Driving around Epirus. Discover the Natural Beauty of Western Greece
At the north-western corner of mainland Greece lies the region of Epirus. Epirus is an ideal destination for both summer and winter holidays. Even though the area has distinctive beauty, it has yet to become a popular, touristic destination. Suppose you are a traveller who appreciates unspoiled landscapes and activities that reconnect you with nature. In that case, Epirus is, without a doubt, the place to be!
You will need a car to explore the area, from Ioannina city to the stone-built villages of Zagoria. However, do not miss to go for a hike and enjoy the natural beauty and calmness of the Vikos-Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark. Alternatively, suppose you prefer spending time on the beach under the Greek sun. In that case, the west part of the area at the coast of the Ionian Sea, with the emerald waters, will reward you! Or why not hop on a boat for a trip to Paxoi and Corfu islands?
Pamvotida, the lake of Ioannina city. Image by Philos2000, @wikimedia
The city of Ioannina and the Zagoria villages
Ioannina city, at the coast of lake Pamvotida
419 km northwest of Athens and 261 km southwest of Thessaloniki is the city of Ioannina, the capital of Epirus. Built on the western side of lake Pamvotida, Ioannina is a beautiful, lively city and a popular winter destination for Greeks. The multicultural background of Ioannina is still evident in the architecture, especially that of the churches, the mosques and the synagogue. Park your car in the public parking area and take a relaxing walk around the lake. Don't miss the chance to take the boat to the small island in the centre of the lake that is the home of seven different monasteries!
Treat yourself to a "tsipouro" and "baklava" by the waterfront. Then, blend in with the locals at the restaurants of Louli arcade, which used to be the commercial centre of the wider area. Next, visit the imposing Its Kale castle overlooking the lake, the Victory Mosque, the Tomb of Ali Pasha and the Byzantine museum.
Treat yourself to a baklava dessert by the Ioannina lake. Licensed image by PxHere
Drive 4 km to the lake's northern edge, where you will find the famous cave of Perama. The locals discovered the cave while searching for shelter during the Italian bombardments of 1940. Park your car there and take the 1.5 km tour through this natural work of art with impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Zagoria villages
The traditional villages of Zagoria, built on the mountains northeast of Ioannina, are a favourite destination for all Greeks and hikers! The road to Zagoria involves driving on winding roads of lushly vegetated slopes next to running water and beautiful landscapes coloured in all possible shades of green. Make sure you allow enough time for plenty of stops to take in this unique beauty. You can spend a few days exploring all 46 villages of Zagoria; however, if you don't have the time, make sure you drive to:
Monodendri, 39 km north of Ioannina
39 km north of Ioannina is Monodendri, one of the most famous villages in the area. At 1060 m. altitude, above the gorge of Vikos, one of the deepest gorges worldwide. Monodendri combines natural beauty with traditional architecture. Park your car there, take a walk in the village and follow the stone steps to Vitsa, the nearby settlement.
The village of Monodendri in Zagoria. Image by Vincent C, @wikimedia
Skamneli, at the foot of Mount Tymfi, 52 km north of Ioannina
52 km north of Ioannina, at the foot of Mount Tymfi, with an altitude of 1200 m, is the village of Skamneli. Park your car close to the village square with the old plane tree and take a stroll to admire the traditional old mansions of Epirus and the five stone bridges. There are accommodation and restaurant options available in the village. From here, you can drive to the open-air museum of Gyftokampos, with exhibits on wooden and straw huts.
The square of Skamnlei village, Epirus, Greece. Image by Nikos Skamnelis, @wikimedia
Traditional settlements of Papigo, at the foot of mount Tymphi, 60 km north of Ioannina
Around 60 km north of Ioannina at the foot of Astraka on mount Tymphi, built at an altitude of 980 m, are the settlements of Small and Big Papigo. The traditional architecture of Zagoria, the stone-built alleys and churches, have led to the declaration of Papigo as a national historical monument. The natural beauty of the surrounding area neighbouring the National Park of Vikos – Aoos attracts hikers and other visitors who appreciate the scenery's beauty and calmness. There are a few accommodation and dining options in the area, blending in with the traditional character of the villages.
