A Tour of Epirus' Beauty , Discover its Wonderful Places!

Landscapes, architecture, people, customs, art, all harmoniously combine in an adventure.

Ioannina awaits you. It promises surprises and unforgettable experiences.

The Ioannina Prefecture is the largest prefecture of Epirus. Its capital, Ioannina, is the capital of Epirus, and the economic, cultural, and commercial centre of Northwestern Greece. It is 440 km from Athens and 362 km from Thessaloniki.

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Ioannina, Metsovo, Konitsa, Zagorochoria…

The romanticism of the city of Ioannina easily transforms into extreme sports in the wild waters of the Aoos and Voidomatis rivers.

The revelry and shopping, a stroll by Lake Pamvotida and the museums, including the country's only waxworks museum, give way to the stone bridges and houses of the finest craftsmen in Zagorochoria.

 

The adventure begins from the very first moment.

The plan and duration of this adventure are your decision. Places are abundant. Abundant are also the possibilities for every hour of the day, for every season of the year, and for every taste. It is no coincidence, after all, that Ioannina is a beloved destination for thousands of visitors. And not only.

Ioannina is a travel goal for all those who wish to see Greece. A hidden expectation for a different and beautiful place.

 

Municipality of Eastern Zagori

The magic of Zagorochoria

Escape to the traditional Zagorochoria and get to know its villages, which stand out for their surrounding beauties and the variety of their flavours.

Wild beauty!

The Municipality of Eastern Zagori is located in the northeastern part of the Ioannina regional unit and more specifically on the eastern side of the famous Zagorochoria.

It consists of the villages Anthrakitis, Greveniti, Demati, Doliani, Elatochori, Itea, Kavallari, Karyes, Kastanona, Makrino, Petra, Tristeno, and Flabouri, as well as the settlements of Agia Paraskevi and Potamia, while its seat is in the village of Miliotades.

The total population of the municipality is close to 2,500 inhabitants, while the climate is continental mountainous and is characterised by cold winters, often accompanied by heavy rainfall and snowfall, and cool summers.

A distinctive feature of the area is its wild natural beauty, as the villages of the municipality are literally submerged in the greenery of firs, pines, and beeches.

It is no coincidence, after all, that the region of Eastern Zagori has been characterised as one of the most important mountainous ecosystems, not only of Greece but of all Europe, due to its rare flora and fauna.

 

How to get there

Access to the municipality is possible via the Ioannina-Thessaloniki National Road, from the Boultouma location, as well as from neighbouring municipalities of the regional unit and from the Grevena regional unit.

During your journey, you will have the opportunity to experience the rare beauty of the natural environment that surrounds you.

And even if you choose to head to the area via the Grevena regional unit, you will certainly be rewarded, as you can admire a part of the Valia Kalda National Park and, if you are lucky, spot the endangered brown bear that lives in the Park.

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

An escape from daily life

During your stay in the picturesque villages of the Municipality of Eastern Zagori, you will have the opportunity to engage in a multitude of activities that are hard to find in cities.

Hiking in nature, trout fishing in the Varda River, and mushroom harvesting are just some of the possibilities the area offers you.

Furthermore, the buildings used as guesthouses feature traditional Epirote architecture and are furnished with objects that highlight local tradition.

Many villages have restaurants and small cafes where you can enjoy traditional flavours, such as grilled and fried wild boar, souvlaki, pies, and wild greens that are rare in cities, like wild cabbage and mushrooms.

In any case, don't forget to combine your meal with local tsipouro and wine, which are abundant in the area, as well as tray sweets like baklava and galaktoboureko, sweets made with pure ingredients.

 

Municipality of Ano Kalamas – Introduction

A tour of the valley of storks

A vast valley, celebrated for its unique beauty. A place that time respected and did not plunder its riches and graces.

Discover Northwestern Ioannina!

Leaving the city of Ioannina and travelling towards the northwestern part of the regional unit, one will encounter the beautiful Kalamas valley.

