Excursion description

Tzoumerka or Athamanika mountains are located in western Greece and are part of the wider Pindos mountain range. Their highest peak is called Kakarditsa (2429m) and the second highest is Katafydi (2393m). Another high and impressive peak is Strogoula (2107m.). They have been designated one of the important areas for birds in Greece and have been declared a National Park. They consist of beautiful villages and traditional settlements surrounded by ravines, gorges and steep mountains. The steep mountains in combination with the crystal clear rivers create a scene taken from the movies of another era, leaving the visitor enchanted and stimulating his senses in a different and fairytale way.

Tzoumerka is a real mountain paradise on earth and offers numerous hiking and mountaineering routes of maximum beauty and high aesthetics. The program we propose combines to the maximum extent the pleasure one feels while climbing in nature and the rejuvenation experienced while rafting in crystal clear waters. Those in relatively good physical condition and children aged twelve and over can participate in the activities only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. In the ascents to the surrounding peaks, depending on the time of year, good physical condition and appropriate preparation are required.

Adventure excursion schedule

Day one: Meeting at Tzoumerka

Meeting in the famous village of Pramanta in the afternoon for our welcome dinner. The famous Pramanta, built at an altitude of 840 meters, is located in Western Tzoumerka, 65 kilometers southeast of Ioannina and 70 kilometers northeast of Arta. It is built amphitheatrically at the foot of Strogoula on the banks of the river Arachthos.

Day two: Hiking and exploring the surroundings

Morning : Hike from Sirrako to Kalarytes

In the morning we will visit Sirrako, a beautiful and impressive stone-built village. The walk starts outside the village from an arched gate and following a stone path we cross a bridge entering the heart of the village where the central square and the picturesque church are located. The walk continues and leads to the other side of the village where it connects to the downhill path that leads to the waterfalls and the iron bridge of Chrousia, a tributary of the Kalarritikos river. The gorge of Chrousia separates the two villages. After the bridge the walk is uphill and reaches the stone staircase which requires caution, especially when it is wet. The staircase in some places follows the impressive ravine. The path continues uphill and follows its course towards Kalarrites, a traditional Vlach village. During the route the view towards Sirraco is magnificent.

The journey takes about two to three hours. The path, although relatively short, is a special experience that offers the hiker the opportunity to come into contact with the wild beauty of the continental nature. Arriving in Kalarytes, the stone-built traditional house in the central square, which is used as a museum, is noteworthy.

Afternoon : Walk to the bridge of Kouiasa and visit the Kipina monastery

The path that leads to the bridge of Kouiasas, although short, is truly beautiful and fairytale-like. After the bridge the hike continues for a while and reaches an amazing waterfall. The waters are deep and very cold…but the brave can dive!

Before our departure for the guesthouse we will pass by the Kipinas monastery, which is literally wedged into the rock with the view from the windows taking your breath away.

Day three: Rafting at Arahthos

Rafting is the descent of a river in an inflatable boat. It is preferably done in rapids to increase the enjoyable experience. The route we will follow is easy to moderate (difficulty level 2 and some passages 3) which means that maneuvers are required which will satisfy those who have tried it before and put those who will try it for the first time in good spirits. Everyone can participate! Certified and qualified rafting guides will guide us and be responsible for the safety of the group in each boat.

Alternatively, for the more adventurous, if a group interested in Canyoning gathers, a descent into a canyon in the area can be organized for an additional fee.

The evening will be free and there will be detailed information about tomorrow’s ascent to Strogoula.

Day four: Ascent of Mount Strongoula (2101m)

The ascent to Strogoula with an altitude of 2101m. is impressive and is considered one of the most important climbs in Greece. The ascent from the Pramanto side is around three and a half kilometers and takes around three hours. It starts from the Pramantos refuge and proceeds towards the gully that leads under the peak which, although it seems inaccessible, is relatively easy to reach by following the well-marked path. There are other routes, the most famous of which is the one that starts from Agnada and goes up on the other side of the mountain. This route climbs through dense forest and after reaching the alpine zone follows the ridge of the mountain towards the pass between Strogoula and Roka.

The view towards the entire ridge of Tzoumerka with Katafidi (2393m), Gerakovuni and Roka is panoramic. In the background you can see the Kakarditsa massif, the Ioannina lake, Tymfi and Agrafa.

Day five: Visit Metsovo

Metsovo, which according to one version comes from Slavic and means “Bear place”, is a mountainous traditional town built at an altitude of 1160m. between the mountains of the Pindos mountain range. The residents of Metsovo are mainly engaged in animal husbandry and the production of dairy products, with the two best known cheeses of Products of Designation of Origin, Metsovone and Metsovelas, as well as the manufacture of barrels, beehives and items of folk art. It is also famous for its wine production.

The program in Metsovo is free. Three monasteries in the area have been classified as preserved: the Monastery of Theotokos, the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos and the Monastery of Zoodochos Sounia. The Folklore Museum and the Averof Art Gallery are noteworthy, where paintings by famous painters of the 19th and 20th centuries are exhibited.

We recommend you to try the traditional kontosouvli, which is reputed to be the best in Greece. After enjoying another day we will take the bus to Thessaloniki and for those who will depart we will end up at Macedonia Airport.

Recommended gear

Each participant must be properly equipped with their personal gear for hiking.
Rafting and/or Canyoning equipment will be given to you on site and is included in the price.

An equipment list will be sent after registration as well as a discount coupon from the Get Out Outdoor Store for your personal purchases.

Next scheduled excursion:

Available upon request

Excursion Duration:

5 days

Price includes:

  • Excursion leader
  • Rafting and/or canyoning instructors
  • Reception dinner
  • List of personal equipment and guidance on its purchase and use
  • Equipment for rafting and/or canyoning

Price does not include:

  • Airfares
  • Domestic transfers
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation and meals