We lately went back to Athens after exploring around north Greece, and also when our web servers, overviews and also chauffeurs asked us where we showed up from, they were pleased and also stunned to listen to that we had actually originated from Epirus. Everyone claimed that we were the very first individuals (they had actually come across) that had actually seen this covert treasure of Greece. One bartender informed us she was so pleased with us mosting likely to Epirus that she supplied us scrumptious shots of Mastika to drink on. That’s simply exactly how pleased she has to have been!
Most visitors head to Santorini or Mykonos when taking a trip to Greece. We concur, that these islands are extremely attractive, however there are various other areas in Greece that can actually take your breath away, much from the groups of the well-trodden locations. Epirus, Greece is among them.
About Epirus, Greece
When we initially obtained the invite to Epirus, we needed to look it up. Were there coastlines? Check. What concerning abbeys or old damages? Check. How concerning outside tasks? Another check! Epirus has all of it. And we’re mosting likely to share a plan to take a trip with this secret edge of Greece, to produce your very own journey of a life time.
Where is Epirus, Greece?
Epirus lies in the northwest edge of Greece, surrounded by Albania and also the Ionian Sea. It is a 1h 15min trip to the funding of Epirus, Ioannina (noticable, Yo-ah-nah-nah) from Athens or you can lease an auto. It is just a 4h 30min drive from Athens to Ioannina and also reaching see the Greek countryside is a genuine reward. We understand, we’ve done it!
Getting Around Epirus
Renting an auto is among our favored means to navigate in Greece, particularly when you leave Athens. We flew right into Ioannina (on this journey to Greece) and also had a vehicle driver take us around on a packed schedule. Since we were visitors of the Epirus visitor board, we had the advantage of having a personal chauffeur, however we do recommend leasing an auto from the flight terminal in Athens and also hitting the trail.
However, if your budget plan enables, working with a personal chauffeur is a remarkable means to take a trip and also Prime Transfer Services scenic tours is a fantastic firm possessed by our close friend Vasili that can obtain you around from area to area in safety and security and also convenience. Visit his web site to publication day scenic tours and also transfers around Epirus, Greece. For our various other day scenic tours and also journeys in Epirus, we made use of Alpine Zone which is the leader in journey tourist around Epirus. Check out Alpine Zone to schedule your very own Epirus, Adventures.
Rental autos are fairly affordable in Greece contrasted to various other European nations and also Epirus tourist attractions are expanded. Plus, you can make a detour to Meteora, one more of our favored areas in Greece in the process! You’ll wish to due to the fact that like Meteora, Ioannina has among one of the most crucial Monastic negotiations in Greece. It is among just 3 with the others remaining in Ioannina and also the various other in Halkidiki. See RentalsCars.com for cost contrasts.
So, are you prepared to see why you should take a trip to Epirus? Let’s go!
Places to Visit in Epirus, Greece
1. Ioannina
Ioannina is the funding city of the Epirus area and also it deserves investing a couple of days in this bustline college community. We made a base at the Hotel du Lac Congress Centre and also checked out every one of its leading tourist attractions and also finished every day with the normal three-hour suppers that make Greek friendliness so popular. Be gotten ready for lengthy days, a lot of food, and also a great deal of sightseeing and tour due to the fact that there are a great deal of points to see and also carry out in Ioannina! Ioannina is a prepared community where the castle wall surfaces still stand and also citizens live amongst the historical facility with Its Kale (internal citadel) creating the excellent area to delight in the sundown over the lake.
Lake Pamvotida
On your very first day in Ioannina, capture a brief 10-minute ferryboat to the Island of Lake Pamvotida. This is the island without any name, however it loads a huge strike. It is right here that you can go to the 7 Byzantine abbeys that go back to the 13th century. The island itself is a charming check out with buying stands lining the roads from the watercraft dock and also a lot of dining establishments and also coffee shops shaded by significant airplane trees.
