Ioannina, is one of the most beautiful cities of Greece. Surrounded by abundant natural beauty and endowed with rich historical evidence, the city flourished through the times becoming an important financial and cultural center; a historic ‘Metropolis of knowledge’ renown since the times of the great Byzantine Empire.
The city, with a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, lies in the middle of a plain (600 m altitude), surrounded by mountains. The beautiful old town, trapped within the walls of its castle, spreads to the shores of the legendary lake of Pamvotis; the lake of Ioannina with its picturesque little island in the middle. Today, Ioannina acts as a commercial and cultural center of the North-Western part of Greece. It is the capital of the province of Epirus, which is the most mountainous place in Greece.
The city of Ioannina is about 450km north-west from Athens and about 60km south of the Albania border. The city boasts a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities including indoor swimming pools, football and basketball stadiums, theaters, cinemas, Art Galleries, Museums, dancing floors and many colourful bars and pubs. It is famous for its popular art of golden and silver jeweleries and wood sculpture. Within an hour’s drive is the coastline of Ionian Sea with small harbour towns that link Ioannina with the Ionian Islands via fast ferries. Only a few kilometers away over the mountains, the ancient oracle of Dodoni silenced forever, awaits for the last pilgrims to come. To come and cherish the awesome view from its impressive amphitheater, dating from the 3d century B.C.
Ioannina is connected by bus to Athens (7 hrs), Thessaloniki (6 hrs), Igoumenitsa (1.5 hrs, ferry boat connection to Italy and Corfu) and other important cities. The two bus stations are located downtown. The city also enjoys a modern airport at the distance of 4km from the city center and 10km from the University Campus with every-day flights to Athens (1 hr) and three flights per week to Salonica (40 min). There is also an international flight per week to Tirana (Albania, 1 hr).
Dodona: One of the best preserved theaters in all of Greece is located here and it is the big draw. Dodona is around 13 miles from Ioannina, nestled into a valley between spectacular mountains on one side and some large hills on the other. The sanctuary at the theater was the reason the complex was built in the first place. It was an oracle much like Delphi but much older. There are few remains at the Archaeological Site of Dodona, but the acropolis does extend from the top of the theater.
Metsovo: (2,705 inhabits.) Actually two towns divided by a gorge, it is in some of the highest mountains of all Greece. It is a quaint little town with a surprising tourist edge due to the amount of crafts made here. There are ski resorts nearby and the town is a nice stop. The Pass of Katara over the Pindus mountains nearby is at 1707m. and is amazing. It should only be attempted in the best weather though, since it is above the snow line.
