Villages of Tzoumerka in Epirus

The Villages of Tzoumerka – the Tzoumerkohoria – are like a fairy tale land, a region of northern Greece so rugged and remote it’s like stepping back in time.

The mountain hides 47 villages, some with only a few permanent residents, and monasteries that appear on the side of a mountain as if they had grown there.

Syrrako Village

Syrrako Village is built on the slopes of Mount Lakmos, separated from its twin village Kalarites by the deep ravine of the river Chroussias. 

Syrrako is also the birthplace of Kostas Krystallis, author and poet of “Mountain and Stable”, “Stavraetos”, “Shades of Hades” and “Vlachoi of Pindos.” You can visit his former home, which is now a folklore and local museum.

Kallarites Village

The twin to Syrrako, Kallarites is a charming traditional village with a history in silversmithing. Like Syrrako, Kallarites also rebelled against the Turks and fell into ruin. You can walk between the two villages in about two hours.

In Kallarites, stop for lunch at Napoleon Zaglis’s kafeneion, a taverna that has been in Napoleon’s family since the 1840s. Go for the hearty home-cooked dishes, and stay for the views over the mountains and the stories shared by Napoleon and his wife.

Pramanta Village

Pramanta Village is located on the slopes of the Strongoula. Houses are built in amphitheater style on the slopes of the hill, while the church of St. Paraskeui and the Arapis fountain is located at the center of the village. Pramanta has stunning views of the mountains.

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