Ioannina - Epirus (Greece)

Sights and tips Ioannina

• Ioannina City: The beautiful capital at the perched on the edge of lake Ioannina.
• The very famous village Zitsa, beautifully located along a mountainside, known for its production of stellar wines. Zitsa is located 24 kilometers (15 mi) northwest of Ioannina. Visit the monastery of Agios Ilias located here and take in the magnificent view over the valley of Kalamas.
• Metsovo, an important trade center in the past because of its optimal location (triangle Epirus, Thessaly and Makedonia). Metsovo (60 km/37 mi northeast of Ioannina) lies at 1,160 meters (3,805 ft) above sea level and is known for its beautiful architecture.
• Dodoni: 22 kilometers (14 mi) south of Ioannina city at 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) altitude is "DODONI," Greece's oldest oracle. It is said that the "Greeks" arose here because many Greek legends took place here. The mountain villages around here are gorgeous, and the nature is magnificent.
• Kalarites: Traditional village built at 1,100 meters (3,608 ft) altitude with characteristic stone mansions and cobblestone alleys.
• Konitsa (60 km/37 mi from Ioannina city): Traditional village (4,000 inhabitants) built on the slopes of Mount Timfi. Here, you can visit the Ethnologic museum, the Mausoleum, and the home of the mother of Ali Pasha. A wild life park with deer, wild boar, wild sheep and other animals is also located here.
• The gorge of Aoos near Konitsa and its famous bridge which can be seen here.
• The ski center Vasilitsa north of Konitsa (at 1,300m/4,265 ft)
• The hot springs of Kavasila at 1,300 meters (4,265 ft) altitude.
• The Zagorochoria (Zagoria), which are 46 traditional villages around the mountain Timfi and their typical architectural style.

Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer