Tzoumerka, also known as the Athamanika Mountains, is one of the largest mountain ranges in Western Greece. Spanning the regions of Ioannina and Arta, it embraces a collection of beautiful villages. Staying here is a novel way to explore a different side of Greece, which is so much more than its islands. Ideal year-round and especially cozy in the fall-winter period, this lush, mountainous region in Epirus is just perfect. And the best part: Not impossibly hard to access (→ How to get there).
Why Visit and What To Do in Tzoumerka?
These are landscapes of rugged beauty, with stone-built villages, monasteries, and churches hanging on cliffs and caves. Rivers, gorges, and waterfalls create a unique setting, thrilling for mountain lovers and nature enthusiasts of all kinds. We travel from village to village, crossing rivers, climbing to the peaks, seeing waterfalls, and meeting people. Life in Tzoumerka moves slowly and leisurely, inspiring you to take your next step, whatever that may be, while leaving its own mark on the daily rhythm of each person.
Tzoumerka however, is also a place for thrilling outdoor action. Here are just some of the wonderful adventures you can experience here, as well as more leisurely activities like relaxed strolls horseback riding and dining:
Rafting at the Arachthos River
Experience a 10 km rafting adventure on the Arachthos River, starting at Politsa in Abelohori and ending at Plaka Bridge. Flowing from the Pindus mountains to the Amvrakikos Gulf, the river offers natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities.
Canyoning at the Gate of Paradise and Stavraetos
Explore the Pyli Tou Paradeisou gorge with its 25-meter waterfalls, a 15-minute walk from the entrance near Kalarrytes. The Stavraetos gorge, beginning near Syrrako, features a stunning 50-meter waterfall along a scenic cobbled path.
Hiking Along the Historic Syrrako-Kalarrytes Trail
A scenic 1.5-hour hike connects Syrrako and Kalarrytes via a cobbled path. The trail crosses the Hrousia River over a wooden bridge before ascending towards the higher village of Kalarrytes.
Kayaking at Kalarrytikos River
Reserved for experts, the Kalarrytikos River offers a challenging kayaking experience. This narrow, turbulent river begins at Gogos bridge, with demanding passages through a gorge requiring skilled paddling and local guide support.
Downhill Track
Pramadol, Greece’s first organized bike park, offers a 1,800-meter downhill track with a 450-meter descent. Located in Pramanta, the park is expanding to 2,300 meters, making it a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Read more about activities in Tzoumerka here.
We have selected 10 guesthouses, each with its own charming atmosphere, very tasteful facilities and good services. Here, you will enjoy modern conveniences and comfort at the highest level.
01
Rodami – Kalenzi
Stone, wood, authentic stories, and significant memories are the primary materials of Rodami guesthouse in Kalenzi, Katsanochoria, Tzoumerka. The stone building, constructed in 1833, was originally a residence. After a complete renovation, which respected its history and architecture, it was transformed into a guesthouse. It has three fully equipped and organized apartments that can comfortably accommodate families, couples, or friends, enhancing the concepts of hospitality and relaxation.
Rodami offers quality products with local ingredients, traditional recipes, handmade baked goods, homemade sweets, and jams. It serves as an ideal base for exploring alternative activities in the Tzoumerka region.
Kalenzi
02
Anavasi Mountain Resort
On the slopes of Tzoumerka, just outside Pramanta village, in Tsopela, is a beautifully designed hotel with high aesthetic standards, an indoor heated pool, and a sauna. It has cozy spaces for relaxation and tranquility, and the careful decoration perfectly complements the surrounding landscape. The services provided turn your stay into a unique experience. Staying at Anavasi is an ideal opportunity to explore the wider area and engage in alternative activities. The breakfast includes carefully selected options with an emphasis on taste and quality.
Tsopela Pramanta
03
Princess Lanassa – Kostitsi
Named after the second wife of King Pyrrhus, Princess Lanassa is housed in a traditionally built country house that has stood for three centuries. Located in the village of Kostitsi, in Northern Tzoumerka, it offers luxurious, comfortable rooms, suites, and chalets, along with a pool, sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi. The hotel’s restaurant serves dishes focused on local ingredients and simple, quality products.
Kostitsi
04
Alexandra Plaisia Hotel
In a renovated stone house from 1931, the Alexandra Hotel is located in the village of Plaisia. It has four spacious rooms where stone and wood dominate, maintaining the traditional character intact. It has a courtyard where breakfast is served when the weather permits, featuring local ingredients and a variety of traditional pies from Ioannina, such as vegetable pies, flour pies, cheese pies, and batsaria.
Plaisia
05
Orizontes Tzoumerkon
Located in Pramanta, at the foot of Stroggoula, amidst a lush forest of cedars and firs, Orizontes offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It has 12 carefully decorated rooms that reflect the character of the region. The hotel’s restaurant serves both traditional and modern flavors, with ingredients sourced locally. The hotel also features a wellness center with a heated pool offering impressive views of the mountain slopes, as well as a gym, sauna, and hammam.
Pramanta
06
Stavraetos
A traditional guesthouse with eight rooms, located next to the Gkoura spring in the center of the Syrrako village, near the main square and the ancient plane trees. Stavraetos is a two-story stone mansion with ornate wooden ceilings, handcrafted bronze light fixtures, fine décor with carved furniture, and a striking interplay of colors. It successfully combines tradition with comfort and luxury. The breakfast is prepared with great care, featuring mouth-watering honeyed pancakes, steaming trahanas, fresh farm eggs, butter, yogurt, freshly baked cakes, homemade jams, local honey, and village pies.
Syrrako
07
Old School Boutique Hotel
The iconic three-story stone building, which once served as the village school in Syrrako and is classified as a modern monument, has been transformed into a charming boutique hotel with 9 rooms, a reception area, and a breakfast hall. Built a century ago, it stands out from afar and was a meeting point for students of the village for many years. Today, it has become a warm and welcoming space with traditional woven rugs, dark wooden furniture, aesthetically pleasing colors, and comfortable beds and mattresses. Some rooms feature fireplaces, while breakfast is served in one of the two lounges, with an emphasis on quality and local ingredients.
Syrrako
How Do You Get to Tzoumerka from Athens?
By Car
To reach Tzoumerka from Athens by car, take the E65 highway heading northwest toward Ioannina. At Arta, turn onto the provincial road leading to Tzoumerka. The trip takes approximately 5 hours, covering around 400 kilometers. The roads are well-maintained, though some parts become winding near the mountains.
By Bus
If traveling by bus, go to the KTEL Bus Station in Athens. KTEL Kifissos is the main intercity bus terminal for destinations in western and northwestern Greece, including Arta, which is the gateway to Tzoumerka. and take a bus to Arta (5-hour journey). From Arta, local KTEL buses connect to Tzoumerka, though their schedules are limited, so checking times in advance is advisable.
By Air ← Our Recommendation
The closest airport to Tzoumerka is Ioannina National Airport (King Pyrros) (IATA: IOA), situated roughly 60 to 90 km away from various parts of Tzoumerka, depending on your final destination. To reach Tzoumerka by air:
Fly into Ioannina: Direct flights from Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport) are available through domestic airlines, with the flight lasting about 1 hour.
Getting from Ioannina to Tzoumerka: Once you land in Ioannina, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Tzoumerka. The drive typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your specific destination. Alternatively, a taxi or private transfer can be arranged for the trip.