There, in a dreamlike area, stretching from the foothills of Ai-Lias Dolianon to Soulopoulo, lies the Municipality of Ano Kalamas. It owes its name to the eponymous valley and the river that brings life to the area.

It comprises eleven villages of the plain, each with its own history, which attract visitors who wish to combine nature excursions with learning about the area's history and traditional settlements.

 

Journey through the villages

Begin your journey from the municipal seat located in Parakalamos.

It is a historic settlement formerly called Pogdoriani. It is first mentioned in 1430, when the Turks occupied the area.

It was one of the first villages to surrender to the conquerors. For 200 years it was the seat of the representative of the Validé Sultan, to whom it had been given as a gift.

One village, which preserves its traditional architecture and is among the oldest in the region, is Mavronoros.

Its name is directly related to the location where the settlement is built. Continuing your tour, passing through lush forests, you will reach the settlement of Vrontismeni.

The locals say it got its name from the frequent lightning strikes that occur in the area. According to historical data, it was built in its current location in the late 1860s.

Today, it is a beautiful village, characterised by its crayfish fishing. Leaving Vrontismeni, you will encounter the village of Kouklioi. One of the main activities of its inhabitants is the production of tsipouro.

The entire process is carried out in the old traditional way. If you are a fan of alcoholic beverages, you will certainly 'honour' their traditional drink.

A little further, on Vikos hill, where there are two natural caves, lies the beautiful Mazaraki. It has an altitude of 420 m and is surrounded by landscapes of infinite natural beauty.

Next stop is Riachovo, which in Slavic means a place with walnut trees. It is a small picturesque village, built near Lake Riachovou. The journey continues with our entry into Katerraktis, the oldest village in the area.

Its old name was Glyziani, meaning slippery place. You see, it is built on a hill with steep slopes. It took its current name from the large waterfall that existed in the Kalamas River, which, however, was destroyed after a terrible rain and flooded the Kalamas valley.

The tour concludes with our visit to Ieromnimi. It is built at the foot of the Kassidiaris mountain range. Above the village rise three smooth and accessible hills full of small and large holly trees.

Its particular characteristic is its beautiful landscapes and its springs.

Also of interest is the old stone watermill, which was a source of energy for the area with the help of the incessant flow of the Kalamas river's waters. Nowadays, the watermill has ceased to operate.

Read also: [ A Tribute to the Villages of Pelion! ]

Storks and Crayfish

Thousands of storks find refuge in the Kalamas valley each year, building their nests in the fertile plain, as they find abundant food there.

The presence of storks in the valley is a unique characteristic of the area, which is why the municipality has the stork as its emblem. The small village of Vrontismeni, through which the Kalamas flows, is considered the homeland of crayfish. This delicious shellfish lives in the area, and large quantities of crayfish are fished from there, ending up in the Ioannina market.

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

Municipality of Ano Pogoni

The rich history, natural beauties, and hospitable residents are the characteristics that distinguish the villages of the municipality.

Mountainous landscapes and villages

The Municipality of Ano Pogoni extends across the northwestern part of the Ioannina Regional Unit. It is comprised of the following areas: Kefalovryso, which is the seat of the municipality, Vassiliko, Agios Kosmas, Kakolakkos, Kato Meropi, Meropi, Oraiokastro, Palaiopyrgos, Roupsia.

The municipality covers an area of 13,700 hectares and has a population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants.

Most villages are covered by mountainous terrain and are located at altitudes ranging from 550 to 960 m.

Historians suggest that the Byzantine emperor Constantine IV, also known as Pogonatos, gave his name to the region.

 

The tour begins

The seat of the municipality, Kefalovryso, is perched on Mount Nemertsika.

The view from there is enchanting. Enjoy it and breathe in as much fresh air as you can.

Leaving the village, witness the re-enactment of the village's holocaust by the Germans before your eyes.

The Heroon, built in honour of those who perished in this atrocity, stands imposing in the square. Another beautiful "balcony" of Epirus is Vassiliko.

