We lately returned to Athens after touring round northern Greece, and when our servers, guides and drivers requested us the place we arrived from, they had been delighted and shocked to listen to that we had come from Epirus. Everybody mentioned that we had been the first individuals (that they had heard of) who had visited this hidden gem of Greece. One bartender advised us she was so impressed with us going to Epirus that she supplied us scrumptious pictures of Mastika to sip on. That’s simply how impressed she should have been!
Most vacationers head to Santorini or Mykonos when touring to Greece. We agree, that these islands are extremely stunning, however there are different locations in Greece that may actually take your breath away, removed from the crowds of the well-trodden locations. Epirus, Greece is one in every of them.
About Epirus, Greece
Once we first obtained the invitation to Epirus, we needed to look it up. Had been there seashores? Examine. What about monasteries or historic ruins? Examine. How about out of doors actions? One other examine! Epirus has all of it. And we’re going to share an itinerary to journey via this secret nook of Greece, to create your individual journey of a lifetime.
The place is Epirus, Greece?
Epirus is positioned within the northwest nook of Greece, bordered by Albania and the Ionian Sea. It’s a 1h 15min flight to the capital of Epirus, Ioannina (pronounced, Yo-ah-nah-nah) from Athens or you may hire a automotive. It’s only a 4h 30min drive from Athens to Ioannina and attending to see the Greek countryside is an actual deal with. We all know, we’ve finished it!
Getting Round Epirus
Renting a automotive is one in every of our favourite methods to get round in Greece, particularly when you get out of Athens. We flew into Ioannina (on this journey to Greece) and had a driver take us round on a jam-packed itinerary. Since we had been visitors of the Epirus vacationer board, we had the privilege of getting a personal driver, however we do counsel renting a automotive from the airport in Athens and hitting the street.
Nevertheless, in case your price range permits, hiring a personal driver is a tremendous approach to journey and Prime Switch Providers excursions is an excellent firm owned by our good friend Vasili who can get you round from place to position in security and luxury. Go to his web site to guide day excursions and transfers round Epirus, Greece. For our different day excursions and adventures in Epirus, we used Alpine Zone which is the chief in journey tourism round Epirus. Take a look at Alpine Zone to guide your individual Epirus, Adventures.
Rental automobiles are fairly affordable in Greece in comparison with different European international locations and Epirus sights are unfold out. Plus, you may make a detour to Meteora, one other of our favourite locations in Greece alongside the way in which! You’ll wish to as a result of like Meteora, Ioannina has some of the essential Monastic settlements in Greece. It’s one in every of solely three with the others being in Ioannina and the opposite in Halkidiki. See RentalsCars.com for value comparisons.
So, are you able to see why it’s best to journey to Epirus? Let’s go!
Locations to Go to in Epirus, Greece
1. Ioannina
Ioannina is the capital metropolis of the Epirus area and it’s price spending two to 3 days on this bustline college city. We made a base on the Resort du Lac Congress Centre and visited all of its prime sights and ended every day with the standard three-hour dinners that make Greek hospitality so well-known. Be ready for lengthy days, loads of meals, and a number of sightseeing as a result of there are a number of issues to see and do in Ioannina! Ioannina is a fortified city the place the fortress partitions nonetheless stand and residents reside among the many historic complicated with Its Kale (interior fortress) making for the proper place to benefit from the sundown over the lake.
Lake Pamvotida
In your first day in Ioannina, catch a brief 10-minute ferry to the Island of Lake Pamvotida. That is the island with no identify, nevertheless it packs a giant punch. It’s right here that you would be able to go to the seven Byzantine monasteries that date again to the thirteenth century. The island itself is a beautiful go to with purchasing stands lining the streets from the boat dock and loads of eating places and cafes shaded by enormous airplane bushes.
