Kypseli is perched on a slope on the southwestern side of the Tzoumerka mountains, at about 600 meters altitude, 43 km from Arta. It consists of five neighborhoods: Loutsa, Kalloni, Agia Evangelistria, Roupakia on the opposite slope, and Agios Georgios. The houses, some old and stone-built, single-story, and others two-story more stately and quite modern, stand side by side, reflecting the village’s history over time. The square, with the stone Church of Saint Nicholas, paved and shaded by plane trees with small taverns, naturally serves as the village’s focal point.
A little further back is the Folklore Museum of Pantelis Chr. Karalis. Its creation began in the early 1970s by Mr. Karalis and was initially housed in a café. In 1997, however, it was transformed into a Folklore Museum from a private collection, now featuring over 1,800 exhibits, including everyday tools, garments, coins, woodcarvings, textiles, and more. Kypseli is not one of the picturesque villages like Dilofos or Papigo, but it is a village set in nature with breathtaking views of the Tzoumerka mountains. A walk worth taking is to the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria from 1704, notable for its interesting frescoes. If you’re up for it, you can reach it on foot through a beautiful landscape, which takes about an hour and a half. The village also serves as an ideal base for hiking and mountain biking, as it offers various trails and forest roads passing through enchanting natural scenery.
Vourgareli is one of the most well-known and beautiful villages of Tzoumerka. Perched at 775 meters above sea level, it is distinguished by the lush, surrounding nature, fountains, and streams. Approximately 400 people live there permanently. The village square, shaded by plane trees, offers an amphitheatrical view of the surrounding mountain peaks, while the streets are lined with old, well-kept stone houses whose details tell the story of the locals’ way of life and customs. Among the village’s attractions are the fountains “Archonto” and “Krystallo,” as well as two single-arched bridges located just outside the village.
The “Red Church” is also one of the most well-known attractions and is located just 5 kilometers from the village towards the settlement of Paliochori. It was founded in the 13th century by the master-builder brothers Ioannis and Theodoros Tsimsikis and was originally dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos, but became known as the “Red Church” because of its color. It is also worth visiting the Monastery of Saint George, which is no longer active. It is sometimes called the “Agia Lavra of Epirus,” as the 1821 revolution for the region began from here, and it also served as a refuge for klephts and armatoloi. According to an inscription, it was built in 1717, although there is a theory suggesting it was built in 1690. For those who enjoy walks and hikes, the village offers several trails. Among the easier ones are the route to Kapetanios Baths, the Leptokarya Spring, and the walk to the Neraidogefyro Bridge.
East of Vourgareli, at an altitude of 760 meters, lies Athamanio, a livestock-rearing village that, together with the settlements of Ambelia, Korakada, Skaloula, Paliochori, Telisi, and Platano, forms the Local Community of Athamanio. It is one of the mountainous villages of Arta offering peace and true relaxation within a unique environment. The dense nature, both inside and around the village, and the bare peaks of the Tzoumerka mountains rising imposingly, create a distinctive atmosphere that makes the village stand out. Locals gather at the square with its large plane trees, where everything begins: daily work, stories, and the bond with the land and its people. The narrow streets of the village invite leisurely walks, as well as visits to the settlements composing the community. Must-see spots include the water mill in Agia Kyriaki in the Korakada neighborhood, the single-arched Tsagkaraki Bridge, and the beautiful forest of Agios Giannis with its scenic trails.
Agnanta, located west of the Athamanika Mountains, is also one of the most well-known villages in the region. It nestles on a lush mountain slope at 640 meters above sea level, where the amphitheatrically built houses overlook forested mountain peaks. The village is divided into two neighborhoods, upper and lower, separated by the Agnantikos stream, which later joins the Arachthos River. The houses are a mix of old stone structures preserving the village’s traditional character and more modern buildings. Agnanta has a difficult history, beginning with the burning of the village by Ottoman forces in 1827, followed by the torching of 86 houses and the execution of five villagers by the Germans in October 1943.
