Amazing Winter Destinations #2 – Ioannina, Zagorohoria villages and Metsovo

For many travelers in the know, the Epirus region in Northern Greece is said to be one of the best kept secrets in Greece. Read on for yourself and come to your own conclusions

1. Ioannina – Where East meets West

Starting our journey in the historic town of Ioannina.  This town is a popular tourist destination. It’s culturally rich heritage and beautiful landscapes attract tourists all year round.  Being a University town with lots of students adds a swinging nightlife into the mix.

What to do and see

• Explore the charming old city inside the Castle walls. This Byzantine fortress is one of the oldest still standing in Greece. The “Itch Kale” with its famous Fetihe Mosque makes a stunning backdrop during the full moon. Admire the traditional stone houses and shops.
• Visit the magnificent display of stalagmites and stalactites at the Perama Cave which dates back 1.5 million years.
• Stroll through the Byzantine Museum with its extensive collection of icons and silver smith collection.
• Visit the, Municipal Gallery, the Archeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum
• Walk or cycle around the banks of lake Pamvotida, the crown jewel of Ioannina. You can also take a 10 minute boat ride to the “little island” located in the center.

Local delicacies and traditional products:

• Baklava
• Traditional pies (i.e.mushroom, chicken, wild greens etc)
• Trout
• Frog’s legs
• Herbs
• Alcohol free liqueur made from fruit
• Silver crafting items such as jewelry, flatware, trays etc.

Where to stay

There are many “boutique” hotels inside the castle walls. Below are some suggestions:

Hotel Antique Ioannina *****

Hotel Metropolis Ioannina *****

Grand Serai Congress & Spa *****

Hotel Du Lac Congress Center & Spa Ioannina *****

Frontzu Politia ****

Archontariki Ioannina ****

Getting there:

About 450 km from Athens (6 hour drive) and 260 Km from Thessaliniki (3 hour drive)

Check out these videos for more inspiration:

2. Zagori or Zagorohoria …. A unique mountain experience.

A short distance from Ioannia are the villages of Zagorohoria. These 60 picturesque stone built villages are constructed amphitheatrically on top of the Pindus Mountains amidst dense forests and pristine waters. The tiny villages are lined with cozy dwellings, guesthouses and cafes. They are connected via scenic mountain roads and stone arched bridges.

What to see and do   

• Cross the beautiful stone bridges which connect the villages. Admire the stone dwellings built by master masons, considered to be some of the greatest in Greece.
• Hike the Vikos/Aoos National Park – registered in the Guinness book of records as the world’s deepest in proportion to its width.

• Stroll the cobbled roads of Kapesovo and take in the breathtaking view of the Vikos Gorge from the village of Oxia.

• Take in the incredible view of the valley from Aghia Paraskevi church in Monodendri village.  You may also visit the Rizarios School of Handicrafts to appreciate local weaving and embroidery.

• Hike the hundreds of kilometers of marked trails along the Vikos Gorge, Lake Drakolimni and Mt. Tymfi. and admire the untamed landscape at its best.
• Enjoy whitewater rafting, Canyoning in the gorges, mountain biking, river trekking along the Voidomatis.

• Hike to the “Dragon Lakes”.  This location is exceptionally beautiful but for the more adventurous traveler. According to legends these were the dwelling places of dragons. Today we find Alpine newts (lizards) in the waters of these lakes. The autumn and spring are the best times to visit, since in the winter, the snow and strong winds make it inaccessible

• Don’t miss the “Kolymbithres”  where the flow of the water has carved the rocky formations into the canyon, creating a scenic landscape.

Also consider visiting eastern Zagori, which is far less developed in a touristic sense but just as impressive.

Local delicacies and traditional products:

Wild mushrooms, herbs; nuts, fruits of the forest, grapes, trachanas (a type of porridge), soups and many different kinds of famous Epirus pies.

Getting there:  Approximately 64 Km from Ioannina airport (1 hour), 300 Km (3 hour drive) from Thessaloniki and 500 Km from Athens (6 ½ hour drive)

Useful Information/links:

The Rizarios Handicraft School in Monodendri. Photography exhibition space, museum, Epirus folk art shop. 

Costas Lazaridis Museum (tel. +30 26530-71775) in Koukouli. It hosts a collection of rare plant species that grow in the Vikos gorge. • Tel. (+30) 26530 71775

Alpine Zone, Activities include rafting, rowing, 4X4 excursions and paragliding • Tel. (+30) 26510-23222, (+30) 6974-659999 

Trekking Hellas Epirus, Rafting, mountain biking, trekking, river trekking 

 ioannina@trekking.gr

Where to stay:  

Here are a few of my personal choices:

Aithrio in Dilofo***** 

Aristi Mountain Resort in Aristi ****

Archontiko Zarkada in Monodendri ****

Aberratio Boutique Hotel in Aristi***

Zagori Philoxenia Hotel in Monodendri ***

Hotel Ladias in Monodendri **

Videos for inspiration:

3. Metsovo – A cultural escape

Located 50 kilometers East of Ioannina, you will reach the picturesque town of Metsovo.  Perched Amphitheatrically 1,000 meters above sea level on one of the most beautiful slopes of the Pindus mountains.

Things to do and see:

Walk the cobblestone streets of the village and admire the grey stone built houses with their wooden balconies (hayat).

• Take a photo between two bears in Metsovo’s main “Bear” square while listening to the locals speak in “Vlach”.
• Drive around the artificial lake of Aoos springs and admire the breathtaking view of the Pindos mountains.
• Visit the Folklore museum housed in the Tositsa mansion to see the day to day life of a traditional house  in Metsovo.
• Visit the Averoff museum of Neohellenic Art where you can admire collections from famous 19^th and 20^th century Greek artists.
• Stroll through the  Averofeios Garden and come accross local tree species.
• Drink mountain water from the stone “taps” located around the village
• Partake in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding at the Metsovo ski resort. Hike or mountain bike on the numerous marked trails
• Indulge in winetasting at the Katogi Averoff winery and acquire a bottle of their famous Katogi wine.

Local specialties: Katogi Wine, “Metsovone”  and “Metsovela” cheeses, again the famous Epirus “Pies”, hilopittes (local home-made pasta), wood-carved objects and textiles, sausages and “kontosouvli” (pork roasted on a spit).

Where to stay:

Grand Forest Metsovo *****

Archontiko Metsovou Boutique Hotel  ****

Aroma Dryos Eco & Design Hotel ****

Katogi Averoff Hotel & Winery ****

Victoria Hotel Metsovo ***

Asteri Metsovou **

Apollon Hotel Metsovo**

Metsovo ski resort
It may be small, but it offers all the necessary facilities for amateur skiers.

Slopes: 5 (Anilio), 2 (Karakoli), 5 (Politsies)

Ski lifts: 5

Facilities: Chalet, skiing and snowboard lessons, equipment rental stores.

Altitude : between 1350 and 1600 meters

For more information visit the : Metsovo Ski Resort webpage.

Getting there:

Metsovo is located 415km from Athens (4 hour drive), 250 km from Thessaloniki (2.3 hour drive), and 55km from Ioannina (which is the nearest airport).

Want more inspiration:

Important note: If you have time, you should absolutely make the 50 km drive to see “Meteora” . It’s a must see and one of Greece’s 18 UNESCO protected sites.