Tzoumerka

A beautiful 2-day excursion

There are times I loath my husband's obsession with bike-trips. As women we need some comfort. This thing, “get on the bike and go”, with only one pair of shoes and two sets of trousers isn't always the kind of holiday an almost 40 year-old woman dreams of… On the other hand, I cannot hide it, the trips on our bike, always fill my batteries. It is this feeling that the ride gives you, that nothing else matters. It's just you, him and the world around you. Just like a hippie…!!! Hippie staff is cool sometimes. It's necessary…

Last time we went on a short excursion, I needed it more than ever. After a period full of stress and fatigue, a 2-day riding-trip to Tzoumerka, was the best that could happen. It was spring, you see, when nature offers its beauty generously, more than in any other time of year!

Kataraktis

Kataraktis-The village's church

Tzoumerka are located in Epirus, central Pindos, between rivers Arahthos and Aspropotamos. The word “tzoum” in the aromanian/ vlach dialect means sharp peak. They consist of 47 villages, some belonging to Arta and some to Ioannina. We traveled through the southern part, which is in Arta and we only visited the most well-known and important villages. Pramada, Agnada, Sirako, Kalarites, Ktistades and Katarakti (= waterfall), where we stayed the night. Going from one village to another is not a short ride, nor an easy one. Steep turns and kind of a nasty road. I would say, neglected. It needs attention. Bigger or smaller rocks in the middle of the street, parts where you ride next to the void with no protective bars and herds of animals pasturing care-freely, cutting your path. Of course, the magical images of the mountain pay you back, so it doesn't matter so much. Springs, crystal clear rivers, bridges made of stone, fir forests, gorges, snowcapped mountain-peaks and picturesque villages that just pop up and look as if they have fallen on the slopes.


So, if you happen to visit beautiful Tzoumerka, organize your time so as to see as many things as possible.

Kipinas Monastery

Anemotripa for instance, is on the way to Pramada. It is the only cave in Greece that is crossed by a river throughout it's length. It's worth a visit. Pramada, is one of the most well-known villages and one has to stop and taste the great, local meat in one of its taverns. 


Going towards the lovely village of Kalarites, there is the impressive monastery Kipinas. Well hidden into the mountain -literally-, it was used by the greeks as a hideout, during the turkish occupation. The landscape is awesome! To enter the monastery, that is no longer inhabitated, you need to stop at the cafe, some kilometers back and ask for the key.

Kipinas Monastery 

Kalarites-Tha village's square

The traditional village Kalarites is suitable for beautiful walks. Cobblestone streets, traditional houses, stone bridges and an amazing square amphitheatrically built.
Sirako is just as lovely and if you walk its narrow streets you will find yourselves in another era.

Kalarites

Kalarites

Kalarites-square

Sirako village will take you to another era

Sirako - the entrance

Sirako

Verdant gorges

Tzoumerka can be an ideal destination if you love nature and outdoor activities. Skiing, rafting, hiking, canoe-kayak, horse riding, cycling are some of the sports that will help you get better acquainted with the area and enjoy nature's beauty.

The river accompanies you for the biggest part of the way