While on the island, make certain to drop in the Ali Pasha Museum to see the art work and also gems, and also tools consisting of the gold-plated rifle of Ali Pasha and also the silk outfit of Ali Pasha’s other half, Kyra-Vassiliki. Make certain to have a look at the caverns that served as a sanctuary versus Italian air assault throughout World War II.
Cave of Perema
Speaking of caverns, one area that is not to be missed out on in Ioannina is the Cave of Perema. Located simply a couple of kilometres from the centre of community, the Cave of Perema is the 2nd biggest give in every one of Greece. It was likewise made use of throughout WWII by residents to conceal from the Nazis.
This attractive cavern is large at 161,000 square feet (15,000 square meters) and also residences and also residences hundreds of beautiful stalactites and also stalagmites where it is thought about among the best-preserved collapse the globe. Guides take you on a 45-minute trip with the system to watch its falls and also its most popular stalagmite, The Cross. Visit their web site for opening up hrs and also expense.
The excursion completed high over the city where you arise to see a few of the most effective sights of Ioannina and also Lake Pamvotida.
Where to Stay in Ioannina
Hotel du Lac is among the most effective areas to remain in Ioannina situated strolling range (20 mins) to Old Town. Its buffet morning meal was an emphasize for us with the eating location straight by the peaceful swimming pool. Check prices and also accessibility on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
The Lake Hotel is likewise a prominent meeting facility with an attractive swimming pool neglecting Lake Pamvotida.Located near the flight terminal, this is a terrific area to remain on your very first or last day in Ioannina. Check prices and also accessibility on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Restaurants in Ioanna
After discovering for a number of days, you have plenty of dining establishments to select from lining the waterside. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz prior to supper and also with each beverage, they will certainly bring you a treat. For a dining establishment with a sight make your means as much as Frontzuou Politia Hotel or for some modern-day Greek combination, delight in a multi-course dish total with red wine pairing at Thamon (our much-loved dish in Ioannina) in the Old Town and also Seirios for their exceptional tree-covered outdoor patio.
2. Zagori
Zagori is simply a hr and also a fifty percent from Ioannina and also if you have an auto, you can do outing from the city to discover the journey funding of Epirus, however we recommend making a base around to actually take advantage of it Alpine Zone is the firm for all your journey and also adrenaline tasks right here and also there is a lot of points to see and also carry out in Zagori. They can establish a plan for you, however right here are a couple of highlights that you cannot miss out on when trip with Zagori, Greece.
Vikos Gorge
Everyone in Epirus informed us that Vikos Gorge is provided in the Guinness Book of World Records as the inmost chasm worldwide however I will certainly confess I was cynical. There are many canyons that attempt to hold that case, I can think about a couple of off the top of my head that are possibly deeper. But upon additional examination, we found out that it is the inmost chasm worldwide symmetrical to its size which goes over sufficient.
This chasm is incredible and also there are some attractive pull-offs where you can head out to watch its remarkable appeal from safe and secure search factors. There are a lot of treking chances around Vikos Gorge and also we saw lots of people doing some lengthy multi-day expeditions with the area.
One of one of the most preferred points to do in the Vikos Gorge is to go whitewater rafting along the Voidomatis River. Who would certainly have believed that whitewater rafting was a point in Greece, however it is! We wore our wetsuits and also triggered on an enjoyable journey downriver with among the globe’s inmost canyons.
The landscapes was charming however be prepared, that water is just 6 levels Celsius, (43F). Our journey took is a simple 16km from the Albanian boundary and also it was an enjoyable means to actually absorb the power of among the globe’s inmost canyons.
Mount Tymfi
One of one of the most unexpected areas to go to in Epirus was Mount Tymfi. Alpine Zone took us up a high and also slim rough path using 4×4 to see the snow of Mount Tymfi. It was 30 levels (86 fahrenheit) listed below, however up right here we were strolling on snow! They claimed the snow can last well right into August.
Stone Arch Bridges of Zagori
But the actual tourist attractions of Vikos are its magnificent curved bridges covering the Voidomatis River. The historical rock bridges of Kokkori and also Tritoxo are actual standouts.
