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Guide to Filiates
FILIATES · ITINERARY

Filiates (Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Villages, archaeology, sea, nature

The itinerary starts in Filiates and its mountainous hinterland, then follows the course of the Kalamas to the coast of Sagiada and Igoumenitsa. The following days are devoted to the bays of Sivota, the monuments of Paramythia, and the landscapes of the Acheron and Souli, before ending in Parga. Having a car allows you to reach rural sites and beaches flexibly, while the walking visits are concentrated in the historic centers and along the shores. Stops for lunch and breaks are included, with timing to be adjusted according to the season and opening hours.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
37.4 km · 521 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 37.3 km · 518 min
  2. 101 m · 3 min
Filiates and the Giromeri Monastery
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 1

Filiates and the Giromeri Monastery

09:00–20:00 Quiet visits and mountain road

Get to know Filiates and the landscape of the interior all the way to Giromeri.

09:00

Arrival and check-in in Filiates

Spend the morning on check-in and a first look around the town center. To get around the inland areas, a car is useful: local services can be infrequent, especially out of season.

Plan two nights here if you want to avoid evening transfers.

10:30

Walk in Filiates

Explore the town center and its streets on foot, taking in the compact layout of the capital and the views over the surrounding hills. The visit is free and does not require a ticket.

12:30

Lunch in town

Choose a taverna or café in the center and try dishes from Epirot cuisine. Plan on around €12–22 per person for a simple or moderate meal.

14:00

Transfer to Giromeri

Reach Giromeri by car along the mountain road, allowing roughly 35–45 minutes from Filiates. Drive carefully: the route is scenic and can be narrow in some sections.

15:00

Giromeri village

Stroll through the village streets and admire the traditional architecture and rural landscape. The stop is free; bring water and shoes with soles suitable for steep roads.

16:00

Monastery of Giromeri

Visit the monastery, an important religious complex in the region, while respecting the silence and dress rules. Access and opening hours may change, so it is wise to check locally before heading up.

A donation or small contribution may be appreciated; do not assume continuous opening hours.

18:00

Return and dinner in Filiates

Return to Filiates before nightfall and end the day with dinner in town. Indicative budget: €15–25 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

Day 2 – Gitana, Kalamas delta and the Sagiada coast

08:30–19:30 Archaeology and coastal stops

Combine a visit to the ancient site of Gitana with the wetlands and northern coastline of Thesprotia.

08:30

Departure from Filiates

Have breakfast and drive to Gitana, allowing about 20–30 minutes for the journey. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: the site is exposed and shaded areas are limited.

09:00

Archaeological site of Gitana

Spend about 60–90 minutes exploring the ruins of the ancient city, noting the fortified structures and the site’s relationship with the Kalamas landscape. Any ticket price and opening hours depend on the season: check ahead before you go.

10:45

Scenic stop in the Kalamas area

Continue toward the plain and the delta, stopping only at permitted points and without entering private property or protected zones. Visiting the natural area is generally free; binoculars and a telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching.

12:00

Kalamas Delta

Take your time exploring the accessible edges of the wetland, an environment of estuary, reed beds, and cultivated fields. There is no single fully equipped trail: follow local signage and allow 1–2 hours, depending on road conditions.

14:00

Lunch in Sagiada

Head to the coastal village and stop at a taverna, where you can find fish and local dishes. Budget roughly 15–28 € per person; in high season it’s best to arrive before peak hours.

15:30

Port of Sagiada

Stroll along the harbor and watch the boats and the rhythm of this small seaside town. The stop is free and can be brief, but it’s especially pleasant during the cooler hours.

16:30

Sagiada Beach

Wrap up with a break on the coast, bringing everything you need since facilities and shade can vary. Swimming is free; check sea conditions and head back to Filiates before dark.

Day 3 – Igoumenitsa and the Drepano Beaches

09:00–19:00 City, museum and sea

Get to know the region’s coastal capital and alternate a cultural visit with a relaxing beach break.

09:00

Transfer to Igoumenitsa

Leave Filiates by car: the drive takes approximately 30–40 minutes. If you’re changing base, this is a convenient day to move to Igoumenitsa or nearby.

10:00

Igoumenitsa Archaeological Museum

Spend about an hour exploring the collections that illustrate the history of Thesprotia, from antiquity to later periods. Tickets and opening hours vary: plan on roughly 3–8 € and check the updated schedule before visiting.