Whereas on the island, you should definitely cease within the Ali Pasha Museum to see the paintings and jewels, and weapons together with the gold-plated rifle of Ali Pasha and the silk costume of Ali Pasha’s spouse, Kyra-Vassiliki. Be sure to try the caves that acted as a shelter towards Italian air raids throughout World Conflict II.
Cave of Perema
Talking of caves, one place that’s not to be missed in Ioannina is the Cave of Perema. Situated just some km from the centre of city, the Cave of Perema is the second largest collapse all of Greece. It was additionally used throughout WWII by locals to cover from the Nazis.
This stunning cave is very large at 161,000 sq. ft (15,000 sq. meters) and homes and homes hundreds of pristine stalactites and stalagmites the place it’s thought-about one of many best-preserved caves on the earth. Guides take you on a 45-minute journey via the system to view its waterfalls and its most well-known stalagmite, The Cross. Go to their web site for opening hours and value.
The tour completed excessive above the town the place you emerge to see a number of the finest views of Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida.
The place to Keep in Ioannina
Resort du Lac is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain in Ioannina positioned strolling distance (20 minutes) to Previous City. Its buffet breakfast was a spotlight for us with the eating space immediately by the tranquil pool. Examine charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
The Lake Resort can be a well-liked convention middle with a lovely pool overlooking Lake Pamvotida.Situated close to the airport, it is a excellent spot to remain in your first or ultimate day in Ioannina. Examine charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Eating places in Ioanna
After exploring for a few days, you have got numerous eating places to select from lining the waterfront. Get pleasure from an Aperol Spritz earlier than dinner and with every drink, they’ll carry you a snack. For a restaurant with a view make your manner as much as Frontzuou Politia Resort or for some fashionable Greek fusion, get pleasure from a multi-course meal full with wine pairing at Thamon (our favorite meal in Ioannina) within the Previous City and Seirios for his or her wonderful tree-covered patio.
2. Zagori
Zagori is simply an hour and a half from Ioannina and if in case you have a automotive, you are able to do day journeys from the town to discover the journey capital of Epirus, however we advise making a base on the town to actually take advantage of it Alpine Zone is the corporate for all of your journey and adrenaline actions right here and there may be loads of issues to see and do in Zagori. They will arrange an itinerary for you, however listed below are just a few highlights that you just can not miss when street tripping via Zagori, Greece.
Vikos Gorge
Everybody in Epirus advised us that Vikos Gorge is listed within the Guinness E book of World Data because the deepest gorge on the earth however I’ll admit I used to be skeptical. There are such a lot of gorges that attempt to maintain that declare, I can assume of some off the highest of my head which might be most likely deeper. However upon additional investigation, we realized that it’s the deepest gorge on the earth in proportion to its width and that’s spectacular sufficient.
This gorge is spectacular and there are some stunning pull-offs the place you may exit to view its wonderful magnificence from safe lookout factors. There are many climbing alternatives round Vikos Gorge and we noticed many individuals doing a little lengthy multi-day treks via the area.
One of the vital common issues to do within the Vikos Gorge is to go whitewater rafting alongside the Voidomatis River. Who would have thought that whitewater rafting was a factor in Greece, however it’s! We donned our wetsuits and set off on a enjoyable journey downriver via one of many world’s deepest canyons.
The surroundings was beautiful however be ready, that water is barely 6 levels Celsius, (43F). Our journey took is a mere 16km from the Albanian border and it was a enjoyable approach to actually take within the energy of one of many world’s deepest canyons.
Mount Tymfi
One of the vital shocking locations to go to in Epirus was Mount Tymfi. Alpine Zone took us up a steep and slim bumpy path through 4×4 to view the snow of Mount Tymfi. It was 30 levels (86 fahrenheit) under, however up right here we had been strolling on snow! They mentioned the snow can final properly into August.
Stone Arch Bridges of Zagori
However the actual sights of Vikos are its beautiful arched bridges spanning the Voidomatis River. The historic stone bridges of Kokkori and Tritoxo are actual standouts.
