Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Pamvotis in northwestern Greece, Ioannina is a charming city rich in history and natural beauty. In 2024, visitors will find this lakeside getaway has plenty to offer, from its atmospheric old town quarters to stunning mountain landscapes.

No.	Activity	Description
1	Ioannina Castle Exploration	Discover the history and architecture of Ioannina’s prominent castle.
2	Museum Visits	Explore local culture and history in various museums like the Archaeological and Byzantine.
3	Old Town Wander	Enjoy the charm of Ioannina’s Old Town with its scenic streets.
4	Lake Pamvotis Island Cruise	Experience a scenic cruise to a picturesque island on Lake Pamvotis.
5	Zagoria Villages Drive	Drive through beautiful traditional villages in the Zagoria region.
6	Loutra Thermal Baths	Relax in the therapeutic waters of Loutra’s famous thermal baths.
7	Dodoni and Metsovo Day Trips	Explore ancient sites and enjoy wine tasting near Metsovo.
8	Vikos Gorge Hike	Embark on a hiking adventure through the stunning Vikos Gorge.
9	Local Culture and Cuisine Experience	Immerse in local village life and traditional

From admiring Byzantine fortresses to exploring nearby villages, indulging in local cuisine to trying outdoor adventures, Ioannina provides a taste of authentic Greek life. Here are 15 of the best things to do when visiting Ioannina, Greece in 2024:

Stroll Through the Walled Castle

Name and Location: Ioannina Castle is located on a rocky peninsula in the lake of Ioannina in the city center.

History and Significance: The castle was built in 528 AD and occupied by subsequent rulers. It withstood many sieges and served as an Ottoman capital. The walls and fortifications remain well-preserved.

What to Expect: Visitors can walk the grounds, seeing sights like the inner citadel, Fetiye Mosque, and old prison. The top of the walls provide panoramic lake views.

Visitor Information: The castle is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Admission is €4. Allow 1-2 hours to fully explore. Reachable on foot from downtown Ioannina.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city is Ioannina Castle, its fortified walls and narrow alleyways dating from the 6th century.

Walk the perimeter and take in panoramic views over the lake and mountains before entering via its stone bridge entranceway. Inside you’ll find ruins of temples, monasteries and Ottoman baths to discover.

Go Museum Hopping

Name and Location: Ioannina has several museums clustered in and around the castle and city center featuring Byzantine, folk art, silversmith, and historical exhibits.

History and Significance: Ioannina’s museums preserve the cultural heritage and history of the region across different eras. Highlights include Byzantine artifacts, handicrafts, and Ali Pasha-era relics.

What to Expect: Popular museums include the Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Museum, Folk Art Museum, Silversmithing Museum, and Ali Pasha Museum.

Visitor Information: Opening days/hours vary by museum. Admission ranges from €2-4. Multi-museum discount passes available. Most are located conveniently in the city center.

Ioannina has several excellent museums to dive into the city’s culture. The Archaeological Museum has Neolithic to Roman finds from the area.

At the Byzantine Museum see artifacts from monasteries around the region, while the Folklore Museum brings traditions of Epirus to life through colorful exhibits and recreations of historic buildings.

Wander the Picturesque Old Town

Name and Location: Ioannina’s Old Town lies below and around the castle, clustered with historic buildings and structures dating back centuries.

History and Significance: The Old Town preserves Ioannina’s character with cobblestone alleys, Ottoman-era houses, mosques, old churches, and remnants of the once thriving Jewish quarter.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore on foot, taking in sites like the Aslan Pasha Mosque and Perama Synagogue. Quaint shops, cafes, and tavernas abound.

Visitor Information: The Old Town is very walkable and open 24/7. Have your camera ready to capture the charming scenery. Near the castle off Anexartisias Street.

Get lost in the charm of Ioannina’s Old Town by wandering its stone-paved lanes and alleys past Ottoman homes, Orthodox churches, tiny shops and waterside cafes.

Must-see spots include the timezone of Aslan Pasha, old mosques and synagogues, and the Silversmithing Museum workshop.

Take a Cruise to Lake Pamvotis Island

Name and Location: Lake Pamvotis Island is located in the middle of Lake Pamvotis in Ioannina, Greece. Boat tours cruise around the island.

History and Significance: The small inhabited island has been an Ioannina landmark for centuries. Its historic monasteries date to the 14th century. Wildlife like birds and deer also inhabit the island.

What to Expect: Cruises circle the island, allowing views of the monasteries and wildlife along with the lake and cityscape. Tours may include short island stops.

Visitor Information: Tours typically last 1-1.5 hours for €10-15. Boats depart from Mavili Square, with frequent tours during high season. Private boat rentals also available.

For a scenic perspective on Ioannina, take a short cruise to Nissi Island located within Lake Pamvotis. This tiny islet houses a pretty 11th century monastery which you can tour before having a drink at its lakeside cafe gazing back at the city framed by the Pindus mountains. Relaxing pontoon boat tours run regularly from the harbor.

