We may become tiring but we underline it again that you should not
leave the prefecture of Ioannina if you do not make a descent in one of
the rivers by raft. It does not require big experience as the coxswain of
the boat is a professional, therefore your only equipment should be good
mood for adventure! It is an extremely fascinating experience
that you will never forget!!
 
River Arachthos is one of the most popular
rivers in Greece and it is sailable at a length
of 65 km. These 65 km are divided into four
sections: Upper and Under Arachthos,
Arachthos Ravine and Arachthos Gorge.
The main characteristic of River Arachthos
is the fact that it is sailable almost all year.
The first section of the descent begins from
the bridge of Mpalntouma that is found on
the national road towards Metsovo. The first
section does not have particular difficulties
and dangerous passages. However, because
of the dense vegetation, there are a lot of
trees and branches in the river. Then you
enter the ravine of Arachthos where the river
narrows and there are passages of III degree
difficulty. In the bridge Tsimpovo you can quit
as there is a possible way out, but it is sure
that none of you will want to stop the descent
so early because the most beautiful section
starts right there!! You hold well on to the boat and pass from "Simpligades",
where the passages are of difficulty IV if you believe it! Now you do not gaze
and you don't have fun with your friends as you see everything passing in front
of you! A little further Arachthos is linked with River Kalarrytikos and you reach
the bridge of Politsa. There you can also quit as there is a way out. Those who
will decide to quit however will be the ones who lose as from then on the most
beautiful part of the route begins. You will pass through Arachthos Gorge, the
passages are of difficulty II and III degree while the landscapes you will meet
are really gorgeous. Finally you will reach the final way out a bit higher than
the artificial Lake of Pournari.

 
The second descent can take place in
River Kalarrytikos that is as beautiful
as Arachthos and it has passages of
difficulty up to IV degree. The descent
starts from the bridge of Gogos in Mihalitsi
but it can also take place in the bridge
of Sigounis. However, the first one is the
most popular. You will cross the gorge
of Kalarrytikos that will bewitch you
by its beauty. The passages in the gorge
are of difficulty II degree, but there are
some of IV degree if you can believe it!
Then you will meet River Arachthos and
finally you will reach the final way out a
bit higher than the artificial Lake of
Pournari. It is a gorgeous route!