This naturally blessed part of Greece, the region or officially the “prefecture” of Thesprotia, remains mostly unknown, not only to visitors from abroad but to many Greeks as well, apart from the port city of Igoumenitsa and its prettier little sister, Sivota, across from the island of Corfu. Yet Thesprotia can be an ecotourist’s and visitor’s paradise, with both its beaches and inland treasures just begging to be discovered. Ruins of ancient cities, rare ecosystems, medieval castles, impressive monasteries and fascinating hiking routes are the wondrous offspring of Thesprotia.

Igoumenitsa was once only a dusty port city that provides access to Corfu, Italy and the Balkans, but in the last decade has become much more playful and attractive, tucked between verdant hills and the Ionian Sea. Just a short drive away are two long sandy beaches like Makrigialos and Drepano, complete with beach bars, restaurants, sunbeds and watersports options (please choose the quieter, motorless ones that don’t pollute).

The beauty prize though, as mentioned above, goes to nearby Sivota, dubbed even as the “Ionian fjord” with its emerald waters, mystical-looking islets, sheltered bays and tree-filled shores. Boat cruises, diving and snorkeling opportunities, a friendly harbor full of tavernas and cafés, and the sea cave of Mourtos are just some of the attractions here.

Go inland into the municipality of Souli, and you’ll be rewarded with quaint villages that feature cobblestone alleyways, watermills with the freshest drinking water, and archeological sites such as the ancient city of Elea from the 4th century BC. The nature in and around Souli is stunning, with the Acheron River, once thought to be gateway to Hades by the Ancient Greeks, now considered a protected ecosystem with tributaries such as the Kalamas and Kokitos.

The Kalamas (or Thyamis) river and wetland stretches over 100 kilometers that feature rare birds, impressive ravines, and Byzantine monuments such as Raveni and Osdina. Linking with the Acheron, the Kokitos river in the village of Paramythia (which actually means “fairytale”) is steeped with myth and is known as the river of tears, filled by those who visit the Necromantio (ancient cemetery) and lament over lost relatives.

Check out our hiking section if you want to experience some of these natural and manmade wonders. Thesprotia is a haven for river trekking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and paragliding to name just a few.