village with typical old stone houses and stone paths, car-free.
- 🌍 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.
- 🌍 Katarraktis. (800m). A special feature are the two waterfalls, which are in the immediate vicinity, just outside the village and accessible to every visitor.
- 🌍 Plaka. kein wirkliches Dorf, mehr eine Ansammlung weniger Häuser. Bekannt wegen der dortigen Steinbrücke und als Startpunkt von Rafting Touren.
- 🌍 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.
Nature
- 🌍 Arachthos river. mountain river on the western side of Tzoumerka.
- 🌍 Acheloos River. Mountain river on the east side.
- 🌍 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.
- 🌍 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.
Waterfalls
- 🌍 Klifkis waterfall & Klifkis cascades. nice waterfall but difficult walk (>1h). Only for sporty people.
- 🌍 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. There is a sign to this effect on the road. Definitely worth a stop. The scenery is magical and the sight of a waterfall in the gorge is breathtaking. There is also a path that leads into the gorge.
- 🌍 Katarraktis waterfall. one of the most impressive waterfalls in this area. Most of the water is aril until June, then it slowly dries up. Easy walk, accessible in a few minutes on foot from the car via stone steps and path.
- 🌍 Souda waterfall. Very nice waterfall in a great landscape. Especially in spring when there is a lot of water, it is worth a visit. However, the footpath there is only recommended for sporty people.
- 🌍 Kefalovrysso waterfall. 350 m high, very beautiful waterfall, only accessible by a long walk.
- 🌍 Kouiassa waterfall. With a small first waterfall with bathing pool and then the larger one. Not very high falls but just the short walk to get there is scenically mesmerizing. There is a cafe on the way for a little break in the shade.
- 🌍 Marks waterfall. Beautiful, but not very easy hiking trail in the forest to 2 (bathing) lakes and a third with a waterfall at the end of the path. The two lakes are not far apart, with the second lake being extremely impressive. The signage of the trail is good! The whole hike back and forth to the trailhead takes about an hour and a half plus as long as you want to sit and enjoy the scenery.
- 🌍 Kryoneri Melissourgos waterfall. From the Pramantos hut, the hike takes about 40 minutes without much difficulty. The falls are very large and the water flows freely from the top of Strongula.
Caves
Monasteries
- 🌍 Kipina's Monastery. Cave monastery and highlight of the area.
- 🌍 Monastery of Panagia Tsoukas. Remarkable, historic, well-preserved monastery. Fantastic view.
- 🌍 Vylitsa Monastery. Small monastery in a very pretty location with spectacular views of the gorge and Kalarrites village. Short hike with a good path and beautiful views. Length 1.2 km one way, including stairs. You can get the keys in the café in the village square.
- 🌍 Plaka Monastery. very beautiful old monastery near the famous Plaka bridge.
- 🌍 Church of the Prophet Elijah. small stone chapel, which is worth the walk mainly because of the fantastic view.
Bridges
- 🌍 Plaka Bridge. very tall and notable 19th century stone arch bridge over the waters of Arachthos river which collapsed during the 1st February 2015 floods and has since been rebuilt. With an arch of 40m wide and 17m high, it is the largest single-arch bridge in Greece and the Balkans and the third largest single-arch stone bridge in Europe. The bridge is the starting point for rafting and canoeing on the Arachthos.
- 🌍 Bridge of Goura. old smaller stone bridge over a mountain stream.
- 🌍 Kuassa Bridge and Waterfall. on the footpath to the waterfall you pass both the old bridge and a nice cafe (Cafe Mylos).
- 🌍 Ditoxo Bridge from Sgara. old two-arched stone bridge next to a watermill.
- 🌍 Mistra's bridge. photogenic old stone bridge over mountain stream.
- 🌍 Gogkou bridge. The Gogo Bridge is a suspension bridge designed by German engineer Charles Baukman in 1932. It is located on the Kalarritik River on the road that connects the Cistades to Michalici.
- 🌍 Politsa Bridge. Particularly historical monument. Very beautiful and wild area.
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.
Stay safe
The area is very safe in terms of crime and the only real danger is the wild nature with steep slopes, lonely forests where an injured hiker cannot be found immediately. It's a good idea to let someone know if you're planning to go on an off-the-beaten-track trail. Mobile network reception is not good enough everywhere to call for help.