NATIONAL PARK TZOUMERKA-the backbone of PINDOS

 

A natural wall of 28 km, part of the mountain range of Central Western Pindos, between Arachthos west and Achelous east, displayed on the map with two names, or Athamanika Tzoumerka Mountains.

This part of the backbone of Pindos and the Giver of Life River Arachthos create a unique ecosystem protected by the European ecological network Natura 2000 and recently protected by national legislation.

Since 2009, the wider area of ​​Tzoumerka between the prefectures of Ioannina, Arta and Trikala is now the National Park Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Arachthos gorge characterized mainly by strong geographical relief and great biodiversity.

And may more than 1,300 m. The slopes are treeless, but at lower altitudes will find forests of arbutus, oaks, firs, pines and beech trees, while on the banks of river ecosystems characterized by willows, alders and planes, generating sets unique natural beauty. Around the mountain is rich fauna with wolves, deer, hares, foxes, squirrels, wild boars, hawks, jays and a few eagles, and in recent years reappeared and bears.

  

What should definitely visit the Western Tzoumerka?

1) Arachthos-The "Angry" River flows from west of Lakmos (Dove) in Beech position Despot at an altitude of 1,700. The main tributary Kalarytikos in which "meet" come rushing into a deep gorge 700-800 m. Before it flows into the Gulf of Amvrakikos has traveled 110 km, has "captured" the artificial lake Pournari and has given energy to electricity.

2) waterfalls of Tzoumerka - An extravaganza The Tzoumerka region is rich in water, so it has as a consequence that many other smaller waterfalls and other older.

Twin waterfalls over the village Cataracts can be categorized as seasonal, but the days after rain and spring melted snow water that precipitates from 35 meters. Creates a unique spectacle, while the hum that sounds even the opposite Forest village.

3) Cave Anemotripa - In the bowels of Tzoumerka South Pramanda is 270 meters long cave, from which 250 are accessible to visitors. It has three levels, but only the medium has developed for tourism, has impressive colored stalagmites under which formed three lakes with shades of gray, pink and white. Here inhabit various insects and the cave temperature is 19 C.

4) The Bridge of Plaka-Architectural and Historical monument has taken its name from the surrounding area, it is the largest single-arch stone bridge in the Balkans. With an overall length of 61 meters, a height of 21m and opening the vault to 40 gives the feeling that hovers over the waters of Arachthos. He played an important historical role during the Ottoman Empire and later the Greek-German war as during the years of the Civil War.

5) mountain refuge Pramanda is one of the few mountain refuges that reaches street, has an altitude of 1,300 m, which gives the visitor a big part of the beauty and majesty of the mountains. There is a shelter and the Mountain Theater which hosts concerts and performances during the summer and which claims the unofficial title of the theater located at the highest altitude in Greece.

              Activities

 It is understood that in Tzoumerka can do hiking, mountain biking and rafting in Arachthos River.