Picture a travel scenario where you stumble upon an entirely unfamiliar city, a destination you didn’t even know existed. This is precisely what happened to me when I discovered Ioannina, a delightful and charming city located in the northwestern part of Greece. My revelation of this hidden gem came during my quest to find the most convenient route from Greece to Albania.
Unlike my past experiences, which involved adventurous night bus journeys between Greek cities, this time, I was en route to Gjirokaster in Albania. However, the inconvenient late-night arrival of the bus led me to seek an alternative. That’s when Ioannina, with its efficient two-hour connection to Gjirokastra, entered the picture.
Ioannina Essentials
Where to Stay: Consider accommodations such as the highly-rated Brettania Hotel (9.1/10) or the Kastro Guesthouse (9.4/10).
Best Day Trip: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Zagori daily tour.
Currency Exchange: Opt for a pre-paid card from Revolut to save on exchange rates.
Travel Insurance: Ensure your Greek adventure is insured with SafetyWing.
Where is Ioannina, Greece?
Ioannina is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Pamvotis in the northwestern part of Greece, just a short distance from the Albanian border. It’s roughly 70 kilometers away from the coast and 400 kilometers from Athens, Greece’s bustling capital. Notably, Ioannina serves as the capital and largest city of the Epirus province.
Unveiling Ioannina
Compared to many other Greek cities with rich histories, Ioannina stands as a relatively recent addition. It first appeared in historical records towards the end of the 9th century and has experienced a somewhat tumultuous past with frequent changes in rulers. Ultimately, in 1913, Ioannina became an integral part of Greece.
Things to Do in Ioannina
While Ioannina may not offer an extensive array of tourist attractions, it effortlessly captivates visitors with its serene and welcoming atmosphere.
My visit to Ioannina took place in late summer, right on the cusp of September. The weather remained delightful, with warm and sunny days, and the city had settled into a relaxed rhythm. Unlike the bustling pace of many tourist hotspots, Ioannina was marked by a sense of tranquility and calm.
The first place I ventured to was the enchanting lakeside. Along the way, I passed numerous charming cafes, picturesque alleyways, and the remnants of the city’s historic castle. Although I promised myself a return visit to explore these further, my first priority was the mesmerizing Lake Pamvotis.
The lake was nothing short of astonishing, presenting a picturesque panorama of calm waters, fringed by rugged mountainous terrain. This was a Greece unlike the traditional images of the country; instead, it offered a tranquil, alternative version of this well-loved destination.
I whiled away my time at the lakeside, either sitting on a bench, gazing at the idyllic scenery, or simply wandering along the promenade shaded by trees. I quickly realized that this was where I genuinely felt like I was on vacation.
And I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. The lakeside seemed to draw people of all ages who, like me, relished leisurely strolls or simply hanging out in the charming lakeside ambiance. It became evident that the lakeside was Ioannina’s premier gathering spot.
Later in the afternoon, as the sun began its descent, I made my way to the historic Ioannina castle. Built in the 6th century, it stands as the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece.
What makes this site unique is that the castle is not merely a historic relic; it’s still a thriving and inhabited area. Among its narrow winding streets and aged houses, you can also discover Its Kale Acropolis, home to the Fetiche Mosque, and the Byzantine Museum, among many other points of interest. The rest of the city may have been vibrant, but within the castle’s confines, tranquility reigned, offering the perfect setting to witness the breathtaking sunset.
Ioannina boasts a vibrant cafe scene, thanks in part to its status as a student city. The city center teems with numerous bars and cafes. Even on a Thursday evening, the city’s cafes and bars remained lively well into the late hours, with a diverse crowd of locals and visitors enjoying the city’s vibrant social scene. Even the next morning, before noon, the cafes continued to draw patrons, underscoring their popularity among the city’s residents.
What enhanced my experience further was the discovery of impressive street art scattered throughout the city. Beyond the charming corners ideal for Instagram-worthy photos, there was an abundance of intriguing and creative street art, adding an artistic dimension to Ioannina’s character.
But what truly left a lasting impression was the presence of small artisan shops, where skilled craftsmen practiced their time-honored skills. It reminded me of the ambiance in Bascarsija, Sarajevo, where the rhythmic sounds of hammers striking metal echoed as skilled artisans crafted their masterpieces. I found a similar atmosphere in Ioannina.
What to See Around Ioannina
Ioannina serves as an excellent base for exploring the fascinating surroundings, a prospect I regrettably couldn’t explore due to time constraints. One of the easiest and most enticing excursions is a ferry ride to Nisi island, known for its collection of monasteries dating back to the 13th century. Frequent boat departures can be found along the promenade.
Near Ioannina, intriguing attractions beckon, including the Cave of Perama, the Byzantine town of Arta, and the Pindus National Park, renowned for its breathtaking vistas.
In summary, Ioannina extends far beyond the confines of a brief visit. There’s a wealth of experiences waiting for those who choose to delve deeper into this hidden northern Greek gem.
Is a Visit to Ioannina Worth It?
I must confess that I had long been a victim of the stereotypical notion that Greece’s allure rested solely in its iconic islands, with Athens and Meteora being notable exceptions. The classic image of Greece, featuring white houses with blue doors against a backdrop of stunning coastal vistas, had long dominated my perception of this remarkable country. Inland Greece, particularly the northern regions, remained conspicuously absent from the tourism narrative.
However, my journey to Ioannina turned my preconceived notions upside down. Northern Greece, in many ways, mirrors the Balkans, characterized by similar architecture, landscapes, and even cultural nuances. This discovery ignited my enthusiasm, prompting me to further explore the heart of Greece’s northern and inland regions.
So, don’t repeat my mistake. If you relish the charms of the Balkans, consider planning your own visit to Ioannina, an unassuming yet enchanting Greek destination that opened my eyes to the rich diversity of this remarkable country.
