Acheron river
The narrows: Acheron river flows from the mountains of the prefecture of
Ioannina and after a stunning route of 65 km empties into the Ionian Sea, in the bay of
Ammoudia. The so-called 'narrrows of Acheron' attract lots of interest. The narrows are in
fact the gorge the massifs of Paramythia and Souli form. The exit of the gorge is near the
village Glyki. Small lakes and waterfalls, crystal clear waters, abrupt rocks and also a
rich fauna and flora have made the gorge of Acheron a unique ecosystem with a particular
ecological interest as it is the natural habitat for many rare species of fauna and flora,
such as the otter, the goby of Acheron, etc.
The Delta: The narrows and the Delta of the river Acheron are important
water biotopes, that's why they are protected by the network Natura 2000
[see more].Nekromanteio
The archaeological site of Nekromanteio is situated in the village
Mesopotamos, in a short distance from Ammoudia. The beginnings of the oracle are dated to
very early years, but almost all the buildings were built in the 2nd and the 3rd century.
It is built on a hill, on the northwest of the ancient lake Acherousia, above a cave. In
the antiquity it was thought that the 'gates to Hades' (the entrance to the underworld)
were located in the exact place. Many pilgrims were coming to the renowned oracle. After a
long stay at the oracle and a mystic ceremony the pilgrims could communicate with the
soles of the dead and learn what they wished for.
Lake
Acherousia
The joint of three rivers, Acheron, Kokytos and Vovos, formed in ancient
times lake Acherousia. The lake covered the area among the villages Kastri, Acherousia,
Kanallaki, Chochla and Mesopotamos. The boat that carried the soles through Acheron to
Hades was starting from Nekromanteio and led the soles to the bottom of the lake, where
the so-called 'Gates of Hades' were thought to be.
Efyra
The city of Efyra is the most ancient city of Epirus. It is located near
Nekromanteio (500 m away). It was built by Mycenean colonists in the 14th - 13th century
BC and in the years of Homer was already an important trade centre. It is also referred in
the epic poem Odyssey and in other myths. Today parts of the exterior wall and 2 graves of
the Age of Iron are preserved. The Romans destroyed the city in 167 BC, as well as 69 more
cities in Epirus.
Pandosia
Pandosia (Kastri now) was the most important colony of the Ilians in Epirus.
It was built in the 8th century BC and covered an area of 3.300 square m. With
fortification walls of 1.640 m total length and 10.000 inhabitants in its peak, Pandosia
was one of the biggest one post powerful cities in Epirus. The palace of king Pyrros was
in Pandosia as well. In 343 BC king Philip II took over the city as well as other cities
and gave it over to the Epirots, until 167 BC, when Romans destroyed it. Pandosia
flourishes until 31 BC, when Nikopolis is built. The new big city with all its power and
its glory put Pandosia into shade, until its final decline.
St.
Dimitrios monastery
The monastery of St. Dimitrios is about 2.5 km from the village Kipseli.
There are no historic references to the monastery, but it is supposed to be built in 1.242
by the Despote of Epirus Michael Doukas. Only the katholikon and the refectory (today a
church dedicated to St. George) are preserved from the old monastery. Both building bear
an impressive ceramic decoration and also impressive rooftops of various types. Very few
murals are preserved from the katholikon, unfortunately in a bad condition. |
 
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Canoe, kayak and rafting in Acheron
The route of the 20 km approximately starts from the exit of the gorge in the village
Glyki and reaches the mouth of the river in Ammoudia, with various grades of difficulty.
Additionally, one can cross the gorge of Acheron (to a certain point) with a canoe or a
kayak.Canyoning
The route to the gorge of Acheron lasts 10 hours and demands skill and appropriate
equipment. You will have to swim at many points, whereas other points are easier to
access. The less experienced can reach the bridge of Dala and the renowned footpath 'Skala
Tzavelenas' and go back, in a route equally beautiful but significantly easier.
Horseback
riding - Cycling
In the village Mesopotamos you will find horses and you can enjoy short distance routes in
the area around.
Swimming,
water sports & games
The beach of Ammoudia is ideal for swimming not only for the grown - ups but also for the
little ones, as the waters in the bay of Ammoudia are shallow and protected from the winds
of the Ionian Sea. You will also find pedalos in the beach, or you can play beach volley,
rackets, etc. |
 
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