Ioannina - Distinctly Ottoman (Epirus, Greece)

Built on the bank of Lake Pamvotis at an altitude of 500 metres Ioannina is the biggest city of Epirus and the capital city of the prefecture. It is an enchanting city with monuments, cobblestone streets, alleys and traditional market stores that evoke a distinct Ottoman flavour, reminiscent of the rule of Ali Pasha.

Ioannina reflects the confluence of Oriental designs and Neo-Classical architecture. You can turn a corner and find yourself transferred from a typical 20th century commercial centre to a Middle Eastern bazaar. It is here that even today Oriental and Greek cultures are still interlinked. Visitor’s attractions include:

The Castle of Ioannina,

Pamvotis Lake & The Island Of Ioannina,

Perama Cave,

Archaeological Museum of Ioannina.

Twelve kilometres away from Ioannina in the region Mpizani are the wonderful Wax Effigies of Pavlos Vrellis which recreate the defining events of Greek History complete with characters, props and most important the near life like facial expressions. If you have time the Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Wax Effigies would make a rewarding visit.

But like all other Epirus destinations the real charm lies in the natural surroundings and the opportunities that lie within easy reach - Vikos Gorge & the picturesque villages of Zagoria; Metsovo a traditional charming mountain village; & Dodoni the archaeological site of the oldest Hellenic Oracle

HOW TO REACH
Bus: Ioannina is connected by bus to Athens (7 hrs), Thessaloniki (6 hrs), Igoumenitsa (1.5 hrs, ferry boat connection to Italy and Corfu) and other important cities. The two bus stations are located downtown.

Ferry: A hydroplane connection between the island of Corfu and Ioannina has recently started. The hydroplane takes off from the port of Corfu and lands onto the lake of Ioannina.

Flight: The Ioannina National Airport - King Pirrhus is located 4km from the city centre (contact details +30 26510 83600) and has domestic flight links with Athens, Thessaloniki. There is also an international flight per week to Tirana (Albania).