This "balcony" is adorned with chestnut forests. There, at the Hypapante (Presentation of Christ), the frescoes unfold the history of the place.

In Oraiokastro you will find the watermill and the two fulling mills. At the same spot, the arched stone bridge and the "Desi" waterfall create a unique environment.

 

For the active types

The Municipality of Ano Pogoni not only offers sights of invaluable historical significance but also opportunities for activities that you might be trying for the first time.

The Gormos River with its springs, Mount Nemertsika, and the verdant forests are ideal locations for those wishing to escape the mundane.

Hunting, fishing, mountaineering, and walks are recommended in the areas of the Pogoni Municipality. When you return, you will realise how refreshed you feel.

Read also: [ 4+1 Nearby Destinations for Escapes from Athens! ]

Municipality of Egnatia

Mountainous beauty

Another encounter with beauty awaits you in the Municipality of Egnatia. And it would truly be a shame to delay your arrival, even for a day…

Chrysovitsa, Sitsaina, Gotista, Megalo and Mikro Peristeri…

Names that until recently rang no bells, now make you utter them with admiration, even awe.

The aforementioned municipal districts constitute the Municipality of Egnatia, a wonderful piece of land that adorns the northwestern edge of the Ioannina regional unit (41 km away from it).

The whims of fate have kept its 12,400 hectares away from human intervention. From Mount Lakmos (Peristeri) to the Metsovitikos and Kalarritikos rivers and the springs of the Aoos, the Municipality of Egnatia can rightly be described as unspoiled nature.

Walking within its boundaries, you will see with your own eyes that indeed, the human hand has not stretched here to cut away its beauty.

Winter-summer, autumn-spring, the area conceals none of its charms. The mountainous characteristic is undoubtedly impressive and strongly accentuates every landscape.

Mount Lakmos (Peristeri) is located in the centre of the municipality and sets the tone for the mountainous wild beauty to spread everywhere.

The gurgling waters passing from the foothills of the mountain and flowing at your feet impart such magic that you never believed you would witness.

And if there are locations where flora and fauna take on another dimension – excessive, wild, rare, impressive – this is living proof.

The valleys formed by the two rivers present a unique image of a wooded landscape, which stands out on the geographical relief.

If you stand in the shadow of the mountain, you will erase from your memory the last things that troubled you. If you see the view from the castle of Gradetsio, which is located above the district of Mikri Gotista at an altitude of 830 m (the highest fortified position in Epirus), you will forget even more.

The ascent is easy and can be done on foot, a route that "fills you up" and rejuvenates you.

Your photographic memory, even if it is weak, retains a multitude of images that the landscape generously offers you. The entire peak is enclosed by a wall, which follows the edges of the rock.

 

Municipality of Zitsa

Charm, tradition, and good wine

Undoubtedly, anyone who has visited Zitsa will have realised that it is one of the most beautiful villages in Epirus, an ideal destination for a short trip.

You only need to travel about 25 kilometres from the city of Ioannina to reach mountainous Zitsa.

The road is good, and the scenes unfolding before you are many and particularly attractive.

The large vineyards you will encounter soon reveal the village's secret: this is a place that loves wine and gladdens not only its own heart but also those of its visitors…

 

Zitsa and good wine

Zitsa's vineyards have enriched the village's wine tradition. A tradition spanning over 500 years, evidenced by the continuous production of wine from the Debina variety.

At the village wineries, you can purchase white, red, rosé, semi-sparkling, and sparkling wines and observe the entire production process up close.

Finally, it is worth visiting Zitsa during the third ten-day period of each year when the Wine Festival takes place, and you can enjoy free wine and traditional delicacies up close.

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

Municipality of Ioannites

Ioannina: a beautiful legendary city!

Where the tranquil waters of Pamvotida gaze upon the proud Mitsikeli, and where myth meets tradition, Ioannina is born, the legendary city of unique beauty.