However, it also has other notable events, such as the joint speech given here by Napoleon Zervas and Aris Velouchiotis on August 16, 1943. Agnanta also serves as an excellent base for various activities, including excursions and hiking in the surrounding area, rafting on the Arachthos River, and more. What can you see nearby? Of course, the unique, massive single-arch Plaka Bridge, which, although it collapsed a few years ago, was carefully rebuilt as it originally stood. A few kilometers further, there is the Muchousti Monastery with its remarkable frescoes from 1694. On the other side, towards the southeast, you can take a walk to the twin waterfall, which plunges powerfully from vertical cliffs.
Nestled in beautiful nature at an altitude of 800 meters, the village of Katarraktis stretches out, taking its name from the tall, impressive waterfall located just outside the village. It offers stunning views of the high, gray, rugged rocks of the Tzoumerka Mountains, which inspire awe when gazed upon. Like Agnanta, it also has a dark chapter in its history: in October 1943, the Germans burned houses, destroyed crops, and executed 11 locals in retaliation against the forces of the National Resistance. The village’s attractions, besides the enormous waterfall mentioned earlier, include the Monastery of Saint Catherine from 1730, the nearby watermill, the traditional mill of the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and the single-arch Tsoulandris Bridge.
Theodoriana is the main village of the Tzoumerka Mountains on their eastern side, built at an altitude of 960 meters. It is surrounded by lush greenery, rivers, streams, and high mountain peaks. The neighborhoods are full of greenery, with well-kept, beautiful houses and courtyards adorned with grapevines and various flowers. The village has many streets to explore on foot, as well as unique trails that climb toward the surrounding peaks. Its most famous attraction is the Souda Waterfalls, where water plunges from a height of 25 meters. There is also a marked trail starting from the village that leads to the falls. The Monastery of Panagia, built in 1793, is another site worth visiting, along with the old watermill at the Smixi location and the stone bridge over the Gkoura River next to the new one. Beautiful spots include the Marks stream, which tradition says was a refuge for Markos Botsaris after the fall of Souli. If weather permits, you can hike up to Stavros at 1,390 meters, offering breathtaking views. The site is named after the wooden cross that Kosmas of Aetolia erected there in 1777 while passing through the area.
Melissourgoi is situated at an altitude of 850 meters, nestled almost between the rocky ranges of Tzoumerka, while to the north, it overlooks Syrrako and Kalarrytes. Here too, greenery and flowing waters abound, creating a stunning landscape complemented by the unique view of the Athamanian peaks. Your days here can be spent strolling through the charming neighborhoods of the village, enjoying coffee and tsipouro in one of its squares alongside locals, and exploring the surrounding area. Must-visit sites include the impressive waterfall at Kefalovryso and the one at Kryoneri across from the village. It’s also worth visiting the Monastery of Panagia with frescoes dating back to 1761, as well as the Kofelita Bridge and its natural pools, where in summer, those brave enough can dive into the cold river waters. Hikers will delight in the many trails of the area, offering spectacular scenery and unmatched views.
The village of Rodavgi, unlike the other villages, is perched on the slopes of Xirovouni at 700 meters above sea level, overlooking the proud Tzoumerka, the Arachthos River, and Lake Pournari. It got its name in the early 1960s, and it is said to have been named Rodavgi because the horizon is painted with the pink hue of dawn. The locals mainly engage in agriculture, livestock farming, and tree cultivation, so chestnut and apple trees abound. The well-kept village is surrounded by nature, offering beautiful trails and dirt roads, springs, and small chapels. One of the most famous springs is Besiko, located in a stream near the village center among towering plane trees close to the watermill. A notable landmark in Rodavgi is the stone Church of Agia Paraskevi, built in 1804. If you have time, visit the Ancient Orraon in the village of Ammotopos, a fortified city from the 4th century BC that controlled the coastal zone of the Ambracian Gulf while also protecting the main route connecting central Epirus, the gulf, and southern Greece.
travel.gr
