An approximately five-hour mountain hiking route starts in Melissourgoi, leads to the Agáthi spring, climbs to the alpine zone at Avtí, and ends in Theodoriana. In the village, springs, church architecture and two museums offer further specific points of interest; the stone Kaféritas Bridge adds to the local architectural history.

Mountain Hiking and Planning Your Time

The route gives you a clear framework for planning your day: allow approximately five hours for the mountain hike. Starting in Melissourgoi and ending in Theodoriana helps distinguish it as a standalone outing from the village’s points of interest. Along the way, the path leads to the Agáthi spring and climbs to the alpine zone at Avtí. The same route therefore takes you to a specific spring and through a section at alpine elevation.

Pay particular attention to the start for orientation: the trail may initially follow an unpaved road or disappear into it. Bear this possible route in mind when planning your hike. The approximate duration and the named stops also provide a practical basis for deciding how much of your stay to devote to the hike.

Springs and Forested Slopes

The springs of Melissourgoi include Kefalóvryso, Kryonéri, Vrotópi and Agáthi. They are classified as mineral water springs. Agáthi is therefore both one of the village’s springs and a stop on the mountain hiking route. Its water is bottled as table water under the name «ΤΖΟΥΜΕΡΚΑ».

Another natural highlight is the slopes of the Tzoumerka mountain range in the vicinity of Melissourgoi. They are home to natural fir and pine forests, as well as numerous fruit-bearing evergreen and deciduous trees. The species mentioned include oaks, strawberry trees, wild cherry trees, hazelnut trees, Judas trees, lime trees and plane trees. This landscape description extends beyond the individual village springs to include the forested slopes in the surrounding area.

Church, Museums and the Kaféritas Bridge

The Church of Saint Nicholas is a three-aisled, vaulted basilica without a dome. “Three-aisled” describes how the church interior is divided into three aisles; this feature can be considered alongside the other characteristics: its vaulting and the absence of a dome. The church’s history also includes several notable events. It was set on fire in 1821, severely damaged in the 1967 earthquake and subsequently renovated.

The two museums are located by different squares: the National Resistance Museum is next to the central square, while the Folklore Museum is at Panagia Square. These location details help you distinguish between the two sites as you explore the village’s cultural attractions. The Kaféritas Bridge is another sight in Melissourgoi. Built of stone, it dates from the late 19th century. Together with the church, it offers a look at different aspects of local architectural history: the design of a religious building, the historical events it later experienced, and a stone structure from the late 19th century.

You can choose between two distinct highlights: the approximately five-hour mountain hike, which passes Agáthi and continues to the alpine zone near Avtí, or the village’s history, explored through its church, museums and bridge. The springs link these themes in a specific way: Agáthi is one of the village’s springs and is also on the described hiking route.

Discover more destinations: Anatolí, Mytikas, Mesopirgos, Vourgareli, Agnanta, Kypseli, Athamanio, Agios Spiridon

For the wider travel overview: Arta.