Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Skala Stamati – Katafidi

Summer time in Greece can be rather hot and the best way to escape the heat wave is not to follow the masses and go by the sea side or to a beautiful Greek island, but to move towards the north of the country and specifically in one of the high peaks of Central and/or North of Greece. This is actually how I have planned to escape the 40 C degrees heat wave and specifically to go for a nice hiking trip in the stunning Athamanika Mountains (Tzoumerka).

Tzoumerka together with the mountains Kakarditsa and Lakmos are the most important mountains of the region. Its peak, Katafidi, reaches at an altitude of 2.393 meters. The steep slopes are its main characteristic that cover the biggest part of the western side. Its eastern side is mild and easier for hiking in winter. Like in the rest of Pindos, in Tzoumerka there are some of the biggest and most rare mammals of Greece.

If you are lucky you might see bears, wolves, elks and other smaller species. The mountain is full of oak and pine trees while at some points there are cercis siliquastrum, wild cherry trees and plane trees.

See more hiking/mountaineering routes around this area:

Winter Climb in Strogoula via Agrofylakas Couloir
Winter Mountaineering Lakmos/Peristeri
Verliga Alpine Lake
Alpine Dragon Lake
Astraka Peak
Gamila Peak
Syrrako – Kallarites

About Athamanika Mountains (Tzoumerka)

Athamanika mountains rise in-between the boundaries of the counties of Arta, Ioannina and Trikala. At the West the mountains are bounded by Aracthos river and at the East by Acheloos river. Geomorphologically, the region is divided into 2 sections: the northern section, belongs to Ioannina prefecture and hosts the highest peak (2469 meters) and the southern part belongs mainly to the prefecture of Arta.

Geologically, Athamanika Mountains are consisted mainly of limestones and flysch formations. This alternation of rocks combined with intense rainfall has resulted the development of an extensive groundwater with a presence of springs in many places. The most famous water spring is “Agathi“, near the village of Melisourgoi. Also, a nice natural attraction is the waterfall of Kefalovriso.

After a full day of driving we have reached the mountain hut of Katarraktis, which at the moment is under construction. Out plan was to stay overnight in the abandoned mountain hut and the day after to start our ascent to the Katafidi peak via Skala Stamati.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170603_128 — Katarraktis Mountain Hut

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170649_223 — View from the mountain hut towards Pindos

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170543_394 — Sierra Designs Lightning tent

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170625_451 — View from my tent

About Skala Stamati

Skala Stamati: a mysterious path that moves in midair using a chain of successive zones (zonaria) on the mountain slope. The whole face of Tzoumerka is scattered with many narrow paths that were used for hundred of years by shepherds moving from winter to summer pastures on the mountain plateau. Nowadays there are no shepherds staying there for the whole summer. Shepherd Salamouras was perhaps the last to uphold this tradition up to a couple of years ago. It would have been great to visit these shepherds and be able to spend a whole day in their lovely company and listen as they talk about the old days when Bresena plateau was full of shepherds, sheep and goats. In the old days the wives of the shepherds carried to the plateau food supplies and other essentials and took to the village of Katarraktis feta cheese. All this was done using the historical Skala Stamati.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172036_541 — Skala Stamati narrow trail path

Katarraktis Mountain Refuge – Skala Stamati – Bresana Plateau

Our path starts from Katarraktis refuge and is marked with red dots starτing on the hump on the right side of the refuge. In the beginning we move up the hill on a steep slope and then we enter Skala Stamati. The vastness and rough slopes of Tzoumerka open in front of us into a magnificent scenery.

Seeing the slope you need a lot of imagination to find the path and probably you will say that there is no way to cross it. But the red dots are here to guide you through one of the most magnificent path in Greece. Looking behind, the trace of the path is lost in slope but for the one who knows it is there.

Our plan was to start early in the morning (7.00 a.m.) so we would hike uphill in the shadow. That was actually a great decision and in combination with a lovely morning breeze we did not face any issue from the heat wave.