 

Romantic, traditional, wonderful

The clock in the central square, a landmark…

Built at the southwestern tip of the Pindus mountain range, Ioannina stretches at the edge of the eponymous valley, while in winter, it is surrounded and 'decorated' by the snow-capped peaks of Epirus.

A picturesque, lively, modern, and youthful city, a city that preserves its character and invites you to wander through its cobbled alleyways, admire its magnificent mansions, lose yourself in its myriad places, and like a modern corsair, conquer its beauties. Ioannina is the pride of Epirus and perhaps the most beautiful city in Greece.

Here, choices know no bounds; they know nothing of time standing still…

Everything moves within the sphere you desire and continues the romantic game that was once lost on the shores of the lake, when the story of Ali Pasha and Kyra Frosyni tragically ended…

 

Molos, the life-giving force…

The heartbeats begin to intensify as the road leading to Molos slowly reaches its end and the beautiful lake unfolds before us…

And if you cannot convey all the impressions of it to someone, even in writing, at least wish them to quickly find themselves next to Lake Pamvotida of Ioannina…

Shady centuries-old plane trees, calm waters reflecting the heavy mass of Mitsikeli, boats inviting you for a short but enchanting trip to the nearby islet, cafes, restaurants, bars, and a thousand other choices, render words superfluous, passing the baton to images.

What are you waiting for? Experience them up close…

A look at culture – Ioannina, being a city with a rich history and cultural tradition, could not but possess several centres for preserving its cultural treasures.

It starts with the Municipal Museum where one can admire the exquisite wood carvings of Ioannina art, its famous traditional silverware, Karaiskakis' sword, etc., and continues with the Archaeological Museum and its exhibits of coins, weapons, figurines, etc.

Of particular interest are also the Byzantine Museum and the Folklore Museum of the Society of Epirote Studies, featuring objects, costumes, and jewellery from the material life of the region.

Furthermore, Ioannina boasts two highly esteemed libraries, the Zosimaia Library with local manuscripts and Epirote publications, and the Library of Epirote Studies with a plethora of old prints and manuscripts.

Finally, do not forget to visit the Municipal Art Gallery, the Wax Museum of Athanasios Vrellis, as well as the archive of the National Resistance with photographic material and documents from the period of World War II.

 

Entertainment in the city

The heart of entertainment beats mainly in Molos, which is flanked by café bars, however, you will also find entertainment options on Dodonis, Karamanli, Michail Angelou, Stratigou Papagou streets, etc., as well as on the provincial road leading from Ioannina to Trikala.

Beyond café bars and clubs, in Ioannina you will also find large venues with live Greek music, as well as hangouts for lovers of Rebetiko sounds.

Read also: [ Destination Calendar for every month of the year! ]

Municipality of Katsanochoria

Unexplored paradise

And just when you think you've seen it all, lost paradises come to remind you of their existence, offering you land and water…

Such a place is the Municipality of Katsanochoria!

Kalentzi, Elliniko, Aetorachi…

The municipality is located in the southern part of the Ioannina regional unit and is 32 km from the city of Ioannina.

The seat of the municipality is in Kalentzi. It includes a total of nine municipal districts. This is a mountainous area with topographical variations.

The highest point of the municipality is located in Xirovouni at an altitude of 1,614 m.

The Arachthos River flows through the eastern part of the area. The aquatic element characterises it.

Well-known are the Klifki springs in Kalentzi and the watermills in the municipal districts of Kalentzi, Elliniko, Korytiani, and Platanousa, which combine natural elements with human creation.

In all areas of the municipality, you can admire landscapes of unparalleled natural beauty.

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

For athletic types…

The Arachthos River, which flows through the area, offers adventurous visitors the opportunity to discover the beauties of the region by canoeing, kayaking or rafting.

Of course, if your muscles are already trained, you can relax fishing on the banks of the Arachthos and enjoy nature.

If you are a fan of hiking or mountain biking, there are specially designed areas in Aetorachi, Korytiani, and Xirovouni where you can exercise.

