Hiking in Captain’s Baths (Λουτρά Καπετάνιου) – Vourgareli – South Tzoumerka (family friendly)

On August 10, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking1 Comment

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.

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Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Melissourgoi – Kryoneri Waterfall – Melissourgoi (family friendly)

On August 4, 2023August 30, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

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.

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Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Pramanta Refuge – Kefalovriso Waterfall – Melissourgoi Refuge – Pramanta Refuge (family friendly)

On September 14, 2022September 10, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

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.

Hiking_Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Pramanta_Refuge_Kefalobriso_Waterfall_Melisourgi_Refuge_114556_234 — Strogoula

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Hiking in West Parnitha – Agios Kiprianos – Koromilia peak – Tamilthi peak – Alogopetra peak – Agios Kiprianos

On January 12, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking12 Comments

The past few days, I have had the chance to enjoy one of the most famous mountains of Greece, Mount Parnitha. Mount Parnitha, is one of the most visited mountains due to its proximity to the capital of Greece, Athens.

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Although there is plenty cultural and historical sights in and around Athens, a visitor has many more reasons in order to visit this magnificent city.

Parntha_Agios_Kiprianos_Koromilia_Tamilthi_Alogopetra_183348_907 — Agios Kiprianos Monastery

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Summary

On July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking15 Comments

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:

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part3_Astraka_Refuge_Davalista_Konitsa_082545_516 — Reflections of Astraka peak right on Xeroloutsa (waterpond) Tsoumani

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Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Pramanta Refuge – Kefalovriso Waterfall – Melissourgoi Refuge

On July 7, 2021August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking13 Comments

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.)

Hiking_in_Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Pramanta_Kefalovriso_Waterafall_Melissourgoi_190403_399 — Kefalovriso Waterfall

About Pramanta Mountain Refuge

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Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Katarraktis Waterfalls – Katarraktis Refuge – Faneromeni

On July 1, 2021August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking14 Comments

The official summer season is right in front of us, and in order to celebrate it, I decided to visit one of my favourite mountains of Greece, the Athamanika (or Tzoumerka).

The cycle of seasons at Tzoumerka (Athamanika) follows its own calm rhythms. Words such as awe and admiration are not enough to describe the splendor of the nature.

Here, time seems to hang still over the gorges, the vertical cliffs of the ravines and the snow-covered firs that climb the rocks up to the naked alpine zone. The abundant running water and impressive waterfalls justify the omnipresent dense flora and satisfy both the physical thirst as well as that of the sense of sight.

There are a lot of mapped hiking routes at Tzoumerka (Athamanika), with special markings, both for advanced and beginners in hiking.

Hiking_in_Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Waterafalls_064208_006

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Hiking in Zagori – Villages and Stone Bridges – Greece (family friendly)

On June 15, 2021August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking21 Comments

Having completed one of the most exciting trekking trips in Tymfi, we decided to explore a bit further the area and specifically the Zagori villages.

Zagori, is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Asprangeloi. It has an area of some 1,000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria), and is in the shape of an upturned equilateral triangle. Ioannina, the provincial capital, is at the southern point of the triangle, while the south-western side is formed by Mount Mitsikeli (1,810m). The Aoos river running north of Mt Tymfi forms the northern boundary, while the south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to Mount Mavrovouni (2,100m) near Metsovo.

Hiking_Zagori_Villages_Bridges_Zagorochoria_MAIN-copy — Kalogeriko Bridge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 3 – Astraka Refuge – Davalista – Konitsa

On June 6, 2021September 3, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking20 Comments

The third day of this amazing thru-hike, started after a good sleep and rest in the mountain refuge of Astraka. Although, day one and day two we had to carry a heavy load, we were very excited to carry on with our adventure and exploration of Mt. Tymfi.

For this third and last day on the mountain, we had as first goal to go through the Davalista pass which is located NW from the Astraka refuge, and as a final destination to get back to Konitsa where we had parked our car.

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part3_Astraka_Refuge_Davalista_Konitsa_082510_297 — Astraka peak – What a lovely morning view from the refuge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 2 – Sadi Migas – Karteros Pass – Astraka Refuge

On June 3, 2021August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering26 Comments

Following a rather good night of sleep in the “secret” log cabin, we woke up with a unique and mesmerising morning view. The early morning sun beams were gently hitting the high peaks of Mt. Tymfi and specifically Gamila peak. The contrast of the rock and the clear blue sky was great and there was clearly visible a line, which happens to be one of the most repeated trad-climbing routes of Gamila, Tsekouri.

Although this second day we had to cover quite some distance and to climb up Karteros’ pass, we took it rather easy with our breakfast. We enjoyed our morning coffee and talked about past mountaineering activities and climbing routes.