Kokkori
Kokkori lies in between 2 high cliffs and also has actually ended up being the sign of Epirus. Water changes throughout the year with it running completely dry while we remained in Epirus, however sometimes it runs so high that there are openings reduce right into its high solitary rock arc to permit water to move with.
Trixoto
Trixoto is one more remarkable three-arch rock bridge that stands 55 meters high. It was integrated in 1814 and also it is an astonishment. Make certain to stroll throughout these frameworks and also absorb the sights down the valley.
Kores Boutique Hotel and also Spa
Our favored area to remain in every one of Epirus was Kores Boutique Hotel and also Spa If you are discovering the extra country areas of Epirus, make a base right here for your outside tasks. The proprietors get along and also the services are magnificent. Compare prices and also testimonials on TripAdvisor
3. Tzoumerka
Tzoumerka lies simply a hr from Ioannina and also is among one of the most preferred areas to go to in Epirus because of its lovely town, outside journeys, rock curved bridge and also popular abbey.
Kipina Monastery
It’s after that on among one of the most remarkable abbeys you’ll ever before see outdoors Meteora. The Kipina Monastery advised me of the Casas Cosgodas in Spain with the framework holding on to the side of a high cliff wall surface. Located simply outside the town of Kalarrites in Tzoumerka, Epirus, this 13th century abbey can be gotten to by strolling a high course to its entry that goes across a little wood bridge hanging over the void.
The wood framework mixes right into the rocks and also the abbey were made use of not just by the monks however likewise by citizens to conceal from their Turkish inhabitants. There is a cavern that proceeds behind the abbey deep right into the rock. The abbey is cost-free to get in and also inside you’ll see spiritual paints and also churches, monks’ quarters and also the cavern. It is absolutely a remarkable place and also among our favored areas to go to in Epirus. We aren’t spiritual, however we constantly are amazed by the human spirit and also devotion.
Plaka Arch Bridge
Tzoumerka not just houses among one of the most phenomenal abbeys in Greece, it likewise flaunts the biggest rock arc bridge in all of the Balkins. Spanning the Arachthos River the Plaka Arch Bridge is a solitary arc that climbs 50 meters right into the air. Trixoto might be greater, however it took 3 arcs to get to that elevation in the facility, this is one solitary arc that is definitely spectacular.
Waterfalls
But it was our walk with nature that we appreciated one of the most. A charming walk simply outdoors Kalarrites took us along an old course bring about the twin falls. This is an attractive walk that can take you completely to and also from the town of Kalarrites.
4. Preveza
It’s currently time to make your means to the coastline where you obtain a preference of the Greek Islands. We had actually invested days discovering the hills and also canyons of Epirus and also were surprised to see exactly how attractive the towns along the Ionian Coast were. Our very first quit was the angling community of Preveza.
Fishing Village Waterfront
We absolutely really felt as if we can live right here. The strolling roads were loaded with coffee shops loaded with residents. Restaurants line the waterside and also there are stores plenty throughout its old community.
Monolithi Beach
Beach life is not much from Preveza with the beautiful Monolithi Beach simply a rock’s get rid of. We had all of it to ourselves as we strolled along a section of the 22 kilometres long attractive stretch of sandy coastline. Monolithi Beach is the lengthiest coastline in Europe!
Beach umbrellas line the sand with a lot of watersport and also sea enjoyable to be had in the clear waters. We can have invested days unwinding in this silent coastline. It isn’t almost as crowded as the coastlines of Santorini or Mykonos with just (mainly) residents recognizing of its appeal.
Make certain to finish your day at one of the dining establishments at Preveza’s waterside. We attempted the neighborhood shrimp at Alati dining establishments. We were informed that this shrimp is so great that Roger Moore’s James Bond just consumes Preveza shellfishes.
