Hiking

A combination of hiking and river crossing. From Samoniva, the path wraps around the Koungi hill and reaches the Tsaggariotiko stream, where the only survivor of the seven Souliot watermills stands within a beautiful plane-tree forest. The stream then flows through a small gorge with striking meanders, down to the Dala Bridge and its confluence with the Acheron.

The most enchanting route — a whole day spent in the waters of the Acheron. The constantly changing scenery, the pools that form along the way and the dense vegetation that often covers the river make crossing the gorge a unique experience. About 25% of the route is swimming and the rest is walking. Never do it alone — there is no way out before the Dala Bridge. A special waterproof bag is essential.

The route links Glyki with the plain of Sertziana, crossing lush terrain above the western bank of the Acheron. The path rises and falls along the steep slopes west of the river. Just before the end it is worth turning left to visit the river and the mythical Gates of Hades, the entrance to the Acheron gorge.

The route follows the eastern slopes above the Acheron and visits the fourth Souliot village, the abandoned Avariko, with the few ruined houses where 60 families once lived. Without major elevation changes, it passes picturesque scenery beside streams in a lush environment, ending at the village of Sykia (Sertziana).

A continuation of Route 2, for those comfortable with hiking. From Souli it passes the village of Samoniva and climbs to the enigmatic Kiafa Fortress — a sixteen-sided stronghold (probably Venetian) with panoramic views over the Acheron chasms and the plain of Fanari. The return is via the Dala Bridge towards Glyki, along the steep paths where heroic battles were fought against Ali Pasha.

A short, easy circular walk through the historic villages of Souli. It starts at Souli, with its bare, austere landscape and few stone houses, and loops around the chapel of Aghios Donatos and legendary Koungi, where in 1803 the monk Samuel blew himself up. On the square you will find the monument to Lambros Tzavelas and the site of the Souliot council house.

The most classic route towards the entrance of the Acheron. An easy circular walk full of contrasts: on one side the river running between striking vertical cliffs, on the other the view of Kiafa Castle and the mountains of Souli. It passes the Skala of Tzavelena and reaches the stone Dala Bridge (1870). Part of the route can be done swimming in the Acheron — an unforgettable experience, in the summer months only.