Parapotamos combines its location on the Kalamas with a distinctive archaeological theme. The ancient settlement of Fanoti (Doliani) lies in the village; north of the village is the tumulus of Parapótamos. For travellers who want to combine culture and landscape during their stay, these details offer two different points of interest: the river as a geographical setting and the ancient sites as concrete historical points of reference.

Village on the Kalamas

Parapotamos is a semi-mountainous village on the Kalamas. Across the wider travel region, the Kalamas is considered one of the largest rivers in Epirus. The description of the area can therefore be read on two scales: the village is characterised by its location on the river, while the description of the Kalamas sets it in a regional context. When choosing the area for a trip, you can weigh landscape and archaeological history as distinct interests.

Fanoti and the tumulus

The ancient settlement of Fanoti (Doliani) is located in Parapotamos. It was the seat of the Thesprotian tribe of the Fanotians and covers 50 stremmata; the settlement is also situated on the river. Together, these details provide a historical and geographical context: Fanoti is associated with an ancient tribal group and can also be understood as a settlement with a specific area and riverside location. For a visit focused on cultural history, this combination is informative because it connects the settlement’s history with its geographical context.

Another archaeological trace lies north of the village at the tumulus of Parapótamos. A total of 88 graves were excavated there. Most were cist graves; seven pit graves and one vessel burial were also recorded. The cemetery appears to have been used from the Hellenistic period through to the post-Byzantine period. The grave types and the dating offer two different perspectives on the site: one describes the burial practices, the other the period during which the cemetery was apparently in use.

Route to the tumulus

The route to the tumulus follows the old Igoumenítsa–Ioánnina National Road, first to the village of Parapótamos. About 700 m beyond the village, a dirt track branches off to the left and leads to the monument. The approximate distance helps you locate the turn after passing through the village. Check current route conditions before your visit.

Highlights for your visit

The topics offer different focal points to help you decide what to explore: Fanoti represents the ancient settlement and its connection to the Fanotians, while the tumulus offers a look at different burial practices and the cemetery’s apparently long period of use. If you are more interested in the landscape, you can focus on the village’s connection to the river and the Kalamas’s regional significance in Epirus. This lets you choose between settlement history, funerary archaeology and landscape as your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Plataria Thesprotia, Sagiada, Karavostasi, Perdika, Vasilikos, Faskomilia, Paramythia, Dilofo.

For the wider travel overview: Thesprotia.