11:30

Walk by the port

Take in the port area and the ferry traffic, staying in the areas open to the public. The port is a functional part of the city, not an attraction to explore in the operational zones.

12:30

Lunch in Igoumenitsa

Stop at a taverna or a place in the center; a casual meal costs roughly 12–22 € per person. If you’re heading on to the beach, bring water and sunscreen.

14:00

Drepano Beach

Head to the long sandy beach north of the city for a walk or a swim. Access to the shore is generally free; any sun loungers and umbrellas are extra, and rates vary depending on the operator.

16:30

Makrigiali Beach

Make your way to Makrigiali for another stop along the coast, choosing the stretch best suited to the day’s conditions. Allow 20–30 minutes by car between the two areas, taking traffic and parking into account.

18:00

Return to Igoumenitsa for the evening

Head back into town for a stroll and dinner. Approximate dinner budget: €15–25 per person; check ferry schedules in advance if you need to board a boat.

Day 4 – The bays of Sivota

09:00–19:30 Beach and scenic

Discover the beaches and harbor of Sivota without piling on too many driving stops.

09:00

Arrival in Sivota

From Igoumenitsa, allow about 25–35 minutes by car. In summer, arrive early: parking and beach access fill up quickly and travel times can get longer.

09:45

Sivota Harbor

Stroll along the waterfront and admire the boats and bays surrounding the harbor. This is a free stop; ask operators directly for up-to-date information on any boat excursions.

10:30

Zavia Beach

Start with a first break at the small bay of Zavia, checking parking availability and on-site facilities. Access to the sea is free, while equipment and refreshments vary in price.

12:00

Mega Ammos Beach

Head to Mega Ammos for a few hours of sea and relaxation. Access conditions, facilities, and any sunbed rental depend on the season and the operators.

14:00

Lunch in Sivota

Head back toward the harbor and choose a taverna for lunch, with an indicative budget of €15–28 per person. If you’re planning a boat trip, ask about the duration, route, and price before boarding.

15:30

Excursion to Pisina Beach

Consider a short boat trip to Pisina Beach, often reached by sea; availability and conditions depend on the wind and the operator. Excursions can typically cost about 10–30 € per person, but the price should be confirmed on site.

17:00

Bella Vraka Beach

Head to Bella Vraka for a walk and, if the water level and conditions allow, cross the shallow stretch of sea to the islet. Bring suitable shoes and do not attempt the crossing in rough seas or without checking the depth.

18:30

Return to base

Leave before peak time to head back to Igoumenitsa or continue to your next accommodation. The trip is short, but in summer it’s wise to allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Day 5 – Paramythia and its historical heritage

09:00–19:00 Cultural and relaxed

Explore the center of Paramythia and visit its monuments with a day free of long transfers.

09:00

Transfer to Paramythia

Reach Paramythia by car; from Igoumenitsa, the drive usually takes 40–50 minutes. If possible, choose to stay overnight here to make the following day more comfortable.

10:00

Walk through the center of Paramythia

Explore the center and its streets on foot, stopping for coffee and taking in the character of the mountain capital. The walk is free; bring comfortable shoes for the inclines.

11:00

Koulia Tower

Reach the tower and view it from the outside: access to the interior may not be guaranteed. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the stop and check locally for any restrictions or works.

12:00

Paramythia Castle

Take a short visit to the castle ruins and the accessible viewpoints, without crossing barriers or walking on unstable stretches. Entry may be free, but the condition of the ruins varies; avoid going there when the ground is wet.

13:30

Lunch in the center

Stop at a taverna or a local spot in Paramythia. Allow roughly 12–22 € per person for lunch; ask which dishes are prepared that day.

15:00

Break and free time in town

Set aside the afternoon for a leisurely walk, a coffee, or some rest at the hotel. This break makes the next day’s transfer toward the Acheron more manageable.

18:30

Dinner and overnight stay in Paramythia

Have dinner in town and get ready water, walking shoes, and a change of clothes for the following day. Approximate dinner budget: 15–25 € per person.

Day 6 – Necromanteion, Acheron, and the Souli landscapes

08:00–20:00 Active, with medium-long transfers

Visit an archaeological site linked to the cult of the underworld and continue on to the river and the historic villages of Souli.