Furthermore, due to the fact we wanted to do a round trip (Katarraktis mountain hut – Skala Stamati – Bresena Plateau – Katafifi peak – Katarraktis mountain hut) we had to start early so we would make sure to be back at the starting point on time.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170757_277 — Early morning start from the mountain hut. Katafidi peak in the background

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170843_634 — Follow the red signs (NOT the yellow signs)

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170908_069 — Trail marks

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_170959_307 — Stunning scenery

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_171041_885 — Looking backwards – Katafidi peak 2.393 m.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_171613_328 — Roka peak (2.143 m.) in the background

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_171737_544 — Beautiful peaks

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_171828_987 — Roka peak as seen from Skala Stamati

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_171952_030 — Narrow passage of Skala Stamati

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172017_488 — Narrow path

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172202_762 — Trail sign on Skala Stamati and Roka peak in the background

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172232_632 — getting closer to the “portes” (exit to Bresena plateau)

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172337_915 — Looking towards Mt. Tomaros

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172553_091 — Beautiful landscape

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172655_209 — The “secret” passage to Bresena plateau

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172732_334 — View from the “secret” passage

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172854_209 — Almost at Bresena Plateau

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_172926_920 — Bresena Plateau

The whole trail lasts 1:30 hours from the refuge of Katarraktis to Bresena plateau. It is suggested for experienced hikers and it is a good idea to avoid it when it has rained and the grass is wet.

As soon we reached Bresena plateau, we also had our first contact (of the day) with the beams of sun. Therefore, on that point I covered the exposed parts of my body with sunscreen in order to avoid any sun burns.

Bresana Plateau – Katafidi Peak

After one hour and thirty minutes we have reached the Bresena plateau. Up to few years ago, during the summer months, the Bresena plateau was full of shepherds, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, shepherd dogs, and of course all the wild life such as bears and wolfs.

In addition, in Bresena plateau in the past were few springs with fresh water and therefore all the animals could survive the entire summer period.

The hike from Bresana plateau to Katafidi peak (2.393 m.) is a rather easy hike and due to the fact we wanted to have a bit more fun, every time we would find a part where we could scramble, we were going from there and not from the traditional trail. In fact, we were moving parallel of the ridge of Skismeno Lithari, which was nice and fun to do.

Once we have reached the col of Katafidi, we had a short break in order to have some snacks, to get refreshed with some water and of course to have some rest before the final push.

The last part of the trail, is a straight uphill and the last few meters require an easy scrambling (perhaps II UIAA).

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173027_329 — ruins of the shepherds hut

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173112_563 — View towards Katafidi II peak

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173134_736 — Skismeno Lithari

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173310_122 — Lovely views

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173450_207 — Beautiful alpine fields

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173519_576 — Sheep and shepherd coming from Theodoriana village

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173556_469 — Katafidi peak 2.393 m.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173621_915 — Katafidi II peak

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173707_127 — Katafidi peak as seen from the west

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173739_295 — Katafidi peak as seen from the west

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173828_189 — Sheperd’s mountain hut

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_173949_762 — Final push towards Katafidi

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174011_135 — Scrambling part

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174026_658 — View towards Kakarditsa

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174113_704 — final meters

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174132_787 — Almost at the top

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174157_402 — Katafidi peak 2.393 m.

Finally, after few hours of hiking and partly scrambling, we have reached our goal and specifically, Katafidi peak, which is located 2.393 meters above sea level.

It is always great feeling when reaching a mountain peak and the views from Katafidi was really stunning. From this peak, one can see the following other peaks and mountain ranges such as Stroggoula, Kakarditsa, Tymfi, Tomaros, Lakmos and even Agrafa mountains.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174224_762 — Flag pole

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174309_168 — Trail path to Theodoriana village.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174351_492 — View from the top

Katafidi peak – Katarraktis Mountain Hut

Although is really nice to seat and observe from mountain peaks, staying for prolonged times is not ideal. Therefore, after a short break on Katafidi peak (2.393 m), we started our descent in order to reach the mountain hut of Katarraktis. The descent to the mountain hut was perhaps the less interesting part from the entire trail.

At the beginning the descent moves along an old dirt road that leads to Bresena plateau and after a while moves downhill along huge and smaller blocks of limestone rocks. In fact, from the entire trail, that was the most tiring part because we had to pay attention to the moving blocks.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174437_590 — Descent from Katafidi

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174417_538 — Katafidi as seen from our descent

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Skala_Stamati_Katafidi_174454_513 — Katarraktis mountain hut

Panagia Faneromeni Chapel

After a long day on the alpine heights, we moved lower and we decided to camp in a lovely spot just in the backyard of Panagia Faneromeni Chapel.

This unofficial campsite which is about 2.5 km far from Katarraktis village offers a flat grass plateau, a spring with fresh running water and of course a magnificent view of the entire western Tzoumerka mountain range.

On this unofficial campsite we also met a family from Italy. In the evening time we placed our tents and we had a lovely sleep.