Canyoning in Tzoumerka - Papapidima Gorge
4 hrs
from €60
Large mountain ranges, running waters, rushing rivers and impressive gorges... With its untamed, wild beauty, deep tradition and turbulent history, Tzoumerka, a wild mountainous area, in northwestern Greece, between Arta and Ioannina, balances between yesterday and today! And it is a very special destination for lovers of wild natural beauty and adventure, offering many options for rafting, canyoning, canoe kayaking and many more activities! 🌲🚣
🧐 The name "Tzoumerka" probably has Vlach origins, as "joum" means "steep peak" and "erko/zarko" the word "naked", so in combination it means "high steep bare peaks", reflecting the characteristic landscape of the area.
Another origin of the name is presumed to be Slavic from the word Чемерни which is the Slavic name of the plant 'helleboros'. The more official name 'Athamanian Mountains' comes from the ancient tribe of Athamanians who flourished in the area in the 3rd century BC and the king of Orchomenos in Boeotia, Athamas, who fled to these lands and was proclaimed king.
The predominant element of the area is the wild natural beauty of the mountains and the charm of the stone-built houses!⛰️
Impressive scenery, bridges, water mills, gorges, gorges, churches, stone villages, waterfalls, springs and historical monuments that have remained unspoiled by time await every visitor to a less popular destination.
Holy Monastery of Kipina 🏛️
In the village of Kalarrites, lies the Monastery of Kipina, one of the most impressive monasteries of Epirus. Built literally in the rock around 1212 AD, it causes awe and admiration. The name derives from the gardens that the monks used to cultivate near the monastery. A path carved into the rock and a wooden movable bridge, which protected the monastery from raids, lead us to its entrance.
Anemotrypa cave ⛰️
The only cave in Greece that crosses a river in its entire length! Near Pramanta and at an altitude of 900 meters, we find the cave "Anemotrypa". The rocks of the cave date between 12 and 15 million years old and there are 3 levels that can be visited to admire this magnificence of nature! With a constant temperature of 17°C it is the place to be for a cool escape on hot summer days!
Akanthos Café, Napoleon Zaglis ☕
With a history of 180 years, it is probably the oldest café in Greece! Located in the village of Kalarrites, it is the authentic period cafe/grocery store, with shelved goods, wooden floor, traditional tables and chairs around a wood stove. Traditional coffee, tsipouro and delicious Vlach-based cuisine await us!
Epirotic Zygia 🎻
If you are a music lover, there is always a party in the villages of Tzoumerka to enjoy the popular Epirotic Zygia. Consisting of clarinet, violin, tambourine and lute, it is a traditional, authentic Epirotic band with a genuine approach to our Epirotic folk music tradition.
Arachthos River Gorge 🌊
The iconic river Arachthos flows through some of the most beautiful areas of Greece and forms a lush and impressive gorge. Experience rafting on a wonderful route through the Gorge, with dips in the natural lake formed by the 20-metre Klifki Waterfall and enjoy a gentle hike to the Plaka Bridge, overlooking the majestic peaks of Tzoumerka and the open valley of Arachthos, suitable for the whole family!
Extra tip 🥃
to accompany the delicious local delicacies...
A local spirit that you can only find in Tzoumerka is Tsipouro Zambella. The first vine of this particular variety was imported 300 years ago by Queen Isabella from Portugal, from whom it takes its name.