National Park of Tzoumerka ,Peristeri and Arachthos Gorge

The National Park was institutionalized in 2009, by Presidential Decree (Official Government Gazette 49D / 12.02.2009). It occupies an area of approximately 820 sq. Km. which is geographically located in the mountainous areas of the prefectures of Ioannina, Arta and Trikala (central part of Pindos mountain range).
Within the boundaries of the park there are two large mountainous complexes: Mount Lakmos (or Peristeri) and the Athamanika Mountains (or Tzoumerka).
Overall, the National Park encloses:
Three (3) sites belong to the European Network of Protected Areas: NATURA 2000 with assigned code (GR2130007, GR2110002 and GR2130013). Of these, the site “Oros Lakmos (Peristeri) (GR 2130007)” and “Ori Athamanon (Neraida) (GR 2110002)” are included entirely in the area of the National Park, while the site of “Evryteri perioxi Athamanikon Oreon (Neraida) 2130013), at its largest part.
It also encloses:
Two (2) Important Bird Areas (IBA) under the following names and codes: “Athamanian Mountains (Code 079)” & “Peristeri Mountains (Code 069)”,
Five (5) Wildlife Refugees which are a) “Arachthos Gorge” with an area of 2,733 hectares, b) Eastern Tzoumerka with an area of 1,430 hectares, c) Theodoriana with 413 hectares, d) Vourgareli with 1,000 hectares, Koutsouro-Tzakouta-Mnimata with 1,927.8 hectares.
Five (5) traditional villages, which are: Syrrako, Kalarrytes, Raftanaioi, Chaliki, Anthousa (594 / D / 13.11.78),
Two (2) Villages under Special State Protection and Places of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which are Kalarrytes and Syrrako (Government Gazette: 929Β / 5.9.75),
Numerous declared monuments (overall 139): Classical, Byzantine and Modern monuments.
Two areas of Outsatnding Natural Beauty, which are: “Arachthos Gorge” code: AT3011038 and “Chroussias river gorge-Syrrako-Kalarrytes ” code: AT3010045.
The strong relief, the great altitude differences (144m-2,429m) and the intense presence of the water element contribute to the creation of a diverse mosaic habitat. Different habitats are home to many rare or endemic plant species. In the terrestrial ecosystems of the region, 17 types of habitats and 30 types and subtypes of aquatic habitats have been recorded. On the steep peaks (Strongoula, Katafidi, Kakarditsa, Peristeri), in the excellent forest biodiversity of Mpantza Syrrako, in the mixed forest of pine and fir of Potistika, Pramanta, Matsouki, Vourgareli, in the mixed forest of Chaliki-Anelio, Aspropotamos, Arachthos, Metsovitikos, Chrusia, Melissourgiotiko, Matsukiotiko) some important types of habitats are found.
Different habitats hostmany rare and protected mammalian species such as the otter, brown bear, wild goat. The area is particularly important for bird populations, and hundreds of species of invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles have been recorded
The National Park is a huge outdoor folklore museum which presents characteristics of both the natural and the man made environment. Stone bridges, cultural monuments, traditional settlements, handmade pieces of art , harmoniously combined with the works of nature: beautiful landscapes, steep mountains, gorges, caves. This perfectly crafted coexistence of the man- made and the natural environment gives the region its uniqueness.
Informing the locals and the visitors is one of the key priorities of the National Park Management Authority, so six (6) Information Centers have been set up. The Information Centers have been staffed (NOx1 / 2010 notice) and the purpose of their operation is to inform visitors about sightseeing, observation places, paths, monuments in the National Park, various activities and their obligations within the protected area. Tours of organized groups of visitors are also organized.
The Information Centers are located in Pramanta, Chouliarades, Agnanta, Vourgareli, Neraida and Kalliroi, at the location “Tria Potamia” and operate under the supervision of the Management Authority. The purpose of the information centers is both to inform and raise awareness of residents, visitors and users of the National Park in order to secure and promote the durable growth in the region.
Contact info:
Chouliarades Information Center: Tel. & Fax: 2651053270
Pramanta Information Center: Tel. & Fax: 2659062322
Agnanta Information Center: Tel .: 2685031490
Vourgareli Information Center: Tel. & Fax: 2685024334
Neraida Information Center: Tel. & Fax: 2434032004
Kalliroi Information Centre (Tria Potamia)Τel: 6959999975