The village of Ktistades maintains its traditional character and offers accommodation options that will pleasantly surprise you
Tzoumerka is definitely considered an unexplored destination. However, the creation of highways such as the Ionian Road and the information on the internet have contributed to its (mild) touristic development.
Even so, here you will meet villages that really preserve their traditional character, however difficult this may be in times of urbanisation and technological overdevelopment. One such village is Ktistades, 6 kilometres southwest of the capital village of northern Tzoumerka, Pramanta.
The village's old name was Kusovista, a name of Slavic origin that probably translates to "Good View". It got its current name Ktistades, meaning Builders, in 1927 due to the settlement's human potential.
Many excellent stone craftsmen came from the village. They travelled all over the country to build houses and other buildings, but they have, of course, also left their mark on their village.
The building that stands out is the church of Agios Nikolaos. Although the village does not have the life of the past, the well-kept church shows how much those who live or come from there love Ktistades.
Nearby, in the village's central square, is the village's spiritual centre, which houses the Folklore Museum with exhibits donated by the locals, while there is also a lending library. A little further, you will see a stone fountain, a cafe and a tavern.
As in many villages in mountainous Greece, very few people live here in the winter, but in the summer Ktistades is filled with people seeking coolness under the two huge plane trees in the square.
Ktistades is only 3 kilometres from one of the best-known attractions in Tzoumerka, the Anemotrypa Stalactite Cave, which is located at an altitude of 900 metres and inside it unfolds the beauty of nature in a dreamy environment.
It has three levels, within which it passes the river Arachthos, the flow of which will accompany you on a large part of the visitable route, which is located on the middle level and is 250 metres long.
The upper level has essentially collapsed, while the third level is the river bed, which you will see from the path, which creates a waterfall about 2 metres high. As you traverse the cave, you will see magnificent geological formations and pink, white and grey lakes.
The colour of the rocks is reflected in the water and plays in a wonderful way. Boulders, drip ornaments, and rocks licked for millions of years by the waters complete the images. This is another proof that when nature is in a mood, it surpasses even the most talented architect.
Exceptional and special accommodations
Ktistades may be a small village, but they are lucky enough to host some of the most special accommodations in mountainous Greece.
Tzoumerka Chalet Kalyvas (Tel: 6930 797829) is an accommodation with a triangular shape and cozy wooden panelling, an ideal choice for couples or a small group that wants to spend time in the middle of an unspoiled natural landscape.
It's no coincidence that Airbnb itself describes it as a hidden gem.
On the other hand, Theasis Igloo offers accommodations designed based on the principles of eco-dynamics, and for their construction, the materials found in abundance in the area, stone and wood, have been used.
The residences have glass roofs that offer a view of the starry sky in an area with zero light pollution. The ten-inch skywatcher telescope will also help you observe the stars and the moon.
Some tips and information for a trip to Ktistades
Ktistades is 419 kilometres from Athens, 319 from Thessaloniki and 65 from Arta.
The best time to visit Tzoumerka is spring and early autumn. But every season has its own beauty.
It is worth visiting Tzoumerka with a four-wheel drive vehicle in spring and summer, as the area is ideal for off-roading.
Tzoumerka is also suitable for rafting, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking activities.
In addition to the Anemotrypa Cave, other attractions worth visiting are the Kipina Monastery, the Plaka Bridge and the "twin" Vlach villages of Syrrako and Kalarrites.
READ MORE: Grevena, the authentic town with mountain beauty that fascinates.
