Endowed by nature and history, Thesprotia has much to reveal to you this autumn. Start from Igoumenitsa, the most important port of Western Greece and the gateway of Europe to the East, to learn its history at the modern Archaeological Museum and the folklore museum “House of Rena”. Pedal along the city’s bike path that starts from the port and ends at Drepano beach. Opposite is Prasoudi, the islet that legend says was formed by the rock thrown by Cyclops Polyphemus to Odysseus. Visit the seat of the “Commonwealth of Thesprotia”, Ancient Yitani and climb up to Plaisio, the village of Vasiliki, the beautiful young woman who “enchanted” Ali Pasha. Worship one of the most important monasteries in Epirus, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Giromeri, perched at an altitude of 300m on Mount Farmakovouni. Discover the Byzantine town of Paramythia, with its clock, where the founder of the famous Bulgari house started and where ancient contracts are still kept in the General Archive of the State. Visit the monastery of Panagia Paramythia and walk to the asceticry of Agios Arsenios high on Mount Gorila.

The traditional Epirus song accompanied the people of Thesprotia in their joy and sorrow. In the region, polyphonic groups were particularly widespread, with the best known being the Koliousis brothers.

The scent of sage, thyme and flamboyance floods the beautiful villages of Filiatochoria, while in the valleys the tangerine trees are fragrant.

Enjoy sea bass, sea bream or sea bass from Thesprotia’s fish farms or open-water fish in the fishing villages of Sayada and Plataria, as well as famous pies and lamb on the grill. In Paramythia, taste the delicious cheeses and traditional yoghurt.

In the crystal-clear cool waters of Sivota and Perdika say goodbye to summer as long as the weather allows, and when the Thesprotian soil smells of autumn, set off to discover lush green paths beside the mythical Acheron River. Go horseback riding, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking and river rides through the narrow river. From Glyki, follow the stairs of Tzavelaina to explore the heroic Souliotochoria. Experience the freedom of the air by flying in Paramythia.

INFO According to the ancient writers, the Thesprotians are not only among the oldest inhabitants of Epirus but also descendants of the Pelasgians, while according to others, descendants of Deucalion and Pyrrhus, from whom the Hellene, the ancestor of the Greeks, was born.