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| Tzoumerka | ||
| region | Epirus | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 2,429 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Tzoumerka is a national park in Greece.
background
The relatively unknown mountain national park at Ioannina has a certain tradition as a hiking area, but is far less frequented than the one further north Vikos Aoos National Park. If you want to experience wild nature away from the tourist crowds, this is the right place. Many of the waterfalls and other sights can only be reached on foot. Those who are unable to walk or who are not athletic will essentially only be able to see the villages in the national park.
history
The little one has existed since 2009 Tzoumerka National Park, Peristeri and Archatos Gorge. It lies essentially within the boundaries of the previously designated Important Bird Area (IRA) Tsoumerka and the Natura2000 protected area Athamanikon Mountains and covers around 820 km².
landscape
Tzoumerka, also Athamanika, is a mountain range of the southern Pindus Mountains in the north-south direction Epirus. The north-south extension of the Tzoumerka is approx. 40 km, the east-west extension 15 to 20 km. The highest peak is the Kakarditsa with 2429 m. In the west of the Tzoumerka massif the river Arachthos flows from north to south to its confluence with the Ambracian Gulf Arta, in the east the Acheloos River flows from north to south to its confluence with the Ionian Sea. Thus, the Tzoumerka massif represents the watershed between these two great rivers in Greece.
Flora and fauna
Mixed forest that merges into coniferous forest at higher altitudes and into forest-free mountain tundra above the tree line
climate
As is typical in the high mountains, it is significantly colder all year round than on the coasts. All pass roads are usually open from mid-May. This is the best time to visit the falls, which are filled with water from the thawing snow. The amounts of water decrease in June and most are dry in July / August. Midsummer is the best time for hiking and visiting the villages. It is then warm enough to take a bath 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 develop the Tzoumerka with traffic. The only good drivable access to the tourist centers in 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 pass roads that are only passable in the summer months. The few roads that cross from east to west are not passable in winter, with the exception of the Arta - Mesochora - Trikala connection on the southern edge. The asphalt road over the Barros Pass, which is mostly open from May, is of particular importance. It connects the upper Acheloos valley with Matsouki or Kalarites and is particularly popular as a motorcycle route.
mobility
Your own vehicle, preferably off-road, is the only way to explore the area in a reasonable time. There are bus connections, but they are very time-consuming. Most attractions have to be hiked, so you need a certain level of fitness.
Tourist Attractions
places
- 1 Matsouki (Ματσούκι Ιωαννίνων).
small, relatively bland mountain village with a watermill and a well-known waterfall nearby. - 2 Calarites (Καλαρρύτες).
(1200 m). Village with typical old stone houses and stone paths. - 3 Sirako (Συρράκο).Old stone bridges, cobbled small 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.
- 4 Katarraktis (Καταρράκτης Άρτας).(800 m). A special feature are the two waterfalls, which are in the immediate vicinity, just outside the village and accessible to every visitor.
- 5 Plaka. no real village, more a collection of a few houses. Known for the stone bridge there and as a starting point for rafting tours.
- 6 Pramanta (Πράμαντα Ιωαννίνων).
It is one of the largest villages in the area and well suited to explore the area from there. A number of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, medical care, a pharmacy, ATM, post office and a police station are available in town.
nature
- 1 Arachthos river (Άραχθος).Mountain river on the west side of Tzoumerka.
- 2 Acheloos river (Achelous River).Mountain river on the east side.
- 3 Baros Pass. Incredible view 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.
- 4 Klifkis waterfall & Klifkis cascades. beautiful waterfall but difficult walk (> 1 h). For sporty people only.
- 5 Anemotrypa cave (Σπήλαιο Ανεμότρυπα).Developed stalactite cave with waterfall, lakes and stalagmites, which can be seen on a 250 m long path.
- 6 Matsuki waterfall. beautiful, but not very easy to reach waterfall.
- 7 Tzoumerka waterfall
- 8 Katarraktis waterfall. one of the most impressive waterfalls in this area. Most of the water is Aril until June, when it slowly dries up.
- 9 Souda waterfall (Theodoriana). Very nice waterfall in a great landscape. It is worth a visit, especially in spring with lots of water. However, the walk there is only recommended for sporty people.
- 10 Kefalovrysso waterfall. 350 m high, very beautiful waterfall, only accessible by a long walk.
- 11 Kouiassa waterfall. With a small first waterfall with a swimming pool and then the larger one. Not very high waterfalls, but just the short walk there is a fascinating landscape. There is a cafe on the way for a little break in the shade.
- 12 Katsantoni's cave. To enter the natural cave you should bring a good lamp, but only the way there and back is quite nice.
Monasteries
- 1 Panagia Tsoukas Monastery. Remarkable, historical, well-preserved monastery. Fantastic view.
- 2 Kipinas Monastery (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου).Cave monastery and highlight of the area.
- 3 Plakas Monastery. very nice old monastery near the famous Plaka bridge.
Bridges and culture
- 1 Goura Bridge. old smaller stone bridge over a mountain stream.
- 2 Matsuki watermill. Interesting watermill in Matsuki village.
- 3 Kouiassa Bridge & Waterfall. on the footpath to the waterfall you come across both the old bridge and a nice cafe (Cafe Mylos).
- 4 Plaka bridge (Γεφύρι της Πλάκας).Very high and particularly remarkable stone arch bridge from the 19th century over the water of the Arachthos River, which collapsed during the floods of February 1, 2015 and has since been rebuilt. With an arch 40 m wide and 17 m 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.
- 5 Ditoxo Bridge from Sagara. old two-arched stone bridge next to a water mill.
- 6 Mistras Bridge. photogenic old stone bridge over mountain stream.
- 7 Gogkou Bridge. The Gogo Bridge is a suspension bridge designed in 1932 by the German engineer Charles Baukman. It is located on the Kalarritik River on the road that connects the Cistades with Michalici.
- 8 Politsa bridge. Particularly historical monument. Very beautiful and wild area.
- 9 Museum of Contemporary Art "Theodoros Papagiannis". worthwhile museum for modern sculptures.
activities
- Rafting: there are quite a number of providers, as the area is ideal for this. The meeting point is often at the Plaka Bridge. Otherwise, information material is available in every hotel and restaurant.
- hike: In the Tzoumerka Mountains there are a number of marked hiking trails with special signposts for both beginners and experienced mountain hikers. Routes see here.
- 4x4 tour: A number of providers organize interesting, rewarding excursions into the mountains
- Motorbike / Enduro: The whole area is a fantastic route for motorcycle tours both on country roads and off-road.
shop
In every village you can buy the bare essentials, for everything else you go to Ioannina. In the village Pramanta there is the largest selection.
kitchen
In each village there are several restaurants that serve partly grilled and partly cooked food. A specialty of the area are pittas, e.g. dumplings filled with cheese or spinach.
accommodation
You should choose the location of your accommodation so centrally that you are close to the sights that are of interest to you. Well located and with lots of accommodation is the village Pramanta. The very winding narrow roads in the area are very slow to make progress. As time for hikes is also to be planned for many sights, the journeys to get there should be kept as short as possible. In the picturesque village Sirako no cars run. The accommodations here also have to be "hiked".
security
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 is a good idea to let someone know if you want to go on a remote hiking trail. The reception of the cellular network is not always good enough to call for help.
trips
- Ioannina: Very worth seeing old town on the lake
- Zagori: fantastic mountain landscape with the famous Vikos Gorge
- Pindos National Park: the park north of Metsovo impresses with its almost deserted mountain landscapes and river valleys. It is a little known but worthwhile hiking area.
- Agrafa: wild mountain landscape in the south of Pindus