Drive the Zagoria Villages Loop

Name and Location: The Zagoria region sits northeast of Ioannina, renowned for its stone villages and mountain scenery. Villages like Monodendri and Vitsa offerPicturesque views.

History and Significance: The villages reflect a unique architecture and tradition, inhabited by Greeks for centuries. Corresponding trails and stone bridges like Kokkoros add to the beauty.

What to Expect: Driving the loop allows stops in charming villages to admire views and explore lively village taverns and shops. Hiking is also popular.

Visitor Information: Having a car is ideal to navigate between villages. The full loop is about 50 miles, reachable in 1-2 hours from Ioannina. Visit the EOT office for maps.

Some of mainland Greece’s most picturesque villages await just an hour north of Ioannina in remote Zagoria. Head up to explore settings like stone-built Aristi and Eyrytanos, Drakolimni’s lakeviews and the twin villages of Tsepelovo. Stop for hikes through the forests and gorges along the way.

Soak in the Thermal Baths at Loutra

Name and Location: Loutra Thermal Baths are located outside the village of Loutra, about 22km north of Ioannina in the Pogoni region.

History and Significance: The natural hot springs have attracted visitors since antiquity. The waters are said to have therapeutic mineral properties that alleviate rheumatism, arthritis and skin issues.

What to Expect: Facilities include indoor thermal pools, jacuzzis, saunas and steam room. Treatments like massage are also offered. The setting is peaceful and relaxing.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-8pm. Day passes start around €7-10. Reachable by car, taxi or private tour. Nearby hotels available for overnight stays to extend time.

Rejuvenate yourself with a visit to the therapeutic hot springs at Loutra village 15km from Ioannina. Relax in the soothing mineral-rich waters at its spa pool before enjoying a traditional meal at one of its family-run tavernas. With its oak forests and gorges nearby, it makes for a peaceful day trip.

Take a Day Trip to Dodoni

Name and Location: Dodoni, home to the ancient oracle and theater of Zeus, is 20km southwest of Ioannina near the village of Dramadhia.

History and Significance: Dodoni was the first Hellenic oracle, dating back to 2000 BC. Pilgrims once consulted the sacred oak tree for Zeus’ prophecies and wisdom. Extensive ruins remain.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the excavated theater, bouleterion, temples and more. Guides share stories of the site’s religious ceremonies and rituals when the oracle was active.

Visitor Information: The site is open daily 8:30am-5pm, admission €8. Private day tours easily reach Dodoni from Ioannina. Public buses are also an option.

Make your way 20km southwest of Ioannina to the impressive ruins of the Dodoni oracle, second in importance only to Delphi in ancient Greece.

Here you can walk around the 4th century BC theater, stadium, temples and sacred spring. Don’t miss the onsite archaeological museum displaying artifacts from this religious sanctuary too.

Go Wine Tasting Near Metsovo

Name and Location: The Katogi winery and vineyards are located 6km from Metsovo in the mountains north of Ioannina.

History and Significance: Katogi produces quality local wines using grapes like Vlahiko and Bekari. The high elevation vineyards are cultivated without pesticides in a pristine setting.

What to Expect: Tastings include 3-5 wines paired with breads, cheeses and olives. Guides explain the family’s winemaking history and processes.

Visitor Information: Book tastings in advance by email or phone. Transportation from Ioannina can be arranged. Tours generally last 1-2 hours and cost around €10 per person.

The mountains around Metsovo, just under an hour south of Ioannina, are home to several wineries crafting excellent varietals from local grapes.

Sip through fruity reds, crisp whites and rosés on tours and tastings at vineyards like Katogi Averoff, Costas Averoff and Glinavos Winery, with amazing views as you sample.

Hike the Vikos Gorge

Name and Location: The Vikos Gorge runs along the Voidomatis River south of Zagori in the Pindus Mountains, accessible from villages like Kipi.

History and Significance: The dramatic limestone gorge features sheer cliffs, stone bridges, and abundant wildlife. It is listed as a UNESCO Geopark and is one of the deepest gorges in the world.

What to Expect: Hiking trails vary from easy 1-2 hour walks to steep 5+ hour treks. Highlights include stone bridges, panoramic views, and swimming under waterfalls.

Visitor Information: Reach the gorge by car via Ioannina and Zagori villages. Vikos is about a 1.5 hour drive from Ioannina. Endless options for day hikes exist.

Lace up your boots and head into Vikos Gorge within the northern Pindus National Park for some of Greece’s most spectacular scenery.

This steep ravine lined by sheer limestone cliffs is best explored on the 12km trail from Monodendri to tiny Papingo village, crossing stone bridges over the aquamarine Voidomatis river.

Picnic at Anatoli Village

Name and Location: Anatoli is a scenic mountain village overlooking the Pindus mountains, about 30km southeast of Ioannina.

History and Significance: Perched at over 4,000 feet elevation, Anatoli offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and Lake Ioannina below. Its tranquility and beauty attract visitors.

What to Expect: Visitors drive up to Anatoli to enjoy a picnic with the panoramic views. Hiking trails also begin nearby for those who want to explore on foot.

