Σάββατο 18 Απριλίου 2015

PLATARIA THESPROTIA GREECE by John Stathis

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



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