Though the Acheron River is generally calm and suitable for all skill levels, the trained staff at Acheron Kayak conducts short training sessions on land to familiarize participants with the equipment, how to position themselves in the kayak and how to row the vessel correctly. Life jackets are handed out and we all enter the water in our kayaks. Next, trainers teach participants how to maneuver their kayaks in all directions. This takes place at our base next to the river, where the water is calm and resembles a lake, offering ideal conditions for a few practice runs.

Once everyone feels comfortable, our excursion begins. The head guide leads the way and it is important that everyone is able to control their own kayak. We travel downriver at starting speed of 4 kilometres per hour. As we near the sea, the speed gradually decreases. Our journey takes us through some of the most breathtaking scenery throughout the country. Feel free to bring a camera along and snap shots as you navigate your kayak through aquamarine waters and encounter a variety and plants and animals. We provide a waterproof bag where you can store your camera safely throughout the duration of the journey.

Reaching the village Ammoudia marks the end of our kayaking trip, but gives you the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea before our transportation arrives to take us back to the base.

The river
The name “Acheron” comes from the combination of ancient Greek words translated as “a strong flow of sorrow”. The name makes sense when one remember that this river was believed to be crossed on a daily basis by Charon or “Death” in order to transport souls from the world of the living to the dead. According to mythology, the deceased were required to pay Charon two coins to ferry them to the gates of Hades.

In contrast with its ancient image, today the Acheron River is a source of life rather than death. It is home to hundreds of plant and animal species and is abundant with life throughout the entire year. Its sources are located in the village of Glyki just over the border of the prefecture of Ioannina. From there it cuts its way through 64 kilometers of mountain ranges, valleys and forest, creating a utopian oasis along the way before emptying into the Ionian Sea at the settlement of Ammoudia.

The Acheron River and delta are part of the Natura 2000 initiative and act as an invaluable ecosystem which is home to over hundreds of plant and animal species. Much of the fauna found within the area are endangered such as the Dalmatian Stork (Pelcecanus crispus) and the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which has been spotted throughout the beaches where the river meets the sea. There are even some endemic species that are rarely found anywhere else, such as the Govios fish. Other wildlife that may be spotted along your journey of the river include beavers, otters, jackals, wolves, frogs, turtles and a variety of fish such as trout and eels. The river also constitutes a vital habitat for numerous species of birds including the Levant sparrowhawk, Golden eagles, Short-toed eagles, and Bonelli’s eagles as well as a variety of terns, buzzards, gulls and griffons.

The wider Acheron area is also home to an impressive array of flora which attracts a large number of insects and amphibians to its shores. Several varieties of willow, ash, elm and oak trees encompass the river while reeds and beautiful lilies can be seen floating within the river itself. Springtime is particularly spectacular, as the landscape becomes a palette of stunning colours thanks to the myriad flowers that grow along the riverbank and beyond.

Nekromanteio of Efyra

Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating archaeological sites throughout the country, the Oracle of the Dead or “Nekromanteio” (as it’s referred to in Greek) lies just footsteps from the banks of the Acheron River. Known as the entrance to Hades throughout the ancient world, pilgrims would venture here seeking information about deceased relatives and loved ones. Getting answers wasn’t easy, and visitors were forced to endure a series of tests that involved seclusion within dark rooms, adhering to a strict diet consisting of shellfish, beans and pork fat, as well as drinking the blood of animal sacrifices. After some time, the near solitary confinement combined with this meager diet led the visitor to experience semi-starvation and hallucinations. Only then were they deemed ready by the priests to hear the answers from the underworld. In order to keep what they heard a mystery, repeating whatever was told by the oracle was considered blasphemy and was punishable by death.

Nikopolis

Commissioned by Emperor Octavian Augustus Caesar to commemorate his victory over the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC, the remains of this walled city are located just 7 kilometres from Preveza. During its most prosperous period, more than 150,000 inhabitants resided within its walls. Important figures made their mark here, such as the philosopher Epictetus who built a school and the apostle Paul who visited briefly. However, it was sacked by the Goths in 267 AD and though the emperor Justinian refortified the walls in 540 AD, it never experienced its former glory again. Today the impressive site includes the remains of theatres, aqueducts, baths, temples to both Ares and Poseidon as well as a well-preserved odeon. A recently-built museum housing various artefacts found within the city’s walls is located next to the site.

Ancient Kassopi

he remains of an ancient city built by the tribe of the Kassopians is a fascinating place for visitors to explore. Located below the mountain of Zalogo, parts of the city’s walls and gates as well as fragments of private residences are still standing and offer a unique picture of what life was like more than two and a half millennia before. Not only is the site itself intriguing, but the view of the Ambracian Gulf and Ionian Sea are an added bonus.

Monument of Zalogo

This large monument is a powerful and moving tribute to the mass suicide of women and children from the village of Souli more than 200 years ago. During the Greek War of Independence against the Turks, rebel fighters lost a battle not far from this site, and the fleeing women and children were caught between the mountains and the opposing forces. Choosing death over enslavement or worse, the mothers took their children’s hands and jumped over the cliffs. Today this monument showing stone figures of women and children stands under Mount Zalongo near the ancient site of Kassopi. 

Alonaki/Ammoudia

This small pebble beach lies near the juncture of the Acheron River and the sea. Parking is available as well as a snack bar and showers.

Parga

The picturesque seaside village of Parga is a short 15-minute drive from the Acheron River and is surrounded by the 3 sandy beaches of Lichnos, Krioneri and Valtos. Each are located minutes from one another and all offer clean water plus a variety of cafes, tavernas and shops mere footsteps away.

Ai Yiannaki

If you prefer peace and quiet, the beach of Ai Yiannaki is a great option. Just outside the village of Parga, this pebble beach is perfect for relaxing under the sun.

Bay of Kerentza

This sheltered bay offers protection on windy days and the fact that it’s only accessible by foot means that it’s never too crowded. Surrounded by greenery and featuring shallow water, it’s popular with families who don’t mind the short walk to get here.

Alonaki

This enclosed bay is popular with the younger crowd and is a great spot if you are looking to mingle. The light blue colour of the water combined with the aqua water creates an exotic backdrop to this great beach.

Loutsa

One of the larger beaches in the area, this sandy beach is a popular destination for families and is famed for its excellent tavernas which serve up some of the best seafood in the area.

Still standing and offer a unique picture of what life was like more than two and a half millennia before. Not only is the site itself intriguing, but the view of the Ambracian Gulf and Ionian Sea are an added bonus.

Glyki – Trikastro/Mesopotamo

An interesting route close to the Acheron River starts from the village of Glyki and takes hikers through forests along the riverbank and eventually through the mountains. Walkers will pass through the Steps of Tzavelaina and continue until they reach the bridge at Despo and finish at the village of Trikastro.

What to bring:
T-shirt
Swimming suit
Hat
Water

Another option is to follow the river from its sources at Glyki and continue alongside its path. During the summer months, hikers will need to swim across the river once or twice before reaching the “Gates of Hades” outside the village of Mesopotamos. The route is easy, without significant changes in elevation and covers a distance of 10 kilometres. On average, it takes around 4 -5 hours to complete.

If you could use a short brake from salt water, why not visit the river Acheron delta by Kayak? All you have to do is anchor in Ammoudia bay and meet us on the beach by dinghy, leaving the rest to us. We’ll pick you up there by mini bus for a short drive (4 km) to Acheronkayak base camp, providing the equipment, short training and a river guide to escort you through the mystical virgin river banks. All you have to bring along is your swimming suit and good spirit.