The coastline of Epirus
Port of Igoumenitsa, 78 km east of Ioannina
78 km east of Ioannina, across the island of Corfu, is the city and port of Igoumenitsa. The port, the second-largest after Piraeus port, connects the Greek mainland with the Ionian islands and Italy, crossing the Adriatic Sea. The surrounding mountain area is perfect for trekking. In addition, the nearby sandy beaches of Drepanos and Makrigyali -only 3km from Igoumenitsa- are frequented by locals and visitors who want to relax by the sea.
Igoumenitsa is 480 km northwest of Athens and 470 km southwest of Thessaloniki (through the Egnatia Odos)
Harbor of Syvota, 98 northwest of Ioannina
98 northwest of Ioannina and 25 km south of Igoumenitsa, at the coast of the Ionian Sea, ισ the cosmopolitan Syvota. Syvota are famous for the variety of nearby sandy beaches. Zavia, with the cold underground springs waters, Molos, Zeri and Stavento are some beaches where you can enjoy your day with an iced coffee and lunch by the sea! Make sure to visit the seacoast of Bella Vraka on Mourtemeno island. You can reach the island on foot by taking a path of shallow waters. If you want to explore the area by boat, we recommend renting some small boats available at the town's marina.
Acherontas river, the mythical entrance of the underworld. Image by Harry Gouvas, @wikimedia
Acherontas river, 46 km north of Preveza
The mythical entrance of the underworld, the Acherontas river, is a place of exceptional natural beauty. Starting its journey from the mountains of Epirus, it ends up in the Ionian Sea, creating an estuary visited by migratory birds that you can easily see. Drive to the village of Ammoudia at the mouth of Acherontas, 46 km north of Preveza, and look for the local information kiosk. Here you can get information about the area's ecosystem and suggestions for activities. Whether you prefer to hike or to take a relaxing boat ride, the more you discover Archerontas, the more you will fall in love with it.
Parga harbour, 99 km southwest of Ioannina
99 km southwest of Ioannina is the small coastal town of Parga. Built amphitheatrically overlooking the islet at the port entrance, this picturesque town with traditional architecture and the Venetian castle attracts many visitors who enjoy the natural beauty and nearby beaches. During the summer, Parga is connected by boat with the islands of Paxoi and Corfu. At the organized beach opposite the islet of Panagia, you will find accommodation, places to eat and cafes by the crystal waters of the Ionian sea.
The harbour of Parga, 99 km southwest of Ioannina. Photo by Sir Adavis, @flickr
Valtos Beach, Parga
On the west side of Parga, behind the Venetian castle, is the 3 km long sandy beach of Valtos. This beach can be busy during the summer months -especially in August- however, it is much quieter during spring and autumn. There are plenty of restaurants by the sea to enjoy cold drinks during the day.
The sandy beach of Valtos on the west side of Parga. Photo by Sakis Kostaris, @wikimedia
Lichnos beach, 4 km south of Parga
Drive 4 km south of Parga to Lichnos, one of the most beautiful beaches of Epirus. Surrounded by a green bay, this beach combines golden sand and blue, deep, clear waters, making it very popular among Greeks and visitors worldwide. Apart from a variety of rooms and hotels, here you can find a campsite as an alternative accommodation. You can find everything you need for a comfortable stay in Lichnos, like water sports facilities, sunbeds with umbrellas, tavernas and cafes.
Port of Preveza, Amvrakikos Gulf, 104 km south of Ioannina
104 km south of Ioannina, built at the entrance of the Gulf of Amvrakikos, Preveza is the administrative and commercial centre of the area. Take a walk at the seaside promenade to meet travellers sailing to the Ionian islands and nature lovers who have come to observe the dolphins and the birds in the wetlands of Amvrakikos.
The wider area is also of archaeological interest, with the ruins of the Roman city of Nikopol, 7km north of Preveza. Octavius Augustus founded this ancient city in honour of his victory in the battle against Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Aktio. Today you can still see the Roman fortifications, the Odeon, the Augustus monument and the Theater, and the collections of architectural decorations and sculptures at the local museum.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Ziros lake and other nearby locations by choosing one of the many outdoor adventures the Into the wild team offers.
Learn more about Eleni's experience kayaking in Ziros lake in Preveza.
Port of Preveza, built at the entrance of the Gulf of Amvrakikos. Photo by Thiodor 2012, @wikimedia
Useful phone numbers in Epirus.
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