Acheron Springs (Glyki)
Springs of Acheron, by Glyki, off the Preveza–Paramythia road (about 55 km / 50 min from Preveza)
Photo: Aretipapad / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Where the mythical river of the Underworld bursts out of the Souli gorge: walk in the river under plane trees, raft, or hike the old Souliote path of Skala Tzavelaina.
About Acheron Springs (Glyki)
The Acheron is about 52 km long. It rises near Zotiko in the Ioannina region and reaches the Ionian Sea at Ammoudia. In Greek myth it was one of the rivers of the Underworld, the "river of woe" across which Charon ferried the souls of the dead. Ancient writers, from Homer to Pausanias, placed the gates of Hades on its banks.
At Glyki the river leaves the narrow gorge of Souli, and the spot has been known as the Springs of Acheron since ancient times. Old plane trees, ferns and steep cliffs line the water. The area is protected under the Natura 2000 network. Visitors come to wade upstream in the shallow, cold river. A short trail from the Glyki information kiosk crosses the river to a cave known as the "Dragon's Cave" and loops back along the bank.
The classic hike is Skala Tzavelaina, a stepped path carved into the rock above the gorge. It starts at the metal bridge of Glyki and climbs in about two hours to Samoniva, the first of the Souliote villages, where the view over the gorge is best. Dala bridge is a 30-minute walk from the path. The path is named after Moscho Tzavella (1760–1803), the Souliote heroine who fought Ali Pasha. Legend says no Souliote could ride it on horseback until she did. Rafting trips also start from the springs, and local operators offer horse riding in the river and kayaking.
Good to know
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. The river crossings are shallow but slippery, and the water is cold.
- Summer is the season for walking in the river. Spring and autumn are best for hiking Skala Tzavelaina.
- If you hike to Samoniva, arrange a car at the top or plan to walk back the same way.
- The Necromanteion of Acheron and Ammoudia beach, at the river mouth, are both on the way.
Photos
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information checked against travel.gr. Spotted something out of date? Use “Suggest a place” in the footer.
More nature & rivers in Preveza
Ambracian Gulf Wetlands (Amvrakikos)
One of Greece's great wetlands, right next to Preveza: lagoons with Dalmatian pelican colonies, more than 300 bird species, sea turtles and a resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
Louros River & Roman Aqueduct (Agios Georgios)
The green Louros valley at Agios Georgios, where the arches of the Roman aqueduct that carried spring water some 50 km to Nikopolis still stand by the river.