Ioannina - Travel Guide

EXPLORE GREECE

Ioannina – History, Mountain Villages & Scenic Landscapes

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Ioannina
Ioannina

Ioannina – History, Mountain Villages & Scenic Landscapes

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Ioannina at a Glance

Area: 5000.00 km²

Population: 167.901

Capital: Ioannina

Airport: International

Discover Ioannina

Map: Ioannina

Ioannina is the largest regional unit in Epirus, and one of the largest regional units of Greece. It borders with Albania in the north, the regional units of Kastoria in the northeast, Grevena and Trikala in the east, Arta in the southeast, Preveza in the south and Thesprotia in the southwest and west. Ioannina is a mountainous region, dominated by the Pindus mountains, that cover the eastern part of the regional unit. Dense forests, rivers, stone bridges, monuments and paths of stunning natural beauty make the county a popular destination all year round. The traditional villages in the area, remain untouched and are unique examples of architectural tradition, while Epiru’s capital city is one of northern Greece’s most scenic and atmospheric cities. The capital city lies next to Lake Pamvotida, in the middle of which there is a small island with beautiful stone houses, numerous tiny alleys and tons of history.

The county is known for its historic churches and monasteries built on steep slopes, and the dozens of old stone bridges that invite hikers to cross them, following stone-built paths of incredible natural beauty. It is also known for the rare fauna and flora, which grows mainly in the mountains and in contrast to other areas of Greece has a unique ecosystem, which has not been degraded by human activities. Moreover, here you will find interesting museums, an amazing cave and Vikos Gorge, world’s deepest relative to its width gorge, according to the Guiness Book of Records. Ioannina region is not only a summer destination but remains as beautiful during the colder months. So, let us give you a brief tour of the region, and we are sure it will be first on your travel list next time you visit Greece.

Best of Ioannina

Where to Stay

The region offers a wide variety of accommodations, from hotels and traditional guesthouses to apartments and rental rooms. You can choose to stay near the city center, in picturesque villages, or close to landmarks, depending on your preferences.

Accommodation Options

From hotels and traditional guesthouses to apartments and rental rooms, there are options to suit every taste and budget.

Best Areas

Stay in the city center for convenience, or choose small towns and villages for a more peaceful, authentic experience.

Booking Tips

In peak season, check online platforms and reviews to find reliable accommodation options for a pleasant stay.

How to Get There

Getting to Kilkis

You can reach the Ioannina region by car via the E92/E90 highways from Thessaloniki or Patras, by flight to Ioannina International Airport, or by the local Ioannina KTEL bus service.

  • By Car: You can reach Ioannina in about 3 hours from Thessaloniki via the Egnatia Motorway (E90), around 2 hours and 20 minutes from Patras via the Ionian Motorway, and roughly 2 hours from Trikala and central Greece via the Egnatia/E90/A2 and Trikala–Ioannina National Road.
  • By Air: Ioannina International Airport (IOA) serves both domestic and international flights. It offers easy connections to Igoumenitsa Port, the largest port in Northwestern Greece and the main gateway to the Ionian Islands.
  • By Bus: KTEL Ioannina operates regular routes connecting the city with Thessaloniki, Athens, Patras, and other nearby towns.

KTEL Ioannina Bus Service

Always check the official website for the latest routes and schedules.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ioannina is late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the lake, mountains, and villages.

Language

Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but carry cash for villages.

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