Walk from Syrrako to Kalarrites via Kouiasa springs and the cliff-hung Kipina Monastery. This four-hour day trip combines stone villages, karst springs, and easy mountain tracks ideal for travelers seeking cultural hiking in Epirus.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A morning coffee at Syrrako sets the pace: stone-paved lanes warm underfoot, shutters opening onto steep, forested ridges. The route slips from village streets into high-mountain pastures, following faint tracks and mule paths that guide walkers toward Kalarrites and the clear, moss-edged Kouiasa springs. The cliff that cradles Kipina Monastery appears suddenly—a stone hermitage cut into the rock, founded in 1212—and the monastery's low, shadowed façades hold centuries of mountain devotion.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition with ability to walk on uneven ground for several hours
Wildlife
History
Syrrako and Kalarrites grew prosperous in the 18th–19th centuries through textile and pastoral economies; Kipina Monastery dates to 1212 and underscores the area's long monastic tradition.
Conservation
Tzoumerka is managed to protect karst springs and mountain pastures—stay on paths, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing spring outlets to preserve fragile water sources.
Reserve your spot on the Tzoumerka’s National Park (Syrrako & Kalarrites villages) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring layered clothing
Mountain weather changes quickly—pack a light windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Footwear matters
Choose sturdy trail shoes with good grip for rocky and wet spring areas near Kouiasa.
Respect religious sites
Kipina Monastery requires modest attire and quiet; photography may be restricted inside.
Hydrate from reliable sources
Carry at least 1–1.5 L of water; treat spring water only if you’re certain of its safety.
Sturdy trail shoes
Grippy shoes handle rocky village lanes and wet spring banks.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden rain and cool mountain winds.
spring
Reusable water bottle (1–1.5 L)
Keeps you hydrated between stops; saves on single-use plastic.
summer
Daypack with snacks and camera
Carry snacks provided or purchased locally and a camera for village and cliff-side views.