Ioannina, on Lake Pamvotis, mixes Ottoman-era monuments, a lively student scene and great food. It is a favourite winter city break and the gateway to the stone villages of Zagori.
Highlights
- The castle (Kastro) and Its Kale citadel with the Fethiye Mosque
- Boat ride to the lake island (Nisi) and its monasteries
- Perama cave
- Silversmith workshops and the Silversmithing Museum
- Epirus pies, trout and syrupy sweets
Ioannina's old town lies inside castle walls on a promontory in Lake Pamvotis. Inside are the Its Kale citadel, the Fethiye Mosque and the Byzantine Museum. A short boat ride takes you to the island, with its car-free village and monasteries.
In winter the city is festive and atmospheric, with lights along the lakefront and plenty of tavernas serving hearty mountain food. It is the natural base for Zagori, Metsovo and the Vikos Gorge.
☀️ Best time to visit
All year. Winter for a cosy city break, spring and autumn for hiking in Zagori.
🧭 Getting there & around
Ioannina airport (IOA) has flights from Athens. By car it is about 4.5 hours from Athens via the Ionia Odos, and about 3 hours from Thessaloniki via the Egnatia motorway.
Ioannina guides & articles
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