 

Municipality of Central Zagori

Proud mountainous town

Zagorochoria skillfully combines the primary materials of nature, stone and vegetation, proving that true beauty is unpretentious…

 

Aristi: an excellent destination

Aristi is one of the large villages of Western Zagori and is located at an altitude of 650 metres.

Its old name was Artsitsa and during its heyday, it had over 1,000 inhabitants. It is worth seeing the imposing Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 1718.

 

Elati, Vitsa

Central Zagori exhibits the greatest interest in terms of traditional architecture. First stop, Elati.

The village is built in a wooded area of Mount Mitsikeli. The houses, made of grey stone, with views towards the white mountains and fir-covered peaks, appear unique in their simplicity.

The square is shaded by an ancient plane tree, accompanied by an elderly group of friends… Continuing, we reach Vitsa, one of the largest villages of Zagori.

Rich vegetation surrounds proud mansions, featuring Zagorian architecture.

 

Monodendri, Dilofo…

The road leads straight to Monodendri.

The famous and popular village is at the start of the path leading to the Vikos Gorge.

Well-built houses in harmony with new guesthouses accommodate visitors, just before departure for the gorge. The village is located at an altitude of 1,060 m.

Notable are the stone towers from Oxya, the Byzantine churches of Agios Minas and Agios Athanasios. The candle flickers in the candelabrum with the north wind, noses turn red from the cold…

The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi hangs on the edge of the cliff.

You'd think it's carved into the rocks. The frescoes are unique. From here begins the long trek to the Vikos Gorge. More than 20 km long, 1,200 m deep, with the widest opening reaching 2,200 m.

The riverbed is interrupted by huge rocks. Nature's exuberance surpasses imagination. Vertical cliffs merge with the sky.

Then, the springs of Voidomatis…

To the east lies Dilofo, the impressive village with its mansions and stone bridges.

 

Municipality of Konitsa

A destination for all tastes

If you desire a mountainous town with traditional charm, natural allure, sights, extreme sports, hiking trails, and developed infrastructure, Konitsa is exactly what you are looking for.

 

Extreme sports and hiking

The entire Konitsa region, with its mountains and rivers, is an ideal choice for both hiking and extreme sports.

Here you can go canoeing, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, climbing, cycling, gorge crossing, etc., as the organised outdoor activities school NO LIMITS promises to introduce you to the majority of extreme sports while teaching you all their secrets.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that every May, Konitsa hosts one of the top extreme sports events called "O Evathlos".

 

Tourist Infrastructure

In Konitsa and the surrounding area, a satisfactory number of hotels and rented rooms are available for all tastes.

The area also offers very good dining options, with traditional taverns and good restaurants, while for lovers of nightlife, Konitsa's central square and the alley below it attract the attention of youth and others, as they feature lovely café bars, tsipouradika, and generally options that will fully satisfy you.

 

Mountain challenge!

Indeed, it is no coincidence that year by year the number of Greek and foreign tourists visiting the area continuously increases, as Konitsa moves beyond being exclusively a summer or winter destination, due to offering options throughout the year.

The town is built on the slopes of Mount Trapezitsa, surrounded by the mountain ranges of Grammos, Smolikas, Gamila, Nemertsika, and Kamenik, and is 65 kilometres north of the city of Ioannina.

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

 

Municipality of Mastorochoria

A traditional village, reminiscing about great stone craftsmen, enjoying the view towards the National Park from Grammos… Pyrsoyianni is the seat of the Municipality of Mastorochoria.

 

Pyrsoyianni

Pyrsoyianni is a picturesque village, located at an altitude of 850 m, 31 km from Konitsa and 95 km from the city of Ioannina.

Its distinctive feature is its stone-built structures, which seem to come from another era, showing no signs of being affected by the passage of time.

This is natural, as Pyrsoyianni is one of the Mastorochoria (Craftsmen Villages), where the greatest stone carvers were born, who constructed magnificent buildings, such as the Konitsa bridge, mansions, churches, and schools.

