The name "Tzoumerka" is attributed to a Vlach word meaning "steep peak". The wider Pramanta area is said to have grown into a network of settlements in the mid-15th century.
The area was home to the Athamanes, who gave the "Athamanika Mountains" their name. Their centres were Argothea, Theodoria and Avatos.
Vlach-speaking semi-nomadic herders and local mountain populations built fortified mountain villages and moved their flocks seasonally. Syrrako and Kalarrytes were settled in the 10th–12th century (according to the sources).
An economy of herding, masonry, silver- and goldsmithing, muleteer trade, shoemaking and basketry. Local autonomy in some periods and privileged taxation for some villages. Monasteries, schools and guilds of master builders.
During the Revolution Syrrako, Kalarrytes and Pramanta were destroyed by the forces of Hurshid Pasha; Pramanta was burned in July 1821. The Monastery of Agios Georgios in Vourgareli was a symbolic centre.
A large part of the area joins the Greek state.
Final liberation during the Balkan Wars. The Province of Tzoumerka was later created, with Pramanta as its capital.
Dates and settlement periods come from tourism and municipal sources and partly rest on local tradition.
Altitudes are rounded values from the sources; populations are shown with their census year.
The largest main village of Northern Tzoumerka, built below Strogoula, the historic seat of the Province of Tzoumerka and the area's main tourism and service centre. A good base for 2–4 days of exploring, with several guesthouses and hotels.
Altitude ~840 m
A historic mansion village and protected settlement with a strong Vlach identity, silverwork, trade and scholarship. A very small permanent winter population, growing with residents and visitors in summer.
Altitude ~1150 m
A traditional stone-built protected settlement, known for silversmithing and the craft of masonry. During Ottoman rule the nomadic herders kept at least 50,000 sheep and goats.
Altitude ~1200 m
Seat of the Municipality of Central Tzoumerka, a "green" village with rich vegetation and a historic and administrative centre. A starting point for visits to Byzantine monuments and mountain routes.
Altitude ~775 m · Population 582 (2021)
A traditional mountain settlement with a herding and farming economy, linked to the Pramanta area. A practical base for reaching the Kefalovryso waterfall.
Altitude ~850 m · Population 419 (2021)
One of the larger villages of Tzoumerka, about 50 km from both Arta and Ioannina, with a living farming and herding community. It has a working traditional watermill and a folklore museum.
Altitude ~650 m · Population 430 (2021)
A traditional settlement near Agnanta, known for its traditional watermills and natural surroundings.
A mountain village among fir forests with a strong natural identity, with access to forests, climbing and local trails.
A mountain village in the wider Tzoumerka area, with natural scenery and local routes for hiking and mountain exploration.
Kypseli has the Pantelis Karalis Folklore Museum, dedicated to folklore and local history.
Near the Arachthos and linked to the historic Plaka Bridge; rafting, walking and historical sightseeing.