08:00

Departure from Paramythia

Leave early with water and a light breakfast: the day combines several areas and requires about 2–3 hours of total driving, not counting stops. Check the archaeological site’s availability before departure.

09:00

Necromanteion of the Acheron

Visit the archaeological site of Mesopotamo, traditionally associated with the cult of the dead and the oracle. Allow about an hour; the ticket price may vary, roughly 3–10 €, and opening hours are seasonal.

10:45

Transfer to the springs

Continue toward Glyki and the Acheron springs, allowing about 35–50 minutes by car. The secondary roads require attention; follow local signs rather than relying on unpaved shortcuts.

11:30

Acheron springs

Stroll through the spring area and take in the clear water and wooded landscape. Access to the river is generally free, but organized activities such as rafting or guided excursions have separate costs and depend on the season.

13:00

Lunch in Glyki

Stop at a village taverna near the river valley. Budget about 14–25 € per person; in summer, booking ahead or arriving before 13:30 can reduce the wait.

14:30

Walk along the Acheron River

Spend the afternoon on an accessible stretch of the riverbank, choosing a route that suits your time and fitness level. The water can be cold even in the warm months; avoid wading if the current or water level is high.

16:30

Samoniva and Kiafa Castle

If road conditions and the schedule allow, head to the village of Samoniva and Kiafa Castle in the historic Souli area. Allow time for the drive and an exterior visit; the ruins may be on uneven ground, so proceed with caution.

18:00

Return and dinner

Head back to your accommodation, allowing for a transfer time that varies depending on your chosen destination. If you are driving to Parga for the next night, avoid continuing after dark on roads you do not know.

Parga between castle, old town and sea
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 7

Parga between castle, old town and sea

09:00–20:00 Walking visits and a swim break

Wrap up the trip with Parga’s old town, the Venetian castle, and a stop at Valtos Beach.

09:00

Transfer to Parga

Reach Parga by car, allowing approximately 45–60 minutes from Paramythia or more if you’re coming from Glyki. In summer, park in the designated spaces outside the historic center and continue on foot.

10:00

Historic center of Parga

Stroll through the narrow lanes and little squares, taking in the layout of the town overlooking the bay. The visit is self-guided; the hills and uneven ground call for comfortable shoes.

11:00

Venetian Castle of Parga

Walk up to the castle and visit the ruins and panoramic viewpoints over the gulf. Access and any entrance fee depend on opening hours and the season: budget roughly €0–8 and check on site.

13:00

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a taverna in the town or along the seafront, keeping the summer crowds in mind. Approximate budget: €15–30 per person, varying depending on fish and drinks.

14:30

Valtos Beach

Reach Valtos on foot or by car depending on available parking and spend the afternoon by the sea. Beach access is usually free; sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports come at an extra cost.

17:30

Ali Pasha Castle

If you have a car and the weather is favorable, head up to Ali Pasha Castle to admire the structure and the views over Parga. The visit is mainly from the outside and the route can be uphill; check accessibility and conditions before setting off.

19:00

Final stroll and departure

Head back to Parga for one last walk along the seafront and plan your departure with some extra time, especially if you need to reach Igoumenitsa or a ferry connection. A light dinner costs roughly €12–25 per person.

Estimated budget

Overnight stays in a double room, 6 nights€ 360–900 per person
Meals and drinks for 7 days€ 210–420 per person
Car rental, fuel and parking (individual share when sharing the car)€ 180–430 per person
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites€ 10–40 per person
Boat trip or river activity€ 10–50 per person

Greece uses the euro (€), so no currency exchange is needed for those paying in euros. The price ranges are indicative, for one person, and may vary depending on the season, accommodation category, how far in advance you book, the number of travelers, and the activities chosen; they do not include flights or ferries to reach the region.

Practical tips

  • Rent a car: many rural stops and some beaches are hard to reach by public transport alone; check insurance coverage and the vehicle’s condition before setting off.
  • Check opening hours and schedules in advance for the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa, Gitana, the Necromanteion, and the castles: they may change with the season or on public holidays.
  • Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and shoes with good grip; archaeological visits, river trails, and some beach access points are exposed or uneven.
  • In summer, book accommodation, parking, and any boat excursions well in advance; avoid fords and crossings to Bella Vraka when the sea is rough or conditions are uncertain.