In many of Greece’s rivers you can do various activities, including rafting, which we chose to do this Christmas by going to Tzoumerka. I have gone down the river Arachthos several times via other routes but this time we chose an easier one as we had children with us.
With a difficulty level of 2 – in some places maybe a little more – we did a stretch of 9 kilometers from the Politsa bridge to the bridge in Plaka, the largest single-arched stone bridge in the Balkans with a long history.
This part of the river is particularly beautiful and the route is passable, calm, and pleasant and as you pass through the river gorge you will discover small and bigger caves that form the high cliffs, small, high and powerful waterfalls and the underground river of Klifkis. In one of its hidden lakes we stopped, swam, took pictures and back again we continued our way.
During the ride and after putting on the wetsuits and helmets, the guide gave us several tips on how to sit so as not to fall into the water, how to hold the paddle and follow his instructions to go with the flow of the river, as well as how you must react immediately if we happen to end up in the water. And what do you do in that case? You should turn your body so that you are lying on your back and try to stay straight with your hands attached to your sides and your feet facing forward towards the river flow. That way you don’t risk hitting your head on a rock or tree roots or even floating objects, as your feet come into contact with them first.
Of course, the idea of going down the Kalarritikos river with the kids in tow didn’t even occur to us – maybe we will do that another time – because it has a high level of difficulty, 3 and in some places 4; in addition, you have to cross a narrow canyon with a steep slope where you have to apply enough power while following the driver’s instructions to the letter, especially regarding the maneuvers. This route starts from the Gogou Bridge, after 7 kilometers it meets Arachthos and ends – like the route we did – at the Plaka Bridge. There is an area where, if desired, you can take a hot shower, change clothes and eat a snack. Immediately afterwards, you get into the car for the return journey through a verdant route.
Due to the cold – despite the sunshine, it was winter – we were forewarned and had brought with us:
*Change of underwear
*Towel for the body
*Undershirt
In the area there are several companies with many activities planned, such as archery, horseback riding, canoeing, mountain biking, etc. They will pick you up from the hotel, drive by van both to the starting point and back to your hotel if you wish, while you will be provided with all the necessary equipment for the excursion you prefer.
In order to register your participation, the necessary conditions are:
*Children under 8 must be accompanied by their guardian
*Good physical and mental health
*Being able to swim
*TZOUMERKA
The Athamanian Mountains, more commonly known as the Tzoumerka, are a large mountain range in western Greece, forming the southern part of the wider Pindos mountain range that rises between the rivers Arachthos and Acheloos, where the ancient Athamania lies, hence their name. Their northernmost part occupies the prefectures of Ioannina and Trikala, while the southernmost, mainly Tzoumerka, belongs to the prefecture of Arta.
