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Sightseeing in Ioannina

A walk through the castle district of Ioannina, the former administrative centre of the whole of Turkish-held Greece, is the first thing that should be on the visitor’s list of things to see.

Before entering the castle, stop to admire the mosque built by Aslan Pasha to celebrate the Turkish victory against the Greeks, specifically the defeat of the movement of Dionysios Skylosophos. The Aslan Pasha Mosque today houses the Municipal Ethnographic Museum of Ioannina.

The neighbourhoods of the Castle, examples of the skill of the Ioannina master craftsmen, have remained untouched, making a walk through them a true journey back in time. As you walk along the cobbled lanes of the Castle at some point you will end up at the town’s lake. Continue as far as the mole and take a seat at one of the restaurants around here, so that you can sample the famous frog’s legs. Don’t let the sight of them put you off, they taste a lot like chicken! You should also try the baked eel and the traditional pies.

Near the northwest acropolis of the Castle proudly stands the Fethiye Mosque (“Mosque of the Conquest”), the mosque of the Palace of Ali Pasha. In front of it are the tombs of the Pasha and his wife, Emine. His former Palace today houses the Byzantine Museum of Ioannina.

Visit the verdant islet right in the middle of Lake Pamvotida, to learn all about the history of Ali Pasha and Kyra Frosyni – which ended tragically for both of them. You can reach the islet by taking the little boat from the mole (regular connections in the summer, less frequent in the winter).

As you walk along Anexartisias or Bairam Pasha Street, and along the narrow roads that come off it in the so-called “old town” of Ioannina, and along Kaningos Street, you will be able to admire the dozens of shops and microscopic window fronts painted in bright colours. These hide little masterpieces produced by the artisans, using as their main raw materials silver, gold bronze and semi-precious stones as well as wood. Jewellery, bronze vessels and miniature furniture – all true works of art!

The Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Wax Effigies is an impressive museum with around 150 life-size waxworks that represent key moments in Greek history: the secret school, the klephts (thieves) and armatoloi (bandits), the slaughter of Ali Pasha and the women of Pindus are just some of the scenes which have been brought to life thanks to the artistic skills of Pavlos Vrellis.
Address: 12th km Ioannina-Athens National Road, tel. +30 26510-92128, https://www.vrellis.gr

The Archaeological Museum of Ioannina, situated near the central square, is housed in a building that was designed in the 1960s by the architect Ares Konstantinides. Inside are exhibited finds from the town of Ioannina, the oracle of Acheron and the archaeological site of Dodoni.
Address: 6, 25 March Square, tel.: +30 26510 01050, https://www.amio.gr

The famous Silversmithing Museum is located on Its Kale (one of the two acropolises in the castle district). Ioannina is considered the town of silversmithing, since for many decades it was home to dozens of silversmiths. This is an art that is today dying out although this museum, on the west bastion of Its Kale, has the goal of keeping the tradition of Epirot silversmithing alive.

Excursions near Ioannina

Escape to Lingiades, the picturesque village at the foothills of Mt Mitsikeli, from where the view of Ioannina is breath-taking. Have a meal or drink a coffee at one of the picturesque places in the village. Alternatively, to see Ioannina from up high, climb up Frontzos hill (also known as Agia Triada hill), at the peak of which there is an open-air theatre where various events are staged throughout the summer.

Visit Perama Cave, one of the most famous and best-preserved caves with stalactites and stalagmites in the world. Over 1,500,000 million years old, this amazing cave was discovered by chance in 1940 by people from Ioannina who were searching for a shelter from the German bombardments during the Second World War. Since then it has been not just an attraction but an essential stop for every tourist who visits Ioannina.
Address: Perama, tel. +30 26510-81521, https://www.spilaio-perama.gr

You must see the ancient theatre of Dodoni, built by King Pyrrhus in the 3rd century BC, one of the largest surviving ancient theatres in Greece with a capacity of 18,000 spectators. The theatre still today hosts productions of ancient Greek plays.

Escape to the Zagorochoria, the 46 gorgeous mountain villages with low-roofed stone houses, woods, crystal-clear rivers, dragon lakes and dry peaks.

The beautiful Vikos gorge, which has been included in the Guinness Book of Records as the narrowest gorge in the world, attracts lovers of outdoor activities all year round. In this gorge and in the surrounding areas the visitor can go walking, horse riding, climbing, mountain climbing, rafting, canoe/kayaking and mountain biking.

Food and entertainment in Ioannina

One of the main characteristics of Ioannina is that it is a town with many students, thanks to the local university. As a result, the town has many youthful (and not only) places to go out. Of particular interest are the galleries built in stone around Anexartisias Street. Each gallery, where shops once stood, conceals within it a great restaurant, café or other place of entertainment.

Don’t leave Ioannina without having tried the traditional Ioannina baklavas (the classic version with pastry leaves and walnuts, as well as the kadaifi pastry threads, almond and chocolate versions). You must also sample the local tsipouro spirit (a strong spirit, similar to ouzo) and liqueurs, rakomelo (a strong spirit, similar to ouzo with honey), oinomelo (similar to mulled wine), red wine and local cheeses.

You will find many shops on the island selling folk art products, ornate silver jewellery and dozens of handmade goods.

Getting from the airport to Ioannina

As soon as the plane touches down at Ioannina National Airport, you will need to cover the 4 km that separate the airport from the town centre. Take a taxi or bus and you will be just a few minutes from the delights of the town.

Olympic Air flights are synonymous with punctuality and reliability and they give you the certainty you are looking for. Take off for Ioannina, a town that is magical during every season of the year!