Tzoumerka National Park

Tzoumerka National Park is in Epirus of Greece.

Understand
The relatively unknown mountain national park near Ioannina has a certain tradition as a hiking area, but is far less frequented than the Vikos-Aoos National Park further north. If you want to experience wild nature away from the tourist crowds, this is the place for you. Many of the waterfalls and other sights are only accessible on foot. If you have mobility problems or are not athletic, you will essentially only be able to see the villages in the national park.

History
Since 2009 there is the small national park Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Archatos Gorge. It lies substantially within the boundaries of the previously designated Important Bird Area (IRA) Tsoumerka and the Athamanikon Mountains Natura 2000 Conservation Area and covers approximately 820 km².

Landscape
Tzoumerka, also Athamanika, is a mountain massif in the southern Pindos Mountains in Epirus that stretches in a north-south direction. The north-south extent of the Tzoumerka is about 40 km, the east-west extent 15 to 20 km. The highest peak is Kakarditsa at 2429 m. To the west of the Tzoumerka massif, the Arachthos river flows north-south to its confluence with the Ambracian Gulf at Arta, to the east the Acheloos river flows north-south to its confluence with the Ionian Sea. Thus, the Tzoumerka massif represents the watershed between these two great rivers of Greece.

Flora and fauna
Mixed forest that changes into coniferous forest at higher altitudes and above the tree line into forest-free mountain tundra

Climate
As is typical in the high mountains, it is much colder all year round than on the coasts. From mid-May all pass roads are usually open. This is the best time to visit the falls, which carry a lot of water due to snowmelt. The water levels decrease in June and in July/August most are dry. Midsummer is the best time for hiking and visiting the villages. It is then warm enough to take a dip in the ice-cold rivers and streams.

Get in
The deep valleys of the Arachthos and Acheloos rivers represent topographical barriers that make it difficult to open up the Tzoumerka to traffic. The only good motorable access to the tourist centers at the villages of Sirako, Kalrites and Matsouki is from Ioannina. In the east, a road leads from Trikala via Mesochora to the west side over very winding mountain pass roads that are only passable in the summer months. The few roads crossing from east to west are not passable in winter, with the exception of the connection Arta - Mesochora - Trikala running along the southern edge. The asphalt road over the Barros Pass, which is usually open from May, is of particular importance. It connects the upper Acheloos valley with Matsouki or Kalarites and is particularly popular as a motorbike route.

Fees and permits
none

Get around
Your own vehicle, preferably off-road, is the only way to explore the area in a reasonable amount of time. Bus connections are available, but very time-consuming. Most attractions have to be hiked, so you need a certain level of fitness.

Do

 * Rafting: there are a number of providers, as the area is ideal for this. Meeting point is often at the Plaka Bridge. Otherwise, information material is available in every hotel and restaurant.
 * Hiking: In the Tzoumerkagebirge there are a number of marked hiking trails with special signposts for both beginners and experienced hikers. See here for routes.
 * 4x4 Tour: A number of providers organize interesting, worthwhile excursions into the mountains
 * Motorcycle/Enduro: The whole area is a fantastic route for motorcycle tours both on country roads and off-road.

Buy
There are basic necessities to buy in every village, for everything else you go to Ioannina. In the village of Pramanta there is the greatest choice.

Eat
There are several restaurants in each village, serving part-grilled, part-cooked food. A specialty of the area are Pittas, e.g. B. with cheese, spinach filled dumplings.

Sleep
One should choose the location of the accommodation so central that one is close to the sights that are of interest to one. Well located and with plenty of accommodation is the village of Pramanta. The very winding narrow roads in the area make progress very slow. Since there is also time for hiking for many sights, the access routes should be kept as short as possible. There are no cars in the picturesque village of Sirako. The accommodations must also be "hiked" here.

Stay safe
The area is very safe in terms of crime and the only real danger is the wild nature with steep slopes, lonely forests where an injured hiker cannot be found immediately. It's a good idea to let someone know if you're planning to go on an off-the-beaten-track trail. Mobile network reception is not good enough everywhere to call for help.