How far is the Acheron River from Parga?
The Acheron springs at Glyki are about 25 km from Parga — a 30–35 minute drive over the coastal hills. It is the closest inland day trip from Parga, and you can be back on the coast the same afternoon.
Day Trips from Parga: the Acheron Springs, 35 Minutes Away
While the coast bakes at 35°C, the Acheron River runs icy-clear at 11°C just 25 km inland. Swim the springs, raft the gorge, ride horses along the banks — and be back in Parga for dinner.
GLYKI · ACHERON VALLEY · EPIRUS
30–35 min drive from Parga11°C river vs 35°C coastFamily-friendly, ages 4+
Why the Acheron
Parga's best half-day escape.
Every summer the Parga coast fills up and heats up. The Acheron valley is the opposite: a cold, spring-fed river shaded by plane trees, in a protected Natura 2000 gorge where Greek families have been cooling off for generations. It is the closest real adventure day out from Parga — no boat tickets, no long transfers, no middleman. You drive 35 minutes, park for free, and book your activities directly with the local family team that has run the springs base since 1998.
Drive from Parga
30–35 min
Water temperature
11°C
Springs entry
Free
Family-run since
1998
Pick your adventure
What you can do in one day.
Every activity starts at our base in Glyki village, by the Acheron springs. Book a single activity or combine rafting and horse riding in a package — instant online confirmation, certified guides, all safety gear included.
Rafting near Parga
The closest rafting to Parga.
There is no rafting in Parga itself — the nearest rafting river is the Acheron at Glyki, a 30–35 minute drive inland. Our run starts right at the springs: calm enough for first-timers and children from 4 years old, cold and wild enough to feel like the river of the myths. Certified swift-water guides, 25+ years of clean safety record, from €10 per adult and €5 per child.
Getting there
From Parga, Sivota & Preveza.
Set your navigation to 'Glyki' or 'Pony Club Acheron' and follow the brown signs from the village. Driving is by far the easiest way — buses to Glyki are rare.
From Parga
30–35 min (25 km)
From Sivota
≈ 50 min
From Preveza
≈ 1 hour
From Igoumenitsa / Corfu ferry
≈ 50 min
Parking
Free parking at our base in Glyki village, where all activities start. There is also a free municipal car park at the end of the springs road, right before the walking trail.
Meeting point
Pony Club Acheron, Glyki village — 2 km before the springs trailhead. Arrive any time between 10:00 and 16:00 on your activity day; no fixed departure slots.
A sample day
Your Acheron itinerary.
- 09:30
Leave Parga
An easy 25 km drive over the coastal hills into the Acheron valley.
- 10:15
Arrive at the Pony Club base in Glyki
Check in, gear up — helmets, life jackets and wetsuit gear are included.
- 10:30
Rafting or horse riding
Raft the springs run through the gorge, or ride along the riverbank. Packages combine both.
- 13:00
Swim and lunch in Glyki
Cool off in the 11°C springs, then eat at one of the riverside tavernas.
- 15:00
Walk into the springs trail
The free walking trail into the gorge starts 2 km past the village — icy water, plane trees, canyon walls.
- 16:30
Back to Parga — or detour to Ammoudia
Stop where the Acheron meets the Ionian Sea for a sunset swim on the way home.
Day trip from Parga: quick answers
Is there rafting in Parga?
Not in Parga itself — the nearest rafting is on the Acheron River at Glyki, 30–35 minutes away by car. The rafting run at the springs is beginner-friendly and suitable for children from 4 years old, from €10 per adult.
Is the Acheron day trip suitable for young children?
Yes. Rafting, horse riding and kayaking at the springs are all family activities — children from age 4 join the raft, and gentle ponies carry younger riders. Helmets, life jackets and all safety equipment are provided, with certified guides and a 25+ year safety record.
Do I need to book in advance?
In July and August we recommend booking online a day or two ahead — you get instant confirmation and pay no middleman fees. Arrive any time between 10:00 and 16:00 on your activity day.
What should I bring from Parga?
Swimwear, a towel, water shoes or sandals with a strap, sunscreen and a change of clothes. We provide helmets, life jackets and all activity equipment. The water is 11°C — bracing on a 35°C day, in the best way.
Can I combine rafting and horse riding in one day?
Yes — that is exactly what our packages are for. Package 1 combines rafting and horse riding from €20 per adult and €15 per child, and you can add kayaking or the springs walk around it. Everything starts from the same base in Glyki.
Book your day trip
35 minutes from Parga. A world away.
Rafting from €10, riding & rafting packages from €20, kayaking from €15 — instant online confirmation, no middleman, family-run since 1998.