Visitor Information: Reach Anatoli by private car in about 1 hour from Ioannina. Stop in the village for supplies. The single road up is very steep and narrow in parts.

With its jaw-dropping views over Lake Pamvotis from 900m above, the tiny village of Anatoli makes the perfect day trip for a picnic lunch. Drive just 40 minutes into the mountains to find peaceful walking trails, Pindus stone houses, babbling brooks and floral scents filling the fresh mountain air. Simply idyllic.

Shop for Silver Jewelry

Name and Location: Ioannina is renowned for silver and gold craftsmanship. Jewelry shops abound in the Castle area in the old city center.

History and Significance: Ioannina’s silversmithing tradition dates to the Ottoman period. Designs often feature filigree, engraving, and black coral elements. Many families have perfected their jewelry-making skills over generations.

What to Expect: Authentic Ioannina silver and gold jewelry comes in traditional patterns and contemporary designs. Prices vary based on metals and details. Bargaining is common.

Visitor Information: Shops are clustered around the castle off streets like Harilaou Trikoupi. Look for members of the Ioannina Silversmiths Association for quality pieces.

Ioannina has been an important silversmithing center since the Byzantine era. Peruse the elegant designs of locally crafted silver jewelry, ornaments and more at the castle’s Museum of Silver and Gold. Don’t miss browsing the traditional workshops lining the castle streets too, to pick up a handmade souvenir.

Cook Up Lake Fish Like the Locals

Name and Location: Freshwater fish dominate local cuisine in lakeside tavernas across Ioannina.

History and Significance: Lake Pamvotis has been an abundant fishery for centuries, producing trout, carp and other freshwater species that star on family tables and restaurant menus.

What to Expect: Tavernas serve up grilled and fried lake fish with ladolemono sauce, horta greens, and regional wines. Cooking classes teach traditional preparation techniques.

Visitor Information: Follow your nose to popular tavernas near the lake. Prices average €10-15 for fish plates. Check for group cooking classes marketed to tourists.

Ioannina’s vast lake yields specialities like carpici fish and frogs’ legs. Join a cooking class to master preparing these freshwater delicacies into delicious dishes paired with local wines.

You’ll learn hands-on in a village home before sitting down to feast on the fruits of your labor out on the waterfront.

Experience Village Life in Kastritsa

Name and Location: Kastritsa is a traditional village just 15 minutes drive from Ioannina, nestled on the slopes of Mt. Kastritsa.

History and Significance: Kastritsa offers a glimpse into regional village life. Its stone houses, Byzantine churches, and picturesque lanes capture the essence of Epirus.

What to Expect: Visitors can wander the quiet lanes, visit an orchard, stop for coffee in the square, and browse handicraft shops. The pace is slow and peaceful.

Visitor Information: Reach Kastritsa by rental car, taxi, or tour bus. There is no public transit. Ideal for a quick day trip from Ioannina any time of year.

Just 9km outside the city, Kastritsa provides a taste of traditional Epirotikos village life. Its winding lanes lined with stone houses lead to the 18th century monastery, while the lakeside setting is perfect for sundowners. Don’t miss having a meal of lake fish at one of the family-run tavernas here too.

Island Hop Lake Pamvotis

Name and Location: Lake Pamvotis features several small islets just off Ioannina that can be visited by private boat.

History and Significance: The islands were inhabited by monasteries dating back to the 14th century. Today they provide scenic boating getaways.

What to Expect: Tours stop at islands like Nissi and Amvrakia to visit monasteries, walk nature trails, and enjoy picnic lunches on peaceful beaches away from crowds.

Visitor Information: Private boats can be rented hourly from €40-60. Tours are also available. Lake conditions are calmest in the morning. Bring snacks.

Hire your own boat or join a cruise to explore Ioannina’s tranquil lake islands. Sail over to forested Papanikolis Island, connected to the mainland by a floating bridge.

Further north is tiny Snake Island, an important habitat for birds including herons and cormorants that you can glimpse on a circuit around it.

Learn About Ali Pasha at the Its Kale Fortress

Name and Location: Its Kale Fortress sits on a hilltop above the town of Rogoi, 25km northwest of Ioannina.

History and Significance: This 18th century fortress was part of Ali Pasha’s empire. It featured Odun quarters housing Ali’s harem. Guides recount stories of Ali Pasha’s notorious life.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the fortress ruins and its panoramic views over the town and valley. Informational signs detail the history of the site.

Visitor Information: The site is open daily 8am-9pm. Admission is free. Reachable by car/taxi from Ioannina in 30-40 minutes. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the steep, rocky climb.

Venture 6km outside Ioannina to this oceanside fortified complex built in the early 19th century. Once home to Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha, it now contains fascinating museum exhibits about his life and reign over Ioannina. Roam the sea-facing battlements and take in pretty views over the bay too.

Conclusion

With its breathtaking setting amidst mountains and lake, Ioannina captivates visitors with its blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

In 2024 travelers can uncover Ottoman and Jewish quarters, immerse themselves in local traditions, hike striking gorges and relax by the waterfront. Ioannina offers an authentically Greek experience at an unhurried pace.