Lake Ziros is located between Preveza and Arta in the lovely region of Epirus, Greece. Formerly a cave, this small elliptical lake has a fascinating history and is fed by enchanting underground springs. Until recently, Lake Ziros was a well-kept secret, absent from tourist maps, but it has now started gaining recognition while maintaining its charming allure and tranquility.
For the ones who regularly follow this blog, it will be no wonder that I particularly like and enjoy to visit the area of Tzoumerka (Athamanika) mountains. This time, I would like to welcome all fellow adventurers, to the captivating world of hiking in Captain’s Baths, situated in the heart of the South Tzoumerka region. If you are seeking an unforgettable family-friendly outdoor experience filled with natural beauty and historical significance, this hidden gem is the perfect destination for you. Captain’s Baths offers a unique blend of scenic trails, stunning landscapes, and intriguing historical tales that will leave you spellbound.
While most people flock to the shimmering coastlines and picturesque islands of Greece during the scorching summer months, I have a well-kept secret that I’m eager to share with you – Athamanika (Tzoumerka) Mountains, or as some call it, the hidden jewel of mainland Greece.
Located away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy destinations, Athamanika (Tzoumerka) Mountains promises a refreshing escape into nature’s lap. As the temperatures soar, I find solace in the cool embrace of these magnificent mountains, where lush forests and awe-inspiring peaks beckon hikers seeking tranquility.
My go-to spot in this wonderland is the Pramanta Mountain Refuge, strategically located just a few kilometers away from the charming village of Pramanta and tucked beneath the majestic Strogoula peak.
Summer time in Greece, means sun and high temperatures and most of the people visit the seaside and the islands of the country. Though, for me, summer time means a visit to one of my favourite -amongst others- areas of mainland Greece, Tzoumerka (or Athamanika).
Like every time I visit the area, I use as a base the Pramanta Mountain Refuge which is located few kilometres far from the village of Pramanta and under the Strogoula peak. One of the nicest things of that location, is that you can use your tent surrounded by the beautiful forest, with stunning view of Strogoula and by having all the comforts of the mountain refuge.
Tzoumerka (or Athamanika), characterised by the mountains, the rugged landscape and the dense greenery, have the water element omnipresent in order to offer its freshness and balance through its everlasting movement! Thus, on the one hand there is the Acheloos river with its unique beaches, and on the other the Theodoriana village and its unique, twin waterfalls of Souda.
Continue reading “Souda Twin Waterfalls – Theodoriana – Hiking in Tzoumerka (family friendly)”
It’s been almost 6 months since my last visit to the area of Mt. Tzoumerka (Athamanika) and this time I wanted to explore an area of the mountains that I have never been before. The overall plan was to visit and explore the Central and Eastern Tzoumerka and specifically the hiking opportunities around Theodoriana village.
The trail to Marks area leads us to the heart of Elatia, the largest and pristine forest of Theodoriana, and a wonderful stream with lakes and waterfalls.
Wherever you are in Epirus, somewhere near you, there will be a “hidden” place that will surprise you with its beauty. One of them is the waterfall of Kouiassa in Tzoumerka and more specifically, five minutes before you reach the village of Kalarrites, after the metal bridge that crosses Kalarritikos river, you can park your car where there is and the sign that starts the path. The path from the main road to the waterfall is only 15 minutes. On your way you will find a watermill that works as a cafe next to the river. As soon as you reach the waterfall, the landscape will enchant you with its beauty, so it is a very good idea, if you are there in the summer, to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Kalarritikos river.
We are in the middle of the summer season in Greece, and this summer the temperatures are very high even for Greece. Having daily temperatures above 40 C, there are not many outdoor activities that we can enjoy, but we can certainly enjoy a lovely and easy hike to the breathtaking waterfall of Balta di Stringa.
Tymfi is a mountain in the northern Pindus mountain range, northwestern Greece. It is part of the regional unit of Ioannina and lies in the region of Zagori, just a few metres south of the 40° parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2,497 m (8,192 ft), being the sixth highest in Greece.
This is a short summary post with the highlights of the Thru-Hike of the northern side of mountain Tymfi. If you wish to see the individual posts which contain detailed information and more photos, you can click to the following links:
Continue reading “Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Summary”
There are a lot of mapped hiking routes at Tzoumerka, with special markings, both for advanced and beginners in hiking. A very easy hike is the one that starts from the Pramanta Mountain Refuge till Kefalovriso Waterfall. The waterfall of Kefalovriso, the highest of Greece (350 m.)
Olympus Mountaineering 