The Acheron Springs are located in a place of outstanding natural beauty, attracting many visitors. It is also a destination with a variety of organised activities, (in my opinion low level agility) suitable for young and old such as rafting, kayaking, zip wire gorge crossing, archery and horse riding.
The springs are located in a very green landscape surrounded by hills with oak and elms trees, only 2km away from the village of Glyki in the mountains of Souli. The light blue crystal clear water of the river goes through gorges, creates ponds, and shelters. The natural scenery is perfectly peaceful, as the river meanders its perpetual journey towards and flowing into the Ionian Sea, in the area of Ammoudia.
Acheron river is well-known through Greek mythology as the 'river of woe' and was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. It is here that Hermes Psychopomp handed over the souls of the dead to the gloomy and terrifying Charon, the ferryman who would escort them from Earth to the Underworld.
Its name probably comes from the word 'achos' (=sorrow) and means 'the river of sorrow'.
https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Kharon.html
The best way to get to the Acheron River is by car. Drive to the village of Glyki and follow the signs for Acheron Springs. Stop off at the organised activities of your choice or continue to the large car parking area for the river walk.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Glyki/@39.3202822,20.6059468,15.48z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x135c7151ea1d503f:0x64a8022ce3fb7587!8m2!3d39.3270613!4d20.6066054
Preparing for the river walk you will need:
- trainers or water shoes - the river bed is very uneven with shingle, pebbles and boulders.
- spare dry clothing for later - start your walk wearing a swimming costume or t shirt and shorts as these will definitely get wet.
- if you wish to take photos you will need a waterproof mobile phone case. I found taking my phone stressful as you need to keep your hands free.
At the car park there is a small kiosk shop to purchase last minute drinks, snacks, waterproof mobile phone cases or water shoes. There are also toilet facilities. From the car park it is a ten minute walk to the area at which you will enter the river.
You can travel up the river as far as you like. Initially it is shallow but as you walk further into the canyon the waters become deeper and there are a few short stretches that require you to swim against the current. We found this an exciting physical challenge, especially in the Spring, when the icy cold waters are deeper, gushing over the boulders and literally forcing your feet from beneath you.. Its so worth it as the scenery is breathtaking.
As you keep walking you can see the water bubbling up from the springs and gushing from rocks. The cold spring water mixes with the warmer waters in the upper reaches of the river.
At one part of the river there is a large central boulder; a tree trunk had fallen across one side of it and negotiating this together used many skills. (too precarious to take a photo)
We continued along the river until we reached Dallas Bridge then turned around for our return journey. This was so much fun as the current of the deeper water sweeps you along down river.
I have visited Acheron Springs twice now and find it not only exhilarating, as indeed the river walk is a physical challenge, but there is a sense of calmness and mindfulness about it. You cannot think about anything else but the 'here and now', the moment you are in, because you have to concentrate and use all your senses. It's simply wonderful.
There are several tavernas along the river or in the village of Glyki to eat at and relax with a view of the river.
As they say, there is no better way to spend the day, than messing about on the river.
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