 

Municipality of Metsovo

The metropolis of the ridges

Where mountainous charm meets the splendour of tradition and colours, we find Metsovo, the mountain town with rare gifts and unique choices.

A traditional escape…

Whichever alley you decide to walk down, wherever you stop to rest, the vibrancy exuded by this mountainous gem of Pindus will make you feel reborn.

Metsovo, from end to end, is a sight to behold, a source of life from which great benefactors of the nation emerged, such as Michail Tossitsas, Georgios and Evangelos Averoff, and Nikolaos Stournaras.

Its name is conjectured to have been first mentioned in 1380 and probably derived from a corruption of the word "mesovouni" (middle mountain).

It is located 65 kilometres from the regional unit's capital and is the most populous mountainous main village, as despite being built at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres, it numbers 4,250 inhabitants.

 

[ Find cheap hotels in the area! ]

 

Municipality of Molossoi

Epirote song…

The sights are many, the historical value of the place invaluable, and its natural landscapes compete with each other in beauty.

Visit the Municipality…

The Municipality of Molossoi has its seat in the municipal district of Voutsara and is approximately 30 km from Ioannina.

It is an area with many charms. The traditional elements of this place lend it the elegance it deserves, and its religious relics bestow glory and fame upon it.

Nature speaks directly to the heart. Your first encounter with the locals will leave you with the best impression.

They are friendly and hospitable. Kindness is their ideal, and they are aware of the uniqueness of the place they live in and love.

Their customs, traditions, celebrations, and joys beautify life, not only their own but also that of visitors. A visit to the Municipality of Molossoi is a must.

 

Tourism and nature

What to admire first? Nature awakens and invites everyone to enjoy it.

The rich flora and fauna captivate even the most demanding visitor. In the area, those involved in tourism strive to organise soft tourism activities.

A series of rivers, each with different characteristics, irrigate the villages of the area. First and foremost is the Kalamas, which is a source of life for the region.

The feelings that prevail when experiencing a visit to the municipality are influenced by the natural environment, the unspoiled and intact dowry of the place. A paradise so close to us.

 

 

Municipality of Papigo

Western Zagori

Western Zagori includes some of the most beautiful villages, perhaps. First and most famous, Mikro and Megalo Papigo.

 

Papigo: the main village

Papigo is the most famous main village of Zagori. It is divided into Megalo (Big) and Mikro (Small) Papigo (the distance between them is 6 km) and constitutes the "metropolis" of the area's tourist activity.

Wonderful infrastructure, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and many choices for visitors have made it a top destination. The beautiful cobbled streets are ideal for romantic strolls.

In winter, they are bustling with life, as in Papigo visitors have many opportunities for unique culinary delights, atmospheric cafes, and, of course, top choices in beautiful traditional guesthouses.

Continuing from Megalo to Mikro Papigo, make a stop at the "Kolymbithres" (swimming pools), a large natural basin that is ideal for swimming in summer.

From Mikro Papigo, a path starts that leads to the Gamila refuge at an altitude of 1,950 metres. From there, most mountaineering trails begin for the plateaus and peaks of this particularly alpine mountain.

 

Like a fairy tale!

Papigo is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Zagori. In the square, the stone fountains, the churches, and the mansions look like a painting: the Epirote architecture and its grandeur!

Paths and small roads emerge from everywhere, leading to the springs of Voidomatis and the Vikos Gorge.

Huge piled stones become a source, from where the river's waters spring forth. With a little determination, we will climb to the Mountaineering Club's refuge in Astraka and from there head to the natural swimming pool "Rongovo".

Impressive frescoes from the 18th and 19th centuries draw our attention, while it would be an oversight not to visit the library of Michail Anagnostopoulos.

The heavy door slides open… Our breath is taken away when we behold Drakolimni, a little further east of Papigo.

Myths and legends have sung its praises. Its beauty seems otherworldly.

