8-Hour Tzoumerka National Park Tour with Kipina Monastery

The Monastery of Kipina is located above the gorge of the Kalarrytikos River. Built at the entrance of a cave in a vertical rock face, it is one of the most impressive monasteries in Epirus. It is said to have taken its name from the gardens (kipos in Greek) that the monks cultivated in the surrounding area.

Various texts mention that it was founded in 1212 by Archbishop Grigorios. The monastery flourished during the 18th century, and its monks were active in social work. During the Turkish occupation, according to tradition, a secret school operated there, while the cave in the rock was used as a refuge by the local people.

It is a men's monastery dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, but it celebrates Bright Friday, the feast day of Zoodochos Pigi (Life Giving Source).

Kalarrytes is a village built at an elevation of 1,200 m, and it is known as the "gem" or the "eagle's nest" of Epirus. It is populated mainly by Aromanians and has been officially characterized as a traditional settlement. The village used to be the centre of traditional gold and silver processing. The distinguished goldsmithing business families of Voulgari and Nessis come from Kalarrytes.

Pramanta Village is situated at an altitude of 840 m, at the foot of the imposing peak of Stroggoula, behind which lies the Tzoumerka mountain range. It is at the centre of Tzoumerka and is now a mountainous holiday resort. Visitors can find everything there, from hotels, restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and nightlife to a modern health centre, pharmacy, a centre of environmental education, and more.

In this traditional village that embraces a modern lifestyle, visitors can access any information they may need. It is worth visiting the village's central square, with its centenary plane tree and the famous fountain of Arapis in front of the prestigious church of Saint Paraskevi.

The stone bridge of Plaka on the Arachthos River, the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans and the third in Europe, was demolished in 2015 by the surging river waters. It has now been restored and stands once again in its proper place. It is an important historical monument and a breathtakingly magnificent sight.

Built in 1866, it is a masterpiece of architecture, measuring 61 m long, 21 m high, and 3.20 m wide at the highest point, with a 40 m central arch.

An amazing viewpoint with a breathtaking view, with the entire Tzoumerka mountain range in front of you and, below on a huge cliff, the ravine of the Arachthos River.