Alternative Tourism in Thesprotia

In recent years, alternative tourism in various forms, such as wine tourism, gastronomic tourism, nature tourism, religious tourism and medical tourism, has been developing in Thesprotia.

These are forms of tourism that are addressed to a specific audience with similar expectations and requirements that are as similar as they are different from the popular forms of tourism.

Nature Tourism or Ecotourism

Η Thesprotia, due to its geographical peculiarity, apart from its impressive beaches, it combines mountains, rivers, gorges and a lot of greenery.

The river Acherontas is a point of reference, with the homonymous springs in the village of Glyki below the famous Souli. A green area of infinite natural beauty, with a calm and crystal clear river. The visitor has the opportunity to cross the river on foot, to see the route of Charon from the gates of Hades to the mouth of Acheron, to experience and see how the waters gush from the springs. The area is home to accommodation, catering businesses and activities such as rafting, canoe kayak, horse riding etc.

Apart from Acheron, there is also the river Kalamas and many mountain routes in the area of Filiatos of Thesprotia (Lagari Gorge, Lagavitsa) in the mountainous Paramythia and in Souli (Tzavelaina staircase).

Although the routes are characterized as easy or of moderate difficulty, there are experienced mountain guides in the area and there is an organized mountaineering club (EOSI), where the visitor can get useful information and valuable assistance. Besides, Thesprotia is a very hospitable people.

Religious Tourism

Thesprotia, although not so widespread in religious tourism, has a monastery of unique beauty, the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary of Gyromeri. 

A hospitable and well-maintained monastery above the village of Giromeri Filiata, a reference point for the area that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.

Abbot Methodios and the monks are unique people and always willing.

Also in the village Red Lithari of Filiaton you will find the Holy Monastery of Agios Minas, built on a rock like the monasteries in Meteora. Unfortunately the monastery is not open but it is always open for visitors. In fact, every year on the feast of Agios Minas there is a big festival in the village square. In addition, a unique traditional butcher's tavern with excellent meat is open all year round in the village square.

Unfortunately in Epirus and especially in Thesprotia there are not many monasteries, as many of them have been closed and abandoned and this is sad.

Important churches in Thesprotia are the Metropolitan Church of St. Donatos in Paramythia, the Church of the Annunciation Igoumenitsa, Agia Kyriakiaki of Gardiki and Panagia Paramithiotissa in Paramythia.

Oenotourism & Gastronomy

In Thesprotia today there are 3 wineries with a constantly growing trend and activity. Quality and local raw material are the main reason to try them.

The Markatselis Winery (www.markatseliswinery.gr) in Finiki Filiates, is the oldest in Thesprotia, is 2 generations, from Mr. Spyros Markatselis to Alexandros Markatselis. A traditional and visitable winery of organic farming. Alexandros, a professional winemaker with studies abroad, will show you around the winery, will give you a tour of the place, will taste local products and will give you the opportunity to taste unique wines. He is also an excellent connoisseur of the region and is always willing to help you find unique mountain routes in the area of Filiata.

In the village of Finiki you will also find Gastrokafene, a traditional music café with rare local delicacies that will amaze the visitor.

Also in Polydroso you will find the Omonia Café, a unique café of gastronomic interest that will amaze you. Unique meats, local and rare mushrooms.

Generally in Thesprotia you will find many restaurants with very good and fresh food. 

The area is famous for its very good quality sheep meat, local traditional dairy products, and excellent quality seafood and fish.

Medical tourism 

Thesprotia has recently been a region that either directly or indirectly creates conditions for the development of medical tourism.

Due to the poor health care system on the islands of Corfu and Paxos, their residents as well as the neighbouring Albanians, choose Igoumenitsa and Filiates for their care as the area has an emergency department and a hospital. 

The public health system and private doctors are at a fairly satisfactory level for a provincial town. In addition, Ioannina, which is less than an hour away, has hospitals and doctors of high quality. 

Many visitors in need of health care choose to rent cars from the port of Igoumenitsa or even stay in hotels and accommodation in the area.

Apart from traditional tourism, Thesprotia is already on the right track for the growth of alternative tourism.