Epirus – Greek Diaspora Travel
Ioannina Greece
Travel To Ioannina Greece
Ioannina is the capital city of the region of Epirus in North-Western Greece. Situated amongst Lake Pamvotida and the Pindus Mountain Range, Ioannina is one of Greece’s most picturesque cities. When most people travel to Greece, they typically only consider Athens and the Greek Islands. To leave Ioannina and the region of Epirus off your itinerary would not only be a shame, but also a missed opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Greece.
Ioannina also has a large number of students living here, which reflects the number of bars at your disposal. With a rich history as an arts and cultural hub, there is plenty to see and do.
Explore the natural beauty of Ioannina Greece
Ioannina, like most of Epirus and the rest of Northern Greece is blessed with luscious green, mountainous landscapes. Lake Pamvotida is the city’s main landmark, along with the Ioannina Island, which is situated in the lake. Although the island is very small (0.2km2), it still has a population of approximately 219 people.
The Byzantine buildings and architecture add character to the city of Ioannina. Key monuments that you should visit include the castle – the oldest Byzantine fortress (built by Emperor Justinian in 528 AD), House Matei Hussein, and the Fethiye Mosque. Book a guided tour of the city here.
Taste local and unique Greek food in Ioannina, Greece
Ioannina is known for its local produce such as cheese and meat from nearby mountains, fish from Lake Pamvotida (in particular eel and trout), frog’s legs, herb flavoured pies, and local wine and tsipouro.
Local cheese in Ioannina
The most famous local cheese is called Metsovone. This is a semi-hard, smoked cheese, similar to provolone. Metsovone is often made from cow’s milk or a blend of cow’s milk with sheep/goat’s milk. The cheese is named after the nearby village of Metsovo and is usually served either as a cheddar on a cheese platter or grilled. Metsovone received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 1996, meaning only cheese made in Metsovo can be called Metsovone.
Local wine and beverages in Ioannina
The main wine regions near Ioannna are in the Zitsa and Metsovo areas, with a rich wine making history dating back to the 16th century. Nearby vineyards lie on the mountain slopes at an altitude of up to 650-700 meters with grape varieties that are resistant to cold winds.
‘Debina’, a light and crispy white wine (available in still or sparkling varieties), is the most common. However, if you’re into red or rose wines, make sure to try the ‘Vlahiko’ and ‘Bekari’ wine varieties.
#FunFact Did you know that famous British poet – Lord Byron was a big fan of Zitsa’s wine? He even mentions the vineyards of Zitsa in one of his poems.
Local dessert in Ioannina
You simply can’t visit Ioannina without trying its delicious ganniotiko baklava and ‘sker bourek’ (sugar pie) deserts!
Two must visit restaurants in Ioannina are Stoa Louli and Mystagogia.
Stoa Louli
Built in 1875, the historic building that Stoa Louli restaurant resides in has been an inn, a trade centre for Jewish leather merchants, and an Ottoman Bank. Today, this lively space houses not only a beautiful restaurant, but also various exhibitions and concerts. Try the ‘hunkar bejendi’ (small pieces of beef on a bed of eggplant purée), beetroot and pistachio salad, and roast eggplant with feta and garlic. Come here on a weekend and treat yourself to live traditional Greek music.
Address: Eth. Anexartisias 78, Ioannina, Greece
Mystagogia
Located in an old mansion near the Ioannina Castle, Mystagogia ticks all the right boxes. Whether it’s a succulent meat grill you’re after, an ouzo or tsipouro with a light meze, or a big night fueled with beer and wine – Mystagogia has you sorted. Specialising in tsipouro, a visit here is incomplete without sampling one of the many varieties of tsipouro on offer.
Address: Leof. Karolou Papoulia, Ioannina, Greece
Discover the rich history of Ioannina and Epirus
Home of the ancient Greek kingdom of Epirus, Ioannina has a rich history. The city of Ioannina is located in the heartland of the Molossian tribe, a Greek Northwestern tribe that was the predominant ruling family of Epirus. 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.
The foundation of the modern city of Ioannina has been attributed to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. Thriving under the Byzantine Empire, Ioannina rapidly grew, with an influx of refugees from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade and sacking of Contantinople.
There are a number of artistic and intellectual events running throughout the year, which provide visitors with the opportunity to discover the roots of the intellectual life of Epirus.
Are you thinking of visiting Ioannina Greece?
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Book a tour from the experienced local team at Epirus Traveller here.