Plataria
, Thesprotia , Greece!
John Stathis
The town of Plataria is located in the middle
bay of three bays with Igoumenitsa Bay on one side and Sivota bay on
the other. At its opening Plataria Bay is approximately 2 nautical
mile wide and the village is 3.5 miles from the mouth of the bay. The
islands of Corfu and the town of Lefkimi are opposite the bay and north of the
islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. The bay of Plataria has primarily
rocky beaches, except close to the town where sandy beaches are
directly in front of the village. The middle of the bay has quite deep
waters.
According to available sources of Stephen Byzantium,
and Ptolemy the site of today's Plataria "Αρχαία Καλαμωνια"(Αncient reeds) or "Calamine" the
city of Toroni was inhabited since 1300 AD and nomadic tribes lived
in the surrounding hills. The tribes provided protection to the
village from pirates. By 1730 the thirteen villages of Thesprotia had
become an organized and coherent Christian community. Despite the
occupation of violent Islamic forces of the Ottoman Gate Valz,
Plataria was able to maintain its own Christian religion.
Regarding
the name Plataria, according to testimonies of past and present local
historians, two versions are the most probable. The first version is
that Plataria was named because of the width of its plains
(πλατος=width). The second possible version is that it owns
it's name to the existence of a large plane tree (πλατανος=Plane
tree).
The population in 1928 was 128 residents. In 1951 it
was 318 inhabitants in 1971, 450, and in 2001 the census counted 955
residents. Today the population is more that 1,000 permanent
residents while during the summer months the number increases
significantly.
Plataria's administrative headquarters formerly
belonged to the province of Thyamis of the prefecture of Thesprotia
and included the villages of Vrisi and Skepeto. In the past, Plataria
belonged to the Municipality of Sivota but it now belongs to the
Municipality of Igoumenitsa.
During the 60's mainly because of
the bad economic conditions there was a large immigration from
Plataria to Germany, Belgium and the US. Despite some resulting
negative effects from the departure of so many, the area benefitted
economically and culturally.
Because of significant damage to
the homes of most residents in higher areas caused by the earthquake
of 1989, many residents moved to the shore area. The seaside area
became a new elegant modern town based on a modern layout.
Today
Plataria is a picturesque village that boasts a marina where boats
and yachts can moor. There are organized and public beaches, parks,
and easy parking.
The rapid development of tourism and the
need to welcome visitors resulted in the creation of many modern
apartment buildings, small hotels, restaurants and cafés that offer
relaxation and tranquility for those seeking a quiet holiday. The
organized and clean beaches and modern with many amenities, have
attracted Greek and European tourists who spend their holidays in
Plataria.
In addition, there are many beautiful places and
attractions for a visitor to enjoy. Plataria can be a springboard for
a path into history or for the enjoyment of the natural monuments of
Epirus, the larger region of Greece were Plataria lies. The village
promises it's visitors countless moments of pleasure. Emerald and
turquoise waters, beautiful sunsets, sandy beaches, enchanting coves,
and silver-green slopes of olive groves, all create a magical setting
for the visitor.
Plataria is a tourist destination for
everyone: young couples, families, older folks and lovers.
Where
to swim in Plataria Bay
The
seaside village of Plataria has along sandy beach, named Ammoessa. (meaning full of sand) .There are cafés along the shore and restaurants. You can rent an
umbrella for a modest amount or when you order something to drink,
the umbrella and lounge chairs are free.
There
are other beaches in the area:
1.
Plataria Beach and Elena Beach
Two
quiet beaches, Plataria and Elena beach are approximately 3 km from
the village. There you will find the Plararia Apartments, a beach bar
and restaurant. At Elena beach there are camping grounds with a bar
and restaurant as well.
2.
Red Rock Beach
You
can reach Red Rock Beach by car 4km approximately by following
directions to Igoumenitsa along the national road. There you will
find cafés, restaurants and rooms to let.
3.
Elia Beach
The
next beach along the shore is Elia beach which gets its name from the
olive trees found there. Parking is easy.
4.
Kalami Beach
At
a distance of 5.4 km from the village, Kalami beach is smaller with
pebbles. There is a taverna and the Kalami Beach camping.
5.
Ekso Gata Beach
The
last beach along Plataria Bay has large white pebbles and bushes
creating a distinctive scenery. You will find a canteen on the
beach.
Directions
to Syvota
6.
Nautilus Beach
Beautiful
Nautilus Beach is 3.2 km from Plataria where you will find camping
grounds, rooms to let and a restaurant.
Camping
at Plataria
Plataria
Bay has three well organized camping grounds, one on the road to
Syvota and two on the road to Igoumenitsa.
Naytilos
Camping
Located
among trees, Nautilos Camping lies next to a sparkling beach with
crystal clear waters and spectacular views of sunsets over the Ionian
Sea and with a clear view of the island of Corfu. The camping grounds
offer complete services with an emphasis on cleanliness. The
restaurant provides a beautiful view of the sea while eating
breakfast, lunch and a la cart dinner menu. The beach bar is an ideal
place to relax and enjoy coffee or a drink Nautilos Camping is
situated on a beautiful beach. For more information, please visit the
official web site, www.nautiloscamping.gr
Camping
Kalami
Camping
Kalami Beach Is located 5.4 km from Platariaon the road to
Igoumenitsa. The camp site is situated with a panoramic view of the
beach amidst olive, palm, eucalyptus, and cypress trees and mimosa
plants. The sparking tour quotes waters are ideal for swimming,
windsurfing, water skiing, etc. A mini market provides high quality
Greek and homemade products. A snack bar and restaurant offers local
specialties. For more informations please visit the web
site....
Camping
Elena
Camping
Elena is a family run business situated 3.1 km from Plataria on the
road to Igoumenitsa. Elena's Beach can host up to 200 people. The campsite provides rooms to let with private WC and shower. It
also offers communal areas for people with special needs with all
necessary conveniences as well as WC for children. An up to date
biological cleaning system ensures protection to the natural
environment. For more information, please visit the official
site www.campingelena.gr.
Αγγλικό κείμενο , Φωτογραφίες , Γιάννης Στάθης
Επιτρέπεται η αναδημοσίευση του κειμένου η μέρους του με μονη προυπόθεση την αναφορά της πηγής.
Βιβλιογραφία ,
www.platariotika.gr
Eγκυκλοπαίδεια ΗΛΙΟΥ
Εγκυκλοπαίδεια ΠΑΠΥΡΟΣ ΛΑΡΟΥΣ ΜΠΡΙΤΑΝΙΚΑ
Εκδόσεις Δομή , Νομός Θεσπρωτίας , Ήπειρος
Ήπειρος, πλήρης ταξιδιωτικός οδηγός Explorer
DK Eyewitness Travel, Greece Athens and the Mainland
National Geographic Traveler ΗΠΕΙΡΟΣ
Ιστορικοί Περίπατοι ανά τη Θεσπρωτία , Θεσνικη 1976 Σ. Μουσελιμη
Αρχαιότητες της Θεσπρωτίας , Ιωάννινα , Σ. Μουσελιμη
