Louros lies near the mouth of the river of the same name. The Ionian Sea coast is also not far away. Part of the Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park is within Louros. The river, coast and protected area define the geographical setting; other natural destinations lie in the surrounding area.
Agios Varnavas Forest and its Church
The nearby Agios Varnavas Forest can be reached via marked paths through the vegetation. Ash trees, alders, silver willows, elms, plane trees and silver poplars are among the tree species that grow there. This variety also makes the forest interesting as a landscape: the focus here is on the interplay of paths and vegetation rather than on a single attraction.
In the middle of the forest, in a clearing, stands the historic Church of Agios Varnavas. It was founded in 1149, during the Byzantine period; it was later destroyed and rebuilt. The church thus combines a specific historical connection with its setting in the forest. The forest is easily accessible by car from the Preveza–Ioannina National Road.
Hiking and Time Outdoors
Nearby, the Louros River gorge lies on the border of the regional units of Preveza and Ioannina. It is suitable for hiking and enjoying nature. Lake Ziros is near the town of Filippiada and is a good place for cycling, picnicking, hiking, relaxing and taking part in sports. The gorge and the lake offer different kinds of activities: one is a river landscape, the other a place for recreation and activity by the lake.
Culture and Regional Perspectives in Preveza
In the wider destination of Preveza, Nikopolis is an archaeological highlight. The archaeological site has a main route and six secondary routes connecting nine monumental areas. The Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis presents the city’s more than thousand-year history through various aspects of the private and public lives of its residents.
History and architecture can also be found in Preveza itself. 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 in the early 18th century and is known for rare frescoes dating from 1780. The Pantokratoras Fortress was built by Ali Pasha in the early 19th century, following plans by the French engineer Yadocourt. Its location served to ensure complete control of shipping at the entrance to the Amvrakikos Gulf.
For further orientation in Preveza, there is also a coastal cycling route: Route Two is about 10 kilometres long, has a low level of difficulty, and connects the town beach, Kiani Akti, Pantokratoras, the fishing harbour, Alonaki and the settlement of Drosia. As road conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Vineyards and Regional Products
The wider area is known for vineyards growing grape varieties used to make wine and tsipouro. Local products from Preveza include shrimp from the Amvrakikos Gulf and the famous bottarga from the same gulf.
Discover more destinations: Kastrosykiá, Thesprotiko, Filippiás, Drimon, Kanali, Lygia, Gkoura, Kamarina
For the wider travel overview: Preveza.
