Located in North-Western Greece, in the Ioannina region, you’ll find a mountain range called Tzoumerka, an area of impressive natural beauty that is only just beginning to make its mark on the tourist industry.
7 Fun Things to Do in Tzoumerka, Epirus
1. Explore the Beautiful Villages
People known as Athamanes have lived in the harsh yet beautiful mountain villages of Tzoumerka for centuries, ever since they fled the lowlands of Arta in the 1500s to escape the oppressive Ottoman regime. Filled with traditional stone houses and mountain views to take your breath away, you simply have to visit some of these wild, rugged villages that will take your breath away!
Vourgareli
This lush green village lies on the slopes of Tzoumerka Mountain at a height of 800 meters and is the gateway to Tzoumerka National Park with many hiking trails starting from the village to the forest.
It’s not all about hiking though, this village is famous for the role it played in both the Greek Revolution and the Greek Civil War and its stone houses, 13th-century Red Church, and a village square with a traditional fountain are all worth exploring, the St George Monastery and Megali Vrysi Bridge can also be found here.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, head to Gefyra (Gefira) Taverna before or after your sightseeing/hiking session to enjoy some traditional Greek cuisine, it’s where the locals eat so you know it’ll be good!
Syrrako
The home town of many notable people in the 19th century including Prime Minister I. Kolettis and writer/poet Kostas Krystallis, this beautiful and historic village with its stone mansions containing iconic blue shutters, fountains, watermills, churches, and arched bridges is certainly a delight to explore.
Be sure not to miss seeing the traditional watermill, famous Goyra Fountain, and the Museum of Folklore Art on your visit, and if time allows, hike the 3km path through Chrousia Gorge which leads to Kalarrites village, otherwise hop in your vehicle and make the 24km journey by road.
Kalarrites
Also spelled Kalarrytes, this beautiful Aromanian village with its protected stone houses sits at an altitude of 1,120 meters. The birthplace of merchants and silversmiths who went on to become skilled craftsmen around Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, visitors can explore this heritage at the Silversmith Museum or visit the folklore art museum located at Golfinopoulos House.
A drink or bite to eat should definitely be enjoyed at the Napoleon Zaglis traditional taverna with its breathtaking views of the mountains – You’ll be welcomed by the friendly couple who also run the guesthouse of the same name and, rather than being given a menu, you’ll be told what’s fresh from the kitchen so you can rest safe in the knowledge that you’re going to get a dish made with love that doesn’t cost the earth!
2. See Katarraktis Waterfall
Follow the path, crossing the quaint bridges as you make the 5km walk from Katarraktis Village in search of the impressive twin waterfalls of the same name.
At their most impressive between October-June, the waterfalls dry up in the Summer months so get your timing right to ensure you’re able to see some of the highest waterfalls in Greece located at an altitude of 1,360 meters.
The Northern waterfall is the most impressive due to the volume of water that flows over the rock despite being the smaller of the two at 87 meters, the Southern waterfall reaching 100 meters. Unfortunately, the waterfalls were frozen so we didn’t fully enjoy them.
3. Kipina Monastery
Built into the surrounding rock, this 800-year-old Holy Monastery is one of the most impressive in the whole of Greece not only due to its aesthetics but its history too.
Built-in the 13th century, the monastery of Kipina has not only acted as a religious building but as a secret school during the Turkish occupation and an arsenal during the Greek Revolution.
The monastery is uninhabited today so to see inside you’ll have to get the key from the cafe in Kipina village, once you have it you’ll be able to wander around and see the cave with stalactites, walk through the monk’s cells and see the handmade furniture and tapestries, all the while admiring the priceless frescoes and breathtaking views.
4. Hike at Rema Marks
Admire the work of Mother Nature at this still relatively unknown hiking location which is also known as The Stream of Paradise.
Starting from the village of Theodoriana you’ll hike through the fir forest to reach the stream with small waterfalls forming picturesque green pools, perfect for cooling down on a Summer’s day as you enjoy the sound of nature with bird song and running water.
5. See Souda Waterfalls
Don’t miss out on seeing the impressive double waterfall of Souda which forms from the Aspri Goura River. Also known as Theodoriana Waterfall, the 25-meter-high falls are located within the Peristeri and Arahthos National Park, just outside Theodoriana village.
You can reach the falls either by a 30-40-minute walk along a picturesque trail from the village or a 10-minute drive along a dirt track – Be sure to take your swimwear and dive in to experience the power of the water!
6. Visit Acheloos River Beach & Glystra Suspension Bridge
You don’t have to be near the sea to enjoy some beach time – Head to Acheloos River Beach close to Athamanio village and enjoy sinking your toes into the sand surrounded by the beautiful mountain peaks!
There are a few areas of sand and pebble on either side of the river, a cool suspension bridge called Glystra–Golfari linking the two banks so you don’t have to paddle across though diving into the crystal clear waters of the river does enable you to wash the sand off of your skin! Be sure to wear your hiking boots rather than your flip-flops as it’s not the easiest beach to reach but oh-so rewarding!
7. Go Horse Back Riding with Arachthos Riding School
Ride beside the river Arachthos and through the plane trees as you take in the breathtaking countryside with the Tzoumerka mountains as your backdrop. No matter what your experience with horse riding, guided tours are offered for the whole family with a horse and route to suit every rider.
Where to stay in Tzoumerka
Stay on top of the mountains at the incredibly beautiful Rouista Tzoumerka Resort which is located in Vourgareli village at the entrance of Tzoumerka National Park. Many hiking trails start a short distance from the resort and the main village square with a traditional fountain is also just moments away.
Surrounded by fir trees, the complex of traditional stone buildings allows you to enjoy the wild beauty of the region but with the added benefits of all the modern comforts of home.
During my stay, I enjoyed the amazing junior suite with a jacuzzi bathtub, fireplace, and espresso machine but if that could break your budget, you’ll be equally comfortable in one of their standard double rooms, all rooms having a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, mini bar, independently controlled heating and air conditioning along with a hair-dryer, bathrobe, slippers, and free toiletries so you can get comfortable after a day out in the wild!
The resort also benefits from a large communal living room with comfy sofas, a fireplace, and a great supply of books and board games – Perfect for snuggling down after a hard yet enjoyable day of hiking if you don’t want to go back to the seclusion of your room.
How to get to Vourgareli, the central village of Tzoumerka
From Athens
Vourgareli is a 4-hour drive from Athens when you follow the new Egnatia Highway. If flying into Athens, it is possible to cut the drive time by taking a direct flight from Athens to Ioannina. Drive time f from Ioannina to the village of Vourgareli is 2 hours.
If you’re in no hurry, an alternative option is to take public transport – An intercity bus runs a few times a day from Athens to the city of Arta which is located an hour away from Vourgareli village, journey times take between 6-7 hours.
From Thessaloniki
If arriving by plane in Thessaloniki, the village of Vourgareli is a 4.5-hour drive away. Public transport options are available from Thessaloniki to Arta too with the twice-daily direct Intercity bus taking just over 5 hours to reach Arta with Vourgareli another hour’s journey onward from there.
Epirus Adventures also organizes great day trips with a jeep in the region.
Getting to Tzoumerka may not be the easiest thing, especially if you don’t drive, but we all know that the best, most rewarding locations, are those that require time and effort so pack your bags and go experience the magic of the mountains, you won’t regret it!