Plataria Igoumenitsas
Plataria Greece is the seat of the newly-established Municipality of Sivota (Plataria, Argyrotopos, Faskomilia, Sivota, Polyneri, Skorpiona), belonging to the Province of the Thyamis in the Region of Thesprotia, situated in the inner cove of Plataria Bay, in between the capes Agionisi and Ieronisi as well as between the Ports of Igoumenitsa and Sivota (Mourtos).
Lefkimi, Corfu, and, slightly to the south, the islands of Paxoi and Amtipaxoi are located opposite Plataria. Stephen Byzantius’s ancient Calamini or Calamonia and Ptolemaeus’s Almini, whose place was recorded to north of Sivota, are said to have existed in the area of today’s Plataria.
After 1970, most of Plataria’s inhabitants moved from the mountainous locations of their
village to settle on the beach, establishing a sublime settlement priding modern urban planning. It was there were they took advantage of the natural beauty of the bay and constructed new marinas for recreation sea vessels, organized beaches, commonly used premises and green spots. A
t the same time they took great care of cleanliness, environmental protection as well as of being hospitable to tourists by erecting modern rooms to let, restaurants, cafes and other recreation spots.
PLATARIA VERSUS IMMIGRATION: Being people of Diaspora and immigration like most of Epirus’ inhabitants are, the inhabitants of Plataria had numerous relatives of their living in Canada and in Germany. Many of them have returned permanently to Plataria, where they founded their own enterprises and exceedingly aesthetic as well modern
residences. However, a large part of them continues to work in Germany, where they were born, grew up and attend their children’s studies without, nevertheless, ceasing visiting their beloved land of Plataria.
LOCAL PRODUCTS: Olives and olive oil as well as clover, which is used for feeding livestock, are Plataria’s most basic products.
OCCUPATION: Most of Plataria’s inhabitants have been dealing with tourism for the
last years as well with livestock feeding (cows, goats and sheep) while a small number of them is occupied with fishing.
HEALTH: A rural medicine centre operates in Plataria while the communication with the Igoumenitsa Health Centre and with the Agrinion University will give solutions to any health problem whatsoever.
EDUCATION: Plataria sports a kindergarten, an elementary school and a grammar school while the activity of Plataria’s Spiritual Centre is especially remarkable.
THE CHURCHES: Saint Basil, the Church of the Taxiarches (Archangels) and the old country Chapel of Santa Paraskevi, situated at the northern point of the town, are churches of Plataria belonging administratively to the Paramythia Archdiocese
COMMUNICATION and TRANSPORT: A branch of the Greek Organisation of Telecommunication (OTE) as well as a large number of outdoor cardphone devices, which are operated in Plataria, which is connected directly by rail to Igoumanitsa, Ioaninna and Athens as well as Corfu through the Port of Igoumenitsa