Kokkori
Kokkori is positioned between two excessive cliffs and has develop into the image of Epirus. Water fluctuates all year long with it working dry whereas we had been in Epirus, however at occasions it runs so excessive that there are holes minimize into its excessive single stone arch to permit for water to movement via.
Trixoto
Trixoto is one other spectacular three-arch stone bridge that stands 55 meters excessive. It was in-built 1814 and it’s a stunner. Be sure to stroll throughout these constructions and take within the views down the valley.
Kores Boutique Resort and Spa
Our favourite place to remain in all of Epirus was Kores Boutique Resort and Spa If you’re exploring the extra rural areas of Epirus, make a base right here to your out of doors actions. The homeowners are pleasant and the facilities are divine. Examine charges and opinions on TripAdvisor
3. Tzoumerka
Tzoumerka is positioned simply an hour from Ioannina and is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Epirus as a consequence of its attractive village, out of doors adventures, stone arched bridge and well-known monastery.
Kipina Monastery
It’s then on to some of the spectacular monasteries you’ll ever see outdoors Meteora. The Kipina Monastery jogged my memory of the Casas Cosgodas in Spain with the construction clinging to the aspect of a excessive cliff wall. Situated simply outdoors the village of Kalarrites in Tzoumerka, Epirus, this thirteenth century monastery may be reached by strolling a steep path to its entrance that crosses a small wood bridge dangling over the abyss.
The wood construction blends into the rocks and the monastery had been used not solely by the monks but additionally by villagers to cover from their Turkish occupiers. There’s a cave that continues behind the monastery deep into the rock. The monastery is free to enter and inside you’ll see spiritual work and altars, monks’ quarters and the cave. It’s really a formidable location and one in every of our favourite locations to go to in Epirus. We aren’t spiritual, however we at all times are fascinated by the human spirit and dedication.
Plaka Arch Bridge
Tzoumerka not solely homes some of the extraordinary monasteries in Greece, it additionally boasts the biggest stone arch bridge in the entire Balkins. Spanning the Arachthos River the Plaka Arch Bridge is a single arch that rises 50 meters into the air. Trixoto could also be increased, nevertheless it took three arches to achieve that peak within the middle, that is one single arch that’s completely breathtaking.
Waterfalls
However it was our hike via nature that we loved essentially the most. A beautiful hike simply outdoors Kalarrites took us alongside an historic path resulting in the dual waterfalls. It is a stunning hike that may take you all the way in which to and from the village of Kalarrites.
4. Preveza
It’s now time to make your approach to the coast the place you get a style of the Greek Islands. We had spent days exploring the mountains and gorges of Epirus and had been shocked to see how stunning the villages alongside the Ionian Coast had been. Our first cease was the fishing city of Preveza.
Fishing Village Waterfront
We really felt as if we might reside right here. The strolling streets had been stuffed with cafes filled with locals. Eating places line the waterfront and there are retailers lots all through its outdated city.
Monolithi Seaside
Seaside life isn’t removed from Preveza with the pristine Monolithi Seaside only a stone’s throw away. We had all of it to ourselves as we walked alongside a portion of the 22 km lengthy stunning stretch of sandy seashore. Monolithi Seaside is the longest seashore in Europe!
Seaside umbrellas line the sand with loads of watersport and sea enjoyable available within the clear waters. We might have spent days stress-free on this quiet seashore. It isn’t almost as crowded because the seashores of Santorini or Mykonos with solely (principally) locals realizing of its magnificence.
Be sure to finish your day at one of many eating places at Preveza’s waterfront. We tried the native shrimp at Alati eating places. We had been advised that this shrimp is so good that Roger Moore’s James Bond solely eats Preveza prawns.
The place to Keep in Preveza
We completely cherished DALIZ Boutique Resort in Preveza. It has a beautiful swimming pool, wonderful breakfast and stylish fashionable rooms.
