Acheron River

The Acheron River is a true wonder of nature that forms a magnificent route  and  an almost… eerie canyon at the ends of the Paramythia and Souli mountains.

The visitor, through a magical natural environment, comes into contact with the icy and clear waters of the mythical Acheron River, experiencing an alternative tourism experience that is difficult to find anywhere else in Greece.

From the “Acheron Gorge” which starts from the bridge of Serziana, Ioannina and ends at the location of “Skala Tzavelainas”, the river creates small puddles and lakes, while in other places it is rapid, surrounded by large boulders and steep slopes.

The gorge is thus identified with the mythological and archaeological term “Gates of Hades”.

Near the village of Vouvopotamos in the Municipality of Parga, we find the “Springs of Acheron”, while the Acheron meets the Ionian Sea in the village of Ammoudia.

The springs of Acheron River is an area of outstanding natural beauty located at the border of Thesprotia and Preveza, close to the villages of Kanalaki and Glyki. Apart from the natural beauty, the springs of Acheron is known worldwide for its mythological contents. In ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld.

According to the tradition, Zeus was devastated when the Titans drunk from the water and then he condemned the river to remain eternally under the earth while its water became darker. Acheron River is located 25km from Parga, in a beautiful surrounding with rich vegetation and crystalline waters which comprise a unique natural landscape. In many parts of the river where the water flow is normal, there are lakes and water pits which have the ideal living conditions for many amphibians and fish. In other locations, the river flows impetuously through steep and precipitate high cliffs. In the rocky side slopes of Acheron, there are many birds of prey that nest in the forest slopes of the canyon.

Acheron River comprises a fantastic short trip for its magnificent transparent water and the surrounding rocky landscape. It is actually one of the least known places in Parga thus it retains its unspoiled natural beauty and secret energy. It flows from the mountains of Souli Epirus and after a long way, it reaches the Ionian Sea in Ammoudia beach.

Just a few km away from the sea, there is a forest with plants growing in the water, looking almost exotic due to their weird shape. After you cross the forest, you will see the edge of the river, reaching the imposing roman bridge, an ideal place for a picnic. There is no doubt that Acheron is a magnificent location with white rocks reflecting in the blue-green water. Today, Acheron River is an ecosystem that is recognized and a protected area by the Natura 2000 Network.