Louros: River Estuary, Forest and History

Louros lies near the mouth of the river of the same name and not far from the coast of the Ionian Sea. Louros also includes part of the Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park. The river mouth, proximity to the coast and wetland offer different ways to experience nature during your stay.

Forest Trails and History at Agios Varnavas

The Agios Varnavas forest is located in the area around Louros. Marked trails wind through its vegetation. Water ash, alders, white willows, elms, plane trees and white poplars grow there. If you enjoy noticing trees on a forest walk, you will encounter a diverse mix here. The forest is easily reached by car from the Preveza–Ioannina National Road.

The historic Church of Agios Varnavas stands in a clearing in the middle of the forest. It was first founded in 1149, during the Byzantine period; it was later destroyed and rebuilt. The forest and church offer different points of interest: marked trails lead through the vegetation, while the church has a long history.

Hiking, Relaxation and Activities by the Lake

The Louros River Gorge lies on the border between the regional units of Preveza and Ioannina and is suitable for hiking and relaxing in nature. At Lake Ziros, near the town of Filippiada, visitors can cycle, picnic, hike, relax and take part in sports. This offers a choice of different activities: the gorge combines hiking with time in nature, while the lake also offers cycling, picnicking and sports.

Archaeology and Architectural History in Preveza

In the wider destination of Preveza, the history of Nikopolis leads to archaeological sites and the museum. The archaeological site of Nikopolis has a main route and six secondary routes connecting nine monumental areas. The Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis presents the city’s history of more than a thousand years through various aspects of the private and public lives of its inhabitants.

Buildings in the city of Preveza also offer different historical points of interest. The Venetian Clock Tower stands in the historic city centre and dates from 1752. The Church of Agios Athanasios is one of the oldest churches in Preveza. It was built during Venetian rule at the beginning of the 18th century and is known for its rare frescoes from 1780.

The Pantokratoras Fortress was built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha, to plans by the French engineer Yadocourt. Its location served to give complete control over shipping at the entrance to the Amvrakikos Gulf. Agios Andreas Castle was designated a protected monument by ministerial decision in October 1980.

Regional Products and Choosing the Right Holiday Rental Base

The wider region is known for vineyards growing grape varieties used to make wine and tsipouro. Preveza’s local products include shrimp from the Amvrakikos Gulf and the famous bottarga. The region thus brings together agricultural produce and products from the gulf, offering different regional points of interest.

When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to consider where the places you want to visit are located: the forest, gorge and Lake Ziros are in the nearby area, while the archaeological and historic attractions belong to the wider destination of Preveza. Consider whether nature excursions or culture will play a bigger part in your trip, and choose your base accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Thesprotiko, Ammoudia, Preveza, Galini, Kastrosykiá, Kanali, Archangelos, Lygia

Back to the wider travel overview: Preveza.