Set on Lake Pamvotida, this Greek city has a lively student scene, rich cultural life, and serves as a gateway to the Zagori region's dramatic gorges.
Ioannina, the capital of Epirus in northwestern Greece, sits on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis. The city's 6th-century castle, Lake Pamvotis' inhabited island, and the nearby Perama Cave offer visitors a range of experiences. In Ioannina, you'll find Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, several museums showcasing local history and culture, and easy access to the Pindus mountains for outdoor exploration.
Lake Pamvotis and Its Island
Lake Pamvotis is central to Ioannina's geography and daily life. Take a short ferry ride to the lake's inhabited island, an unusual feature in Greece. On the island, you'll find several monasteries, including the 16th-century Monastery of Agios Panteleimon, where Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha met his end. Walk through the car-free village to visit museums dedicated to the pre-revolutionary period and eat fresh fish at local tavernas.
The Castle of Ioannina
The Castle of Ioannina, built in the 6th century AD, is one of Greece's oldest Byzantine fortresses. Inside its walls are two mosques: the Fethiye Mosque, containing Ali Pasha's tomb, and the Aslan Pasha Mosque, now housing the Municipal Ethnographic Museum. This museum presents exhibits on the city's Greek, Ottoman, and Jewish communities, reflecting Ioannina's multicultural past.
Museums in Ioannina
Ioannina has several museums that highlight its history and culture. At the Archaeological Museum, you can examine artifacts from prehistoric times through the Roman period, including many items from the nearby Dodona sanctuary. The Byzantine Museum, located in the castle, displays religious art and everyday objects from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras. The Silversmithing Museum documents the city's long tradition of metalwork, exhibiting both historical and contemporary pieces.
Traditional Crafts and Local Cuisine
Ioannina is well-known across Greece for its silverwork. In the city's shops, you'll find detailed silver jewelry, bronzeware, and decorative items. The local cuisine is also worth trying. Taste the city's baklava, a sweet pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in syrup. For breakfast, try bougatsa, a custard pie that Ioannina claims as its original creation.
Natural Attractions: Perama Cave and Surrounding Areas
A few kilometers from Ioannina, you can explore the Perama Cave, one of Europe's largest cave systems. Take a guided tour to see its extensive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Ioannina also serves as a starting point for trips to the wider Epirus region. Visit the nearby Zagori villages to see traditional stone architecture and hiking trails, or head to the Vikos Gorge in the Vikos–Aoös National Park for hiking and observing local flora and fauna.
Transportation to Ioannina
You can reach Ioannina by air through its airport, which has domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. If you're driving from Athens, follow the highway towards Patras, cross the Rio-Antirion Bridge, and continue north. The drive takes approximately five hours. In Ioannina itself, many points of interest are within walking distance, particularly those around the lake and in the old town.
