Dodoni: Naia, Tomaros and a hiking route

At the foot of Mount Tomaros, the village of Dodoni stands on the same site as the oldest city in Epirus. The Naia were celebrated here in honour of Naïos Zeus; they included tragedies, comedies and athletic contests. A hiking route begins in the village and, further along, leads to the chapel of Panagia and passes two springs. History, a connection to the mountain and waypoints make Dodoni a concrete destination for a range of travel interests.

Dodoni between history and mountain

Its location at the foot of Tomaros and its connection with the oldest city in Epirus give Dodoni two clear points of reference. The area can therefore be explored both through its history and its location by the mountain. If you are looking for a holiday rental, considering what you want to focus on can be a helpful first step: should the town’s history shape your trip, or does its landscape appeal to you most? The answer can help you organise your interests for your stay, without reducing Dodoni to just one theme.

The Olytsika mountain range adds a distinctive regional landscape feature. In the wider travel region, it is known for extensive wooded areas and natural springs. If you would like to consider forest landscapes and springs as well as historical points of interest when planning your holiday, you can include this regional feature in your plans. This gives you a specific point of reference in Dodoni and a landscape theme from the wider travel region as different perspectives to choose from.

The Naia: performances and contests

The Naia offer a specific topic for those interested in history. They were celebrated in Dodoni in honour of Naïos Zeus and included dramatic performances such as tragedies and comedies, as well as athletic contests. Cultural performances and sporting competition were therefore both central to the festival. The Naia probably took place every four years. As a historical tradition, they brought together dramatic art and competition; the probable four-year cycle is part of this account. Anyone interested in the history of the area will find a named festival here that brought together different forms of celebration.

A route starting from the village

The Dodoni–Panagia–Belos Peak route begins in the village of Dodoni at an altitude of 730 metres. Further along, it reaches the chapel of Panagia; after about 50 minutes, it passes two springs, one on the left and one on the right of the path. The starting point, chapel and springs provide specific reference points along the route described. The time given is also a guide to help you gauge the route: it is approximate.

Choose the focus of your trip

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Dodoni, you can start by asking yourself what you would like your holiday days to focus on. The Naia offer a historical and cultural perspective; the route is a clearly identified hiking destination, while Olytsika adds the landscape of the wider travel region. These differences can help you sort through your travel interests: would you mainly like to explore Dodoni’s history, or would you like to include a hike in your plans? This way, your choice of destination is linked to the topics that genuinely interest you.

Discover more destinations: Ano Ravenia, Kipoi, Lippa, Konitsa, Anatoli, Ano Pedina, Monodendri, Pyrsogianni.

View the wider travel guide: Ioannina.