Epirus – Greek Diaspora Travel
Epirus Traveller
Epirus Traveller
Earlier this week, I caught up with co-founder of Epirus Traveller – Ioannis Smiris. We discussed all things regarding Epirus travel to bring you the ultimate guide to Epirus.
About Ioannis Smiris
Ioannis Smiris was born and raised in Ioannina, the capital city of the region of Epirus in Northern Greece. He is an ex-military officer who served an impressive 32 years in the Hellenic Army, in special forces and training the presidential guard. Ioannis also served as a computer science expert in the army. His military service took him all of the world, including to Somalia in 1992 and Italy during 1997-1999.
Today Ioannis’ greatest joy is showing Epirus travellers what the region has to offer; a region that Ioannis calls “a hidden paradise”.
Ioannis’ Top Tips to Epirus Travel
When Ioannis tells his friends that Epirus is “a hidden paradise”, they often don’t take him seriously. However, he insists that this is the case and can even show you first hand why this region in Northern Greece is truly a hidden gem. Most, who have heard of Epirus or have considered becoming an Epirus traveller, will likely know that the region is known for its natural beauty. But there’s more! Travel to Epirus and you will see a region littered with historical, archaeological and cultural monuments. Not to mention the plethora of adventure activities on offer in Epirus.
Discover the rich history of Epirus
Home of the ancient Greek kingdom of Epirus, the region has a rich history. The most famous Greeks of ancient Epirus include Olympia – mother of Alexander the Great and King Pyrrhus – a famous general who defeated the Romans in two successive battles.
Learn the history of the city of Ioannina in Epirus here.
What are the top attractions to visit in Epirus?
There are so many attractions on offer to Epirus travellers, but here are Ioannis’ top attractions:
- Vikos Gorge – this gorge, also sometimes referred to as a canyon, lies in the Pindus Mountains of Northern Greece. Vikos Gorge is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s deepest gorge (relative to its width). Learn more about trekking in Vikos Gorge here.
- Ioannina Island – this is only one of two inhabited islands in all of Europe that are situated in a lake. It is also the only inhabited lake of its size in the world without an official name. Located on lake Pamvotida, the island even has its own monastery and museum. Additionally, Ioannina Island is well known for Ali Pasha, an Ottoman leader who rebelled against the Sultan and was killed on the island. Explore Ioannina with a guided tour here.
- The Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Wax Effigies – unlike Madame Tussaud, this wax museum is dedicated to history not celebrities. Also referred to as The Pavlos Vrellis Greek History Museum, you will find 150 wax models in 37 themes here, inspired by events from Greek history.
- Dodoni Sanctuary and Theatre – this ancient theatre is one of the largest and best preserved ancient Greek theatres with a capacity of 18,000.
Other history and archaeological related attractions for Epirus travellers include:
- Zalongo monument in Zalongo
- Necromancy (Acheron River)
- Kassopi theatre
- Nikopolis ancient city
- Stone bridges (there are hundreds)
- Ioannina Castle
- Parga Castle
- Ioannina Archaeological Museum
- Ioannina Byzantine Museum
- Ioannina Jewish Synagogue
- Preveza Archaeological Museum
Other nature related attractions for Epirus travellers include:
- Beloi viewpoint of Vikos Gorge
- Anemotrypa Cave
- Perama Cave
- Voidomatis Springs
- Stone Forest
- Arachthos River
- Klifki Waterfalls
- Iliochori Waterfalls
- Rogovos Waterfalls
- Mellisourgoi Waterfalls
Other beach related attractions for Epirus travellers include:
- Parga
- Syvota
- Igoumenitsa
- Preveza
Other religious related attractions for Epirus travellers include:
- Stomio Monastery
- Kipina Monastery
- Tsouka Monastery
- Ntourachani Monastery
- Ioannina Island Monasteries
- Viliza Monastery
- Agia Paraskevi Monastery in Monodendri village
What are the best outdoor activities in Epirus?
The region of Epirus is the ideal destination for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Ioannis mentions the following activities as must do’s when visiting Epirus:
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Sports tourism
- Adrenaline activities
However, Ioannis recommends trekking as the best outdoor activity and the best way to take in the region as an Epirus traveller. There are so many places to explore by foot and everything is close by! Ioannis’ favourite trek is the Dragon Lake (Drakolimni) Hike. This trek starts from an altitude of 950 metres and ends at 2,000 metres above sea level.
Here are Ioannis’ top 3 outdoor activities:
- Cross the Vikos Gorge.
- Hike up to Dragon Lake.
- Trek along the Otter Path beside Arachthos River.
What are the best day trips from Epirus?
The best day trip to do from Epirus is to Meteora, which is world renowned and UNESCO World Heritage listed. Meteora is famous for its rock formations and the many monasteries built into the rocks. What you may not know though, is that Meteora also attracts many rock climbers all year round!
Learn more about Meteora and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity here.
Book a day trip to Meteora from Epirus here.
What is the best food unique to the region for Epirus travellers?
Epirus is known for its local produce such as meat and cheese. The best food from Epirus in Ioannis’ is opinion is:
- Local pies (pites) – these come in many different flavours, but the best are:
- Cheese
- Vegetable
- Meat
- Local lamb dishes
- Tsipouro
What are the best villages to visit in Epirus?
The most famous villages in the Epirus region are the Zagorochoria villages. This is a group of 46 picturesque villages in the Pindus mountains. You may have also heard of the Zagori area they are located in, due to the most popular Greek natural mineral water – Zagori, which comes from here.
Other beautiful villages worth travelling to are in Metsovo and Tzoumerka.
About Epirus Traveller
How Epirus Traveller came to be
Ioannis, along with his wife, started Epirus Traveller out of their passion for nature and the region. Many of their friends from other parts of Greece and overseas that come to visit Epirus, were in awe of what they saw. Ioannis and his wife felt they had an obligation to show people that Greece is more than just stunning beaches and islands.
What is Epirus Traveller
Epirus Traveller is a tour company located in Ioannina, Epirus. The company’s goal is simple “we need happy travelers” says Ioannis. The purpose is to showcase all that Epirus has to offer.
Why you should book a tour with Epirus Traveller
Epirus Traveller is a completely certified and registered tour operator and after experiencing an Epirus Traveller tour, you will find that their passion is infectious. The passion for showcasing the best of Epirus comes across in the quality of service Epirus Traveller offers. An example of their commitment to excellence is the fact their paragliding pilot is the first certified pilot for tandem flights in all of Greece! You can even check out the -001 at the end of his license number as confirmation.
Transfers
Epirus Traveller provides transfers all over Greece, predominantly from Northern Greece and from Athens Airport.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its impact on Epirus Traveller
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 situation in 2020 has seen much of Greece and the world go into complete lockdown and isolation. This has essentially meant a complete halt on tourism, with hotels closed until the 30th of April in Greece. Ioannis hopes that by the end of May or beginning of June, Epirus Traveller and the tourism industry will be allowed to operate again.
Click here to learn more about the tours and information offered by Epirus Traveller.
About the Greek Diaspora
During Ioannis’ time in the army, he travelled to the USA and took part in the Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, marching down Fifth Avenue.
“When you meet people overseas, Greek people (from the diaspora), it is emotional. They (the Greek diaspora) love our country” says Ioannis.
Ioannis encounters many Epirus travellers who come from the Greek diaspora and thoroughly enjoys showing them what Epirus has to offer.
See my complete discussion with Ioannis in the video below.
Are you thinking of becoming an Epirus traveller?