5. Parga
To our shock, there was an much more stunning area on the Ionian Coast of Epirus. Parga is a city that rivals the likes of Greece’s southern islands. However in fact, Parga reminded us of the cities of the Cinque Terre in Italy.
Parga Fortress
The primary attraction of Parga is Parga Fortress the place you may hike up for stunning views of the colorful buildings lining the seashore. Parga Fortress was constructed by the Venetians, however all through the centuries it had been sacked by pirates, and dominated by the British, The Russians, and Ali Pasha earlier than lastly turning into part of Greece in 1913.
Parga is positioned on the mainland, nevertheless it actually looks like a Greek Isle, so even if you happen to don’t make it to close by Corfu, you’ll get your fill of what a Greek Island trip looks like in Parga. There’s a beautiful waterfront with eating places and a very good secluded seashore that’s good for swimming and sunbathing.
Valtos Seaside
Different close by seashores embody Valtos Seaside which is usually named among the best seashores in Greece and Sivota and Plataria have seashores as properly. Be sure to chill out at a seashore bar to benefit from the native seafood, this a part of Greece if well-known for its gastronomy, which says quite a bit since Greek meals, normally, is so superb! Learn Scrumptious Greek Meals – 29 Conventional Greek Dishes To Attempt Now
6. Metsovo
And at last, if you’re in search of extra issues to do in Epirus, make your approach to the city of Metsovo. Metsovo is a lovely area nestled within the mountains with conventional cities scattered all through the rolling hills. It’s a well-liked place for snowboarding in Greece within the winter and in the summertime it’s stuffed with journey sports activities. Once we visited, there was a mountain bike race happening and the village was a flutter with individuals. We loved lunch at Apokentro with views of the deep valleys and mountains earlier than our eyes.
Museum of Hydrokenisis
One of many prime locations to go to in Metsovo is the Museum of Hydrokenisis. This new attraction showcases the custom of washing carpets and harnessing the facility of water.
It’s a stunning setting with a restaurant and cafe the place you may order scrumptious Greek Espresso. You possibly can take a tour of the standard water mill to see the facility of the water working from the mountains. We even tried our hand at cleansing a carpet within the churning water. It’s quite a bit tougher than it appears!
After a tour of the standard water mill, we made our approach to downtown Metsovo to tour this energetic conventional village that’s common for out of doors adventures. See extra particulars right here
Katogi Averoff Resort and Vineyard
One among our favourite issues to do in Metsovo was to take a tour of the Katogi Averoff Resort and Vineyard. You possibly can keep at this resort as properly, so if you happen to bask in an excessive amount of wine, you may stroll on to your roome. This vineyard is a pioneer of wine tourism in Greece and you’ll tour its conventional wine cellars and tasting room.
Averoff Gallery
Situated subsequent to Apokentro, the Averoff Gallery is a contemporary artwork museum that homes the gathering of Evangelos Averoff. His grandson runs the gallery. It’s a fascinating assortment of well-known Greek items depicting historic occasions and each day lives of Greek historical past. It’s an incredible escape from the outside to absorb some native tradition.
Ebiking with Bikewise
If you’re trying to stretch your legs in any case that meals and wine, a enjoyable exercise is to go e-biking. Bikewise provide biking round AOOS Lake. Driving on an ebike makes it really easy so you may benefit from the surroundings and if you end up completed they’ve a beautiful unfold of Greek meals and Tsipiro, the native liqueur. This firm is aware of how you can create an journey itinerary. Enjoyable within the outdoor adopted by food and drinks. Sure! Examine them out to guide excursions to cycle Greece.
And there may be your tour of Epirus, Greece. Have we made you wish to add it to your listing? Whereas it isn’t as properly often known as another locations in Greece, it quickly shall be. So make your approach to Epirus now earlier than the entire world finds out about the entire superb locations to go to on this quiet nook of the nation.
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