Discover Ioannina

Ioannina brings together the landscape of Lake Pamvotis, an inhabited lake island, an old castle and a vibrant urban history. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Ioannina, you can tailor your trip to your interests: nature around the lake, historic sites within the castle or routes for getting active are among the city’s many facets.

The Island and Nature

Ioannina Island is one of only two inhabited lake islands in Greece. Its village is designated a settlement of outstanding natural beauty and probably dates from the 16th century. The island is home to the Lake Pamvotis Information Centre, housed in a traditional, listed stone building. It showcases the lake’s most important plants, as well as the fish, birds, amphibians and mammals that live there. The lake’s habitats and the island’s history thus offer distinct themes to explore.

The history of the monasteries also stretches far back: two monasteries were founded on the island during the Byzantine period. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas Philanthropenon is also known as Spanou, while the Monastery of Saint Nicholas Strategopoulou is also known as Diliou. These two pairs of names help place the religious sites in their historical context without confusing them with one another.

Castle, Museums and Urban History

Ioannina Castle stands on a naturally fortified rocky peninsula and is among the oldest continuously inhabited fortified settlements in Greece. Archaeological investigations have uncovered traces of settlements there from the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Within the citadel are underground caves, once used as storerooms and prisons, which can be accessed from there.

Several museums offer different historical perspectives on the castle. The Byzantine Museum is located in the southeastern acropolis of Itch Kale. Its silverware can be seen in the so-called Treasury at the centre of the citadel; an exhibition on the city’s history is housed in the Fethiye Mosque. The Silversmithing Museum is located in the western bastion tower of the northeastern acropolis, Its Kale. There, you can learn about traditional techniques for shaping and decorating silver objects. The tomb of Ali Pasha of Tepelena is also in the innermost part of the castle, in the Its Kale area, and is one of the city’s significant historic sites.

Buildings within the castle also house the Ioannina City Museum and its extensive collections. Those interested in Greek history can visit the Paul Vrellis Museum of Greek History in the village of Bizani, in the Municipality of Ioannina, 12 kilometres from the city of Ioannina. The visitor and reception centre at Perama Cave features audiovisual materials and rare palaeontological finds.

Trade, Traditions and Getting Active

The Old Market retains its commercial character and is one of Ioannina’s liveliest streets. It developed into a centre of trade and social life, with origins dating back to the period of Ottoman rule. Handmade and traditional products from Ioannina and the region include wooden items, woven fabrics, embroidery and folk-art products. Tzamales are another expression of urban tradition: a three-day carnival celebration featuring bonfires, music, dancing and bean soup.

For active days, there are two different route details to consider: the established circuit around Lake Pamvotis is 30 kilometres long. A walking and cycling path runs from Mavili Square to the village of Katsikas. The circuit’s stated length and the route of this path may be useful when planning your day; no duration or level of difficulty is specified.

Ioannina as a Starting Point for Your Trip

Today, Ioannina is a major transport hub in Epirus. The Egnatia and Ionian motorways, which run south of the city, have significantly improved regional connections with the rest of the country. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may therefore help to weigh up your travel interests first: would you like to focus on culture and urban history, explore nature around the lake, or make time for the 30-kilometre circuit?

More town and village pages to help you plan: Métsovon, Ioannina, Platania, Klidonia, Ano Pedina, Kipoi, Perama, Dodoni, Arísti, Vovoúsa, Neochori, Milea, Potistika, Neokaisáreia, Pramanta, Koukouli, Anatoli, Matsouki, Tsepelovo, Amfithea, Fragkades, Kapesovo, Raiko, Elati, Zitsa, Konitsa, Ano Ravenia, Monodendri, Kalarites, Paliochori, Delvinaki, Dikorifo, Pyrsogianni, Kalpaki, Lippa, Kastania, Tiria, Negades, Papingo, Fourka, Plikati, Drosopigi, Kalendsion, Sirako, Kato Pedina, Doliana, Eleousa, Vikos, Elafotopos and Ravenia.

For the broader travel overview: Epirus.