Ioannina between Lake Pamvotida and silver craftsmanship

Ioannina is closely connected with Lake Pamvotida: it is considered a natural and symbolic landmark of the city, as well as a protected natural area with diverse wildlife and plant life. The lake, urban nature and cultural themes shape different sides of this destination.

Lake, island and urban nature

The lakeside path along Lake Pamvotida offers opportunities to walk and relax within the city. The island in the lake is inhabited and is considered a sight to see, with its churches and the remains of Ali Pasha’s seraglio. This brings the lakeside landscape and historical features together, without making the lake seem like mere scenery: it is home to diverse wildlife and plant life and is an important ecosystem as well as a protected natural area.

Silver craftsmanship, archaeology and urban tradition

The Silversmithing Museum in Ioannina Castle displays a collection of Epirote silver- and goldsmithing from the 18th to the 20th century. Visitors can also learn about traditional techniques for shaping and decorating silver objects, as well as individual stages of the work. Texts, visual materials, documentary films and multimedia applications present these subjects; interactive digital games and educational programmes complement the exhibits. The perspective therefore ranges from finished pieces to the techniques used to create them.

The Archaeological Museum of Ioannina holds remarkable finds from Dodoni, one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world. Another cultural landmark is the Frontzou Open-Air Theatre, located in Ioannina’s scenic urban forest. The Tzamales also form part of the local festive calendar: every Carnival, a three-day celebration is held in the city’s neighbourhoods, with bonfires, music, dancing and bean soup.

Getting there, the cave and local cuisine

Ioannina National Airport “King Pyrros” serves Ioannina. It is about 4–5 kilometres from the city centre; the drive takes approximately ten minutes, although actual travel time may vary. Near Ioannina, an organised visitor route leads through the chambers of Perama Cave, featuring stalactites and stalagmites. Local cuisine includes eel and trout prepared using traditional recipes, as well as frog legs. This variety can help guide your search for a holiday rental: the key question is whether you want to focus your stay on lakeside walks, cultural attractions or a visit during Carnival.

In the wider Ioannina destination

In the wider Ioannina destination, the castle stands on a naturally fortified rocky peninsula. The earliest settlement traces discovered through archaeological excavations date to the Classical and Hellenistic periods; the castle is one of the oldest continuously inhabited fortified settlements in Greece. Underground caves within the citadel were once used as storage areas and prisons and can be accessed from there. Check local access conditions before visiting.

The Byzantine Museum of Ioannina is located within the castle, in the southeastern acropolis of Itch Kale. It displays silverware in the so-called Treasury at the centre of the citadel, and an exhibition on the city’s history in the Fethiye Mosque. Also in the wider Ioannina destination is the Pamvotis Lake Information Centre on Ioannina Island, housed in a traditional, listed stone building. It presents information about important plants in the lake and the fish, birds, amphibians and mammals that live there. Check visiting arrangements in advance.

For longer excursions in the wider Ioannina destination, the established circuit around Lake Pamvotida is 30 kilometres long. A pedestrian and cycling path runs from Mavili Square to the village of Katsikas. Ioannina is also now 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.

Discover more destinations: Potistika, Amfithea, Pyrsogianni, Ano Pedina, Dikorifo, Neokaisáreia, Plikati, Konitsa.

Back to the wider travel overview: Ioannina.