While millions flock to Santorini and Mykonos, a mountainous region in central Greece offers dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and virtually zero crowds - even during peak season.
The Tzoumerka Mountains in Epirus represent the Greece most visitors never see: snow-capped peaks in spring, cascading waterfalls, stone villages clinging to hillsides, and roads that wind through forests where tourism infrastructure barely exists.
What Makes Tzoumerka Special
A traveler who recently visited in May 2026 described it as "one of my favourite places in the country" - notably from someone who lives in Greece and has explored extensively.
Key highlights include:
• Kipina Monastery: Built into a cliff face, this 13th-century monastery requires a scenic hike and offers stunning valley views • Tzoumerka Waterfalls and Kefalovryso Waterfall: Multiple cascades accessible by short hikes • Baros Pass: The highest paved road in Greece, offering mountain panoramas • Kalarrytes and Pramanta: Stone villages where traditional architecture remains intact and tourism hasn't altered the rhythm of daily life • Kouiasa Waterfalls: Less-known cascades that see a fraction of visitors compared to more famous Greek sites
When to Visit
May through early June offers the best conditions: mountains still snow-capped, trees lush green, waterfalls flowing strongly, and temperatures comfortable for hiking.
Summer (July-August) brings heat to valleys but remains pleasant at higher elevations. This is the Greek holiday season, so expect more domestic visitors, though still nothing compared to island crowds.
Fall (September-October) delivers golden colors and excellent hiking weather, though waterfalls flow less dramatically.
