A three-day trip full of mountains, history, nature and… tsipouro! Between the forests of Grammos and the Amarantos thermal baths, we climb the imposing peak of Kamenik, walk through alpine landscapes and discover the secrets of traditional distillation. With the hospitable guesthouse Ziakos as our base and a stop at a unique pilgrimage site in nature, this excursion combines it all.
_our excursion
_activity
hiking | Amarantou Baths – Kamenik Peak | 15.5km | moderate difficulty | ages: 16+
We depart from Thessaloniki on Friday at noon, heading to Mastorochoria and the Amarantos Baths. There we will settle into our rooms at the guesthouse and have dinner in preparation for the next day’s hike.
On Saturday, after breakfast, we set off for the summit. The beginning of the route is passable, on a forest road, surrounded by trees and water. Then we enter the path through the beech forest. We climb until we reach 2,042, at the peak of Kamenik. We enter a zone of alpine landscape, with an endless view—Smolikas, Tymfi, Pindos, Grammos—all in one frame. We cross part of the Greek-Albanian border, where the traces of the civil war come alive in the mind. The return is circular, with lakes, marshes, and even shadows of distant peaks that greet us as we descend.
Back at the guesthouse, our hosts are waiting to show us the secrets of traditional tsipouro distillation. The processes, smells, flavors are explained, and for those who wish, there is the possibility of ordering local delicacies.
On Sunday, after breakfast, we prepare for a more relaxed hike. We drive from Amarantos Square to the Dendroekklesia of Agios Paisios in the forest of Agia Varvara—a place of tranquility and introspection amidst greenery. After crossing the single-arched bridge of Mylos, we set off for the return to Amarantos and then to Thessaloniki with a final stop for lunch.
_accommodation
Our accommodation will be at the traditional Ziakos Guesthouse, in Loutra Amarantou, amidst a landscape of absolute tranquility and natural beauty. With comfortable, warm rooms, mountain views and outstanding family hospitality, it is the ideal retreat to rest after hiking and enjoy local flavors and an authentic Epirus atmosphere.
The Guesthouse is fully renovated providing all the comforts for a pleasant stay. There is a restaurant which is open from early in the morning for breakfast until late at night.
The rooms are mainly double and have heating, private bathroom, mini-bar, TV and beds with anatomical mattresses.
_prices are per person in a double room and include:
- transfer from Thessaloniki
- accommodation in the Ziakos guesthouse
- breakfast
- accompanied by experienced escorts of our company
- hiking sticks
- liability insurance | legal taxes
_prices do not include:
- meals and drinks
_do not forget:
- hiking / trekking / mountaineering shoes
- backpack (ideally 40lit)
- snacks (cakes, chocolates, power bars) | water (1.5 lit)
- personal hygiene items
- raincoat – windstopper
_route details:
- Amarantou Baths – Kamenik Peak: 15.5km | Elevation +880m
- Amarantos – Dentroklisia of Agios Paisios: 3km | R/T +140m
- required physical condition: very good
