Greece
The capital of Epirus, built on the shores of the picturesque Lake Pamvotis. It is famous for its rich history, the imposing Castle, the unique small island of the lake, and its tradition in silversmithing.
The inner acropolis of the Castle hosting the Fethiye Mosque, the tomb of Ali Pasha, and the Byzantine Museum, offering panoramic views of the lake.
Housed in the western bastion of Itch Kale, it showcases the technology of silversmithing and the social history of Epirus through impressive exhibits.
Tour of the Castle of Ioannina
Castle of Ioannina · 2 hours
Start your day with a walk through the cobbled alleys of the oldest Byzantine castle town. You will admire the stone houses with wooden bay windows and feel the atmosphere of another era, where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions meet.
Why it's worth it: It is the ideal introduction to the city's history before the heavy traffic of the day begins.
Visit to Itch Kale
Southeast Acropolis · 1.5 hours
Explore the inner acropolis of the castle, dominated by the Fethiye Mosque and the tomb of Ali Pasha. The area offers a unique panoramic view towards Lake Pamvotis and the surrounding mountains.
Why it's worth it: The morning view of the lake from the walls is the clearest and most impressive.
Silversmithing Museum
Historic Restaurant · Traditional Epirote · €€
Kleftiko in greaseproof paper
Restaurant with a View · Creative Greek · €€€
Game dishes and local cheeses
Mezedopoleio · Greek Mezes · €€
Tigania and local sausages
Confectionery · Sweets · €
Klostari (local baklava)
All-day Restaurant · Mediterranean · €€
Fresh lake fish and risotto
Ioannina National Airport 'King Pyrrhus' (IOA), which is about 4 km from the city center.
The historic center, the Castle, and the lakeside zone are extremely pedestrian-friendly and flat.
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Sign inBest time to visit
May, June, September, October
Recommended duration
2-3 days
Estimated cost
100-180€ per person/day
Climate
Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters
Language
Greek
Located in the upper acropolis of the Castle, it houses artifacts from the three communities that coexisted in the city: Christian, Islamic, and Jewish.
In the central Litharitsia square, the museum exhibits findings from all over Epirus, with special emphasis on the oracle tablets from the sanctuary of Dodona.
One of the largest and oldest theaters in Greece, part of the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Dodona, located just 22 kilometers outside the city.
West Bastion of Itch Kale · 1.5 hours
Learn the secrets of Ioannina's art in this state-of-the-art museum housed in an old bastion. You will see up close the production process of famous silverware and impressive exhibits from the local tradition.
Why it's worth it: The indoor coolness of the museum is ideal for midday hours.
Boat ride to the Island of Pamvotis
Molos, Ioannina · 2-3 hours
Board the boats from Molos for a short ten-minute trip to the only nameless inhabited lake island. Walk through the traditional settlements and visit the Ali Pasha Museum, where the legendary ruler met his end.
Why it's worth it: In the afternoon, the light over the lake creates an idyllic setting for photos.
Walk to the Philanthropen Monastery
Pamvotis Island · 1 hour
Visit one of the most important Byzantine monasteries on the island, known for its exceptional 16th-century frescoes. The tranquility of the landscape among the plane trees will offer you a unique sense of peace.
Why it's worth it: The spirituality of the place blends perfectly with the quietness of the afternoon on the island.
Stroll along Dionysiou Filosofou lakeside road
Lakeside Zone · 1 hour
End your day with a walk under the huge plane trees, next to the castle walls and the lake waters. It is the spot where the heart of the city's nightlife beats with dozens of cafes and bars.
Why it's worth it: The illuminated lake and walls create the most romantic atmosphere to close the day.
Averof Street
Averof Street · Traditional Confectionery
Start with fresh Ioannina baklava or a warm galaktoboureko in one of the historic pastry shops of the center.
Caption: Ioannina Baklava
Pamvotis Island
Pamvotis Island · Lake Flavors
Try local specialties by the lake wave, in an environment reminiscent of old Greece.
Caption: Frog legs and charcoal-grilled eel
Louli Stoa
Louli Stoa · Epirote Cuisine
Dine in a historic building from 1875 that formerly operated as an inn, enjoying mezes with tsipouro.
Caption: Epirote pies and meats in a clay pot (gastra)
Exploring the Perama Cave
Perama, Ioannina · 1 hour
Visit one of the most important caves in the world, covering an area of 14,800 sq.m. with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The tour will transport you to an underground world created 1.5 million years ago.
Why it's worth it: The stable temperature of the cave makes it ideal for a morning visit.
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
Litharitsia Square · 1.5 hours
Admire findings from all over Epirus, most notably the oracle tablets from the sanctuary of Dodona. The building, a work of Aris Konstantinidis, is an architectural jewel in itself within the park.
Why it's worth it: It is located in the city center and easily connects to the next stop.
Municipal Ethnographic Museum
Aslan Pasha Mosque · 1 hour
Housed in the imposing mosque of Aslan Pasha, the museum hosts traditional costumes, weapons, and everyday objects. Its location in the upper acropolis offers the best view towards the city and the lake.
Why it's worth it: The view from the mosque courtyard is the best for the midday light.
Excursion to the Ancient Theater of Dodona
Dodona · 2-3 hours
Drive 22 kilometers outside the city to visit one of the largest and oldest theaters in Greece. Feel the energy of the oldest oracle in the Greek world and see the sacred oak tree (Phegos).
Why it's worth it: In the afternoon, the archaeological site is quieter and the light highlights the stone tiers.
Vrellis Wax Museum
Bizani · 1.5 hours
On the return from Dodona, stop at this unique museum where Greek history comes alive through life-size wax figures. The representations of historical events are shockingly realistic.
Why it's worth it: It is located right on the return road to Ioannina.
Silverware Market on Averof Street
City Center · 1 hour
Browse the silversmithing shops that maintain centuries of tradition. It is an opportunity to buy an authentic handmade piece of jewelry or decoration using the famous Ioannina 'filigree' technique.
Why it's worth it: The shops are lit and Averof street bustles with life in the evening.
Litharitsia Square
Litharitsia Square · Café-Bistro
Enjoy your coffee overlooking the park and the lake, trying a traditional Epirote cheese pie.
Caption: Handmade Epirote Pie
Anexartisias Street
Anexartisias Street · Tsipouradika
In the narrow streets of the old market you will find authentic ouzeri serving local tsipouro with a variety of mezes.
Caption: Mezes with Debina tsipouro
Skala Area
Skala Area · Modern Greek
Dine in one of the restaurants by the lake, where traditional cuisine meets modern techniques.
Caption: Lamb in a clay pot (gastra) with local herbs
The University General Hospital of Ioannina operates in the city, one of the largest and best-equipped hospitals in the country.
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