ARTA AND PREVEZA – NATURE TRAILS Arta Preveza Nature trails in Southern Epirus TREKKING IN ARTA AND PREVEZA Nature trails Hiking, trekking, mountain biking There is a dramatic and unfiltered beauty in the historic lands of Arta and Preveza. Sunblasted beaches and rugged terrains, swirling rivers and lush woodlands, make up a unique natural mosaic that awakens the senses and creates an unparalleled travel experience. The possibilities are endless. Mountains, wetlands, crystal beaches, and Mountain biking on Zaloggo gushing rivers provide popular biotourism Every year, the Mountain Biking Club of Preveza organizes activities such as bird‐watching, hiking, river a race through the villages of Monolithi, Kanali, rafting, mountain biking and nature treks. Archangelos and Kamarina. The race ends at the Zaloggo Memoria Monument. Cycling – There are many cycling options in Arta, both along the Ambracian Gulf Τhe Cavern of Styga lies on the eastern slopes (Koronisia) and through beautiful villages in of Mt. Erimitis, west of the village of Tzara in the plain of Arta. The Cycling Club of Arta Koroni, and approximately 500m west of the offers information about these cycling routes. Koroni–Morfio municipal road. The area is full There are also several biking routes along the of sinkholes, karst caves and underground Tzoumerka mountain range. drainage systems formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks. Flying – Hang gliding enthusiasts can enjoy unique flying experiences on Mt. Grimbovo, The arched entrance to the Cavern, which is near the city of Arta. The Airclub of Arta hosts located 20m deep, is approximately 14m in a number of activities, and information can be length and 7m in height. Impressive found on their website (www.artafly.gr). The stalactites, up to 3m in length, hang from the Airclub of West Greece organizes short flights ceiling. A small lake on the east side of the Cycling tours over some of the most beautiful landscapes, in cave is known as the “Christening Tub of Into the Wild Preveza offers amazing cycling tours from the company of trained air force pilots. Achilles.” Legend tells that Achilles’ mother, the Monastery and the Forest of Lekatsa to the beach of Schedules and information are available at Thetis, dipped her son in this lake to make him Loutsa, Kanali, Lake Zirou, as well as the beaches of www.airclubartas.gr. immortal. Artolithia and Lygia. (photo). ARTA – PREVEZA NATURE TREKS| 2 Ammoudia – Mesopotamos – Necromanteio (Oracle of the Dead) Kingdom of the underworld A number of hiking trails around the Acheron river delta begin from the village of Ammoudia. Most trails, including the one leading to the Necromanteio (Oracle of the Dead), are unmarked but the area offers fantastic opportunities for trekking and exploration. There is something to suit everyone, from short walks to more adventurous treks. Mesopotamos the Oracle with the archaeological site of Visitors can take a boat from Ammoudia to ancient Ephyra (a mycenean city, also known Mesopotamos and then walk up The Oracle of the Dead is located near the as Cichyrus, which flourished in the 6th and (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Mesopotamos (= mid‐river), the 5th centuries BCE) that largely remains Necromanteio. A National Trail connecting site where the Acheron meets with the untapped. the ancient theatre of Dodona with Parga Kokkytos and the Pyriflegethon on the crosses the area. The Acheron delta, which northern shores of lake Acherousia (which ACHERON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER has been designated as a nature reserve and was drained in 1950). Ancient sources AMMOUDIA is protected by national law, is also ideal for mention that the Kokkytos and the kayaking, river rafting, cycling and horseback Pyriflegethon joined the Acheron and flowed The Center provides information on the ecological significance of the Acheron delta riding. It is worth visiting the local through the kingdom of Hades. Pilgrims would depart from Cape Cheimerio in and wetlands, as well as details about nearby information center, which provides useful hiking routes and trails. material about the delta and the adjoining Ammoudia and reach the top of the hill to wetlands (home to 11 endemic species of consult the oracle and receive prophecies CONTACT freshwater fish, including the extremely rare from the souls of the departed.A paved tel. 26840 41155 hiking trail with beautiful views of the Acheron Spring goby Knipowitschia milleri, and the Corfu toothcarp, Valencia Acheron leads from Mesopotamos to the letourneuxi). Oracle of the Dead. Part of the trail connects Kopraina A charming seaport town A historic but little known seaport town, buildings, warehouses, the harbor Kopraina is a gem of the Ambrakian master’s station, a water reservoir and a Gulf. It is situated approximately 6km hotel have been fully renovated. A south of the Arta–Menidi national road, parking lot and guest house are located to the east of the Vovos River delta, behind the buildings. Memories of southwest of the Agrilos lagoon. Kopraina’s former glory come to life at Kopraina has been of great strategic the Natural History Museum, the Fishing importance throughout history. Some Museum and the Center for sources mention that when the ancient Environmental Education. A sandbar KOPRAINA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Dorian tribes descended from the Pindus circling the lagoon connects Kopraina with the town of Menidi across the Mountains they built a fleet at Kopraina The Kopraina Environmental Center and sailed off to Crete and the Ambrakian Gulf, creating a scenic includes the Museum of Natural History, Peloponnese. The town flourished bicycle route and walking trail (the walk the Center for Environmental Education toward the end of the 19th century and around the bay takes about 1 hour). The and the Lighthouse Museum. remained an important maritime center area also features natural salt pans, and CONTACT up to the beginning of World War II. was very active in salt production and tel. 26810‐69683 Some of the old docks, customs trade in the 1920s. ARTA – PREVEZA NATURE TREKS| 3 Parga – princess of the Ionian Sea Parga is one of the most beautiful historical cities in Greece, built amphitheatrically at the foot of a Venetian fortress. Its elegant Koryfouls – architectural style features unique vernacular elements.. Parga, the neighboring village of Ζάλογγο – Ano Chrysogiali (or Valtos), the small islands before the harbor, the hill of Agios Athanasios and the Skafidoti peninsula of the Monastery of Vlacherna (as well as the surrounding area) are all protected This relatively steep trail takes by national law as sites of exceptional natural you from the village of Koryfoula and cultural beauty. The city of Parga boasts to the peak of Profitis Ilias at Parga in a 19th century engraving several historic buildings, including the S. 810m. Continuing on a northwest course, hikers will Papastavros residence in the neighborhood of Kamini, the Vassila residence (which now cross a lush oak forest before belongs to the Municipality of Parga) and the reaching the village of Ano Bridge of Mezani (on the road from Agia Kyriaki Skafidoti. Another trail leads to Parga), built in 1800. Its picturesque harbor, from Ano Skafidoti to the peaks with its colorful streets, restaurants, small of Tsouka (1042m) and Lagou shops and cafés, is ideal for a leisurly stroll. It is Podari (896m). The hike is also possible to ride a ferry boat to the islands approximately 2 hours long and of Paxoi and Antipaxoi accross the bay. The offers a spectacular view of the crossing takes about one hour. Acheron gorge and the mountains of Souli. Parga – Agios Sostis – Anthousa The hike begins in Parga with a walk up to the Venetian Fortress. A country road that runs along the western coastline leads down to the beach of Agios Sostis (signs point the way). A right turn leads to Anthousa. The walk back through pretty country roads is easy and enjoyable. Hikers can also stop for a rest by the stream. Following a downhill course, the trail leads back to Parga from the direction of the View of Parga and the Fortress Fortress. PARAGEA OLIVE PRESS MUSEUM PARGA The Museum is dedicated to the promotion of the art of olive oil making and its connection with the history of Parga. CONTACT 19 Tzavella St., Parga ‐ http://paragaea.gr/ PARGA ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM Located near the Church of the Apostles in Parga, the Museum houses an impressive collection of ecclesiastical books, icons and historic artifacts. ARTA – PREVEZA NATURE TREKS| 4 . Nea Kerasounta – Rogon Fortress – Wetlands of Agios Varnavas This hiking course begins at the village of Nea Kerasounta and leads to the Rogon Fortress above the Louros river. The view towards the Hill of Profitis Ilias is spectacular. The trail continues through the village of Petra and reaches the riverside forest of Agios Varnavas on the east embankment of the Louros, where trekkers can experience a unique landscape. The Monastery of Profitis Ilias is situated on the Iliovouni Plateau. The church, which is estimated to have been built around 1620 is decorated with 19th century murals and an iconostasis dating from 1876. The view from the Monastery is impressive and stretches all the way to the Rogon Fortress. Iliovouni also serves as a popular paragliding launch spot. And the adventure continues… The Bay of Odysseas features a beautiful sandy cove flanked by a lush pine forest. During the summer months, when the swamp of Valanidorach is dry, it is possible to take a boat across the Archeron and hike up the hill to the Church of Agia Eleni. The route is short and offers a charming view of Ammoudia and the Acheron wetlands. BIOPOLITICS INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION – Β.Ι.Ο. 10 Tim. Vassou Street, Athens 11521,Greece tel. (+30) 2106432419 [email protected] www.biopolitics.gr Rural Development Greek Ministry of Rural ΕΤΑΝΑΜ ΑΕ ΟΤΑ Program of Greece Development and Food www.etanam.gr LEADER 2007‐2013 Co‐financed by the European Commission’s LEADER Programme for Regional Development in Southern Epirus .