The waters, icy and tranquil. In the background, the mountain is entirely white. The snow has carved its rough, steep slopes with every detail. The winter fairy tale acquires a name…

 

Municipality of Pasarona

Green and tranquility 

Historical references to the distant past and images of contemporary life are what will stay with you from the municipality.

Landscapes and history

The municipality of Pasarona is located in the northwest of the city of Ioannina and consists of the following former communities: Agios Ioannis, Vounoplagia, Zoodochos, Megalo Gardiki, Neochori, Ano Lapsista, Kato Lapsista, Anargyroi, Perati, Petralona, Eleousa, Grammeno, Vageniti, Lofisko, Rodotopi, Lyggos, Polylofo.

The area covers 13,527.8 hectares and has a population of approximately 7,197 inhabitants.

Most of the municipal areas are characterised by their flat relief, with the exception of the Grammenochoria region, which is characterised by mountainous terrain.

 

The Grammenochoria

During the Ottoman rule, there were 88 Grammenochoria villages. In those years, the Turks had granted them many privileges.

Today there are far fewer. They got their name from Grammeno, a village that was the property of an old Byzantine Epirote family.

According to existing accounts, the Grammenochoria plateau had no forest areas. The inhabitants were engaged in agriculture and livestock farming.

However, the fauna of the area did not present the same picture. Some of the most common species were deer, wild boars, bears, roe deer, foxes, wolves, hares and various bird species.

From the mid-18th century, the inhabitants of Grammenochoria, mainly due to the lack of agricultural land, began to abandon their homes. They travelled far and wide, and many of them made their fortunes.

Many great figures of the Nation hail from Grammenochoria, such as the national benefactors Zosimades and Zois Kaplanis, as well as the teachers Konstantinos Asopios, Dimitris Vontas, and many others.

 

Municipality of Perama

Cave, jewellery, and view 

This place is famous for its beautiful cave, authentic handmade jewellery, works of folk art and tradition, as well as its warm and human hospitality!

Perama, the seat of the Municipality, is just 5 km from the city of Ioannina.

 

The cave

After your eyes have feasted on the exquisite spectacle of Pamvotida, our country's most idyllic lake, it's time for a stunning visit to one of the world's rarest caves.

It is located just four (4) kilometres from the city. In Perama, Ioannina.

Read also: [ Elatochori Pierias: The Abandonment of a Popular Destination ]

Municipality of Pramanta

Beauty and tradition

Beauty in all its glory in the craftsmen villages of the Municipality of Pramanta. Explore every corner and meet kind-hearted people, imbued with a strong sense of hospitality.

 

Mastorochoria

The municipality of Pramanta is located 65 km SE of Ioannina and 70 km NE of Arta. It is composed of the eponymous community, which is also the seat of the municipality, and the settlements of Ampelochori and Raftanai.

The villages that make up the municipality are built at an altitude of 850 m, in the Athamanika mountains or Tzoumerka as they are known. The municipality covers an area of 6,900 hectares and has a population of 2,196 inhabitants.

The villages of the Municipality of Pramanta are renowned Mastorochoria (Craftsmen Villages). In the pristine Tzoumerka mountains, with their impressive landscapes, rushing rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and verdant gorges, the villages of the municipality stand proudly.

The Arachthos River flows around all three villages, creating a unique natural image.

 

Pramanta

In Pramanta village, at the central square, stand under the ancient plane tree and enjoy this wonder of nature. At the same spot, you will find the historic Arapis spring, where you can drink clear, cool water.

The central square of Agia Paraskevi is characterised as the jewel of the village. If you are seeking health tourism, visit the therapeutic waters of the Skala springs and the Agathi springs.

The Anemotrypa cave, at an altitude of 900 m, is the bed of an underground river and covers two small lakes, one pure white and one red. The element that will most impress you in this cave is its multicoloured stalactites and stalagmites.

 

Outdoor activities for the daring

The section of the Arachthos River that passes through the Municipality of Pramanta is ideal for rafting.

Beginners and experienced kayakers alike seek the challenge of the Arachthos, with its passages past waterfalls, stunning gorges, rushing waters, and pristine landscapes, which are hard to resist.

