Hiking Trail in Tzoumerka (By the River of Arachthos): Vidra’s Trail (Plaka Bridge – Tzari Bridge), (Easy-Moderate)
The Vidra trail starts just after the Plaka bridge. It is a beautiful trail by the river of Arachthos, one of the most lively rivers of Epirus. When you see the sign below, park your car on your right hand side of the road.
Route Length: 17.560 km (One Way / You don’t need to walk it all)
Route duration: 6h & 30′
Route Type: Footpath
Degree of difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Recommended Visit Time: All year
Description of Trail
The trail (known as A1) starts from the Plaka Bridge located in the prefecture of Ioannina and ends at the complex of watermills in Agia Marina, Skoupa in the prefecture of Arta. The trail is aimed for all type of hikers, from long distance lovers to simple hikers. Since this trail however, is very long, one can admire the breathtaking Tzoumerka mountains and the magnificence of Arachthos by completing a shorter version of the trail, such as the first 3 km.
Another alternative one could do is to start just below the Plaka Bridge, to reach the village of Platanousa, where a visit to the Eudoxia Winery is a must and return the same way back to the starting point of the trail. This distance is about 12km. At the Winery you will be able to taste local wines and tsipouro (before you go please make sure the Winery is open during the hours you visit).
Important: Whichever the route you take, don’t forget to stop for a bit of clay therapy by the river!
