Straits of Acheron
The area is surrounded by mountains and is characterized by rich vegetation and the rushing waters of the river.
In several parts of the river, where the flow of water is slow, you can see the formation of small ponds, ideal habitats for amphibians and fish. Other than that, the waters flow vigorously through high cliffs (some of them more than 100 meters high), while at other points the water flow is smaller, especially during the summer months.
On the rocky slopes of the straits, there are the nests of many species of birds of prey, such as buzzards, sparrow hawks, kestrels, and short-toed Eagles, while in the region you can also see vultures, peregrine falcons, Bonelli's eagles and golden eagles. Also, there are large mammals such as wolves and wild boars, seeking food and shelter in the wooded slopes of the canyon. The otter, a rare aquatic mammal, lives in clear waters of the river. Other mammals which live in the straits are the fox, the badger, the marten, the weasel, the wildcat etc. More than nine fish species live and reproduce in the waters of the river, one of which is the “acheronogovios”, an endemic species of Acheron. Sedges, ferns, trees, willows, oaks and other species (about 180 in total) make up the flora of the straits.
From Glyki you can drive till the plane trees forest. You can leave your car here and continue on foot till you arrive at the sources of the river. You can walk inside the river, against the current and enter the canyon. At the confluence of the Acheron with the stream Dala which comes from Souli, there is a stone bridge and the famous Stairs of Tzavelena, the old path of Souli. From the bridge you can continue hiking till the sources of Dala at the old water mill, or take the road that leads to Sertziana-Ioannina.