And if the magic of a mountain is what you seek, the peaks of Tzoumerka, with their hiking trails and steep slopes, will pleasantly surprise you.

The best route in the area is to the top of Strougoula. Like any mountain, Tzoumerka also hides dangers. Equip yourself as best you can, and you have nothing to fear.

 

Accommodation for the comfortable and the mountaineers

The Municipality of Pramanta plans to create tourist accommodation to meet existing needs.

If you visit the area today, you can stay at the hotel "Ta Tzoumerka", with a capacity of 75 beds, which offers heating and an unlimited view.

However, you can also find accommodation at the Strougoula refuge, at an altitude of 1300 m, which is 6 km from Pramanta.

 

Delicacies that tantalise the palate

In the Municipality of Pramanta, do not hesitate to try the flavours that the local inhabitants will suggest to you.

Enjoy homemade pies, trachana, tripe, which they continue to prepare in the old traditional way, and delicious feta cheese. Accompany your meal with the strong taste of local tsipouro, unlike any you've had before.

The seat of the municipality is full of traditional tavernas and small, cosy shops where you can relax and enjoy your coffee. The bars in the village's central square liven up the mood with Greek and foreign music.

Municipality of Tymfi

The Municipality of Tymfi includes some of the well-known and beautiful Zagorochoria, such as Tsepelovo, Vrysochori, and Kipi.

Enjoy the mountainous charm of Tymfi, with its Alpine landscapes.

A small journey

The village of Kipi serves as a passage to the other villages. The camera captures the fountain, the unique tavern, the two-storey houses. A short distance away, the famous eight bridges.

Artfully crafted, with perfectly worked arches, which are now just short of the swollen river waters. We turn right towards Koukouli. People look curiously at the new visitors.

The village is built on a lush green slope, surrounded by rocks. Marble fountains, beautiful mansions, cobbled streets. A little further up is Kapesovo, and at the top of the mountain, Vradeto.

Vradeto gazes at the Vikos Gorge, while its back rests against the slope of the Tymfi mountain range. In the square stands the unwavering stone church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

On the slopes, shepherds disappear into the pastures. Ten kilometres further down, we are in Tsepelovo, the hometown of the great Marika Kotopouli and the seat of the Municipality of Tymfi.

Konos' spring was the resting place for people and animals in olden times. The village is immersed in greenery, while its architecture proudly displays its magnificent mansions.

The snow ploughs have cleared the road. To the right and left, the untouched snow looks like a carpet. The only thing that stands out in the forest are the tree trunks, the firs.

It feels as if the snow spreads a veil of silence; the landscape is quiet and imposing.

The road leads to Skamneli, with its folk paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and from there to Gyftokampos and Vrysochori.

The altitude reaches 1,050 m. Nestled and enveloped in vegetation, near the Aoos River, amidst the mountain ranges of Gamila and Smolikas, Vrysochori boasts an excellent view of Gamila.

Read also: [ Discover the Trikala regional unit: An invitation to explore! ]

Kipi. Dream and adventure!

Just 35 km from Ioannina, lies the village of Kipi (Bagia). In the heart of Zagori, the village is built in a small green valley traversed by a small river.

The stone bridges passing over the waters create a unique fairytale image!

The stone traditional houses and cobbled streets complete the scene.

Enjoy a stroll through the village, wandering up to its highest point where the church of Agios Nikolaos and the school stand, along with the stone fountain.

The buildings, typical of the area's architecture, will truly impress you.

Of course, there are many other attractions, such as Agapios Tolis' Folklore Museum with traditional exhibits from across the region.

In Kipi, you have several excellent choices for accommodation, dining, and of course, alternative activities. Enjoy this unique village of Zagori.

Useful links for your trip

[ Cheap hotels in the area ]

[ Flight tickets to Ioannina ]

[ Cheap flight tickets via Travelo.gr ]

[ Car rental in Ioannina ]