Where to Stay in Preveza
We definitely liked DALIZ Boutique Hotel in Preveza. It has a charming pool, exceptional morning meal and also trendy modern-day areas.
5. Parga
To our shock, there was a a lot more attractive area on the Ionian Coast of Epirus. Parga is a community that matches the similarity Greece’s southerly islands. But in reality, Parga advised us of the communities of the Cinque Terre in Italy.
Parga Castle
The piece de resistance of Parga is Parga Castle where you can raise for attractive sights of the vibrant structures lining the coastline. Parga Castle was developed by the Venetians, however throughout the centuries it had actually been sacked by pirates, and also ruled by the British, The Russians, and also Ali Pasha prior to ultimately ending up being a component of Greece in 1913.
Parga lies on the landmass, however it absolutely seems like a Greek Isle, so also if you don’t make it to close-by Corfu, you will certainly obtain your fill of what a Greek Island holiday seems like in Parga. There’s a charming waterside with dining establishments and also a great remote coastline that is excellent for swimming and also sunbathing.
Valtos Beach
Other close-by coastlines consist of Valtos Beach which is usually called among the most effective coastlines in Greece and also Sivota and also Plataria have coastlines too. Make certain to unwind at a coastline bar to delight in the neighborhood fish and shellfish, this component of Greece if popular for its gastronomy, which states a great deal considering that Greek food, as a whole, is so outstanding! Read Delicious Greek Food – 29 Traditional Greek Dishes To Try Now
6. Metsovo
And ultimately, if you are seeking even more points to do in Epirus, make your means to the community of Metsovo. Metsovo is an attractive area snuggled in the hills with typical communities spread throughout the rolling hillsides. It’s a prominent area for snowboarding in Greece in the winter season and also in the summer season it is loaded with journey sporting activities. When we checked out, there was a mountain bicycle race taking place and also the town was a flutter with individuals. We taken pleasure in lunch at Apokentro with sights of the deep valleys and also hills prior to our eyes.
Museum of Hydrokenisis
One of the leading areas to go to in Metsovo is the Museum of Hydrokenisis. This brand-new tourist attraction showcases the custom of cleaning carpetings and also using the power of water.
It is an attractive setup with a dining establishment and also coffee shop where you can get scrumptious Greek Coffee. You can take an excursion of the typical water mill to see the power of the water ranging from the hills. We also attempted our hand at cleansing a rug in the spinning water. It’s a great deal tougher than it looks!
After an excursion of the typical water mill, we made our means to midtown Metsovo to explore this dynamic typical town that is preferred for outside journeys. See even more information right here
Katogi Averoff Hotel and also Winery
One of our favored points to do in Metsovo was to take an excursion of the Katogi Averoff Hotel and also Winery. You can remain at this resort too, so if you enjoy way too much red wine, you can stroll straight to your roome. This vineyard is a leader of red wine tourist in Greece and also you can explore its typical wine rack and also sampling space.
Averoff Gallery
Located beside Apokentro, the Averoff Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that houses the collection of Evangelos Averoff. His grand son runs the gallery. It is an interesting collection of popular Greek items illustrating historic occasions and also day-to-days live of Greek background. It’s a terrific retreat from the outdoors to absorb some neighborhood society.
Ebiking with Bikewise
If you are wanting to extend your legs besides that food and also red wine, an enjoyable task is to go e-biking. Bikewise deal biking around AOOS Lake. Riding on an ebike makes it so simple so you can delight in the landscapes and also when you are completed they have a charming spread of Greek food and also Tsipiro, the neighborhood liqueur. This firm recognizes exactly how to produce an experience schedule. Fun in the outdoors complied with by food and also beverage. Yes! Check them bent on publication scenic tours to cycle Greece.
And there is your excursion of Epirus, Greece. Have we made you wish to include it to your checklist? While it isn’t too referred to as a few other areas in Greece, it quickly will certainly be. So make your means to Epirus currently prior to the entire globe learns about every one of the outstanding areas to go to in this silent edge of the nation.
Where are you entering Greece following?
