Ioannina

Brief description

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, is a lively university student town, boasts a rich historic centre with, plenty museums, orthodox churches, mosques, modern café’s and traditional coffee shop called ‘kafeneia’. It is build at the banks of Pamvotis lake, which has been declared as a protected area due to its high ecological value as important birds species nest in its’ reed beds.  

What to do and see

Ioannina has a long and interesting history that visitors can explore through its many cultural attractions, giving the opportunity to get to know the roots of the spiritual tradition of Epirus. The visitor can walk near the stone paved streets near the banks and mediaeval castle walls and can take a boat trip to the small island of “Nisaki” with the important historical monuments and visit the Protected Areas’ Information Centre.  

Wandering through the city streets and the historic centre of Ioannina, the visitor will come across with unique attractions and historical monuments like the House of Hussein Matei, the Ottoman Veli Pasha Mosque and the   imposing castle of Ioannina, which was built in 528 AD and where the emblematic figure of the Ottoman Empire, Ali Pasa, lived.

Walking or cycling along the banks of the lake under the huge trees the visitor will come across to small shops and great restaurants, which combine the finest food with the green landscape. The lake and the surrounding areas offers excellent opportunities for birdwwatching, boat trip in Pamvotis island, cultural events, student entertainment, shopping etc.

Eating in Ioannina is an exceptional experience as the visitor can taste well-cooked fish from the lake, such as eels and trout, traditional desserts like the excellent baklava and liqueurs without alcohol that cannot be found anywhere else except in the Ioannina. In cafes of the city you can try the unique "sherbeti" and sweet wines with aromas of fruit and flowers.

At the outskirts of the town, is situated one of the most beautiful caves in Europe, Perama, which has a history of 1.5 million years. The beauty of the chambers and corridors are incredible. The stalactites and stalagmites create natural sculptures and structures that seems almost impossible to have been formed without human intervention.  

About 21 kilometres from Ioannina, lies the world-renowned archaeological site shrine of Dodoni, mainly known for the ancient theatre and oracle of Dodoni.

Highlights
  • Walking in by traditional Silver and Gold workshops and along the lakes’ bank with cafes overlooking the lake and the island.
  • Visit many important historical monuments and buildings such as the Ioannina Castle.
  • Visit the striking beauty of the Perama Cave with the impressive stalactites and stalagmites
  • The Wax Museum that is second to nothing that Madame Tisso
  • The archeological site of Dodoni
  • Hiking around the lake, bird watching, boat trip in Pamvotis island, canoeing, cultural events, student entertainment, excellent cafes and restaurants, lively nightlife and shopping

Solo & Group Travel

Visit to Culture Treasures

Exploring Cultural & Natural Treasure

Take part in an exciting journey exploring Greece's rich wildlife and impressive culture. You will be based in a single good quality hotel, and will take daily field trips to National Parks and cultural sites. This expedition takes places within the five National Parks of Epirus Region, renowned for landscapes of exceptonal beauty and marvellous variety of fauna and flora. The region’s fascinating ancient, historical and religious heritage will not be forgotten...Read more...

Marine wildlife surveys

Summer Adventures

An excellent opportunity for those wishing to spend a week observing marine wildlife, while meeting the daily challenges of living on a sailing vessel. You have the opportunity to become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation and more. You will participate in wildlife surveys around the waters of the Ionian Islands, focusing on Short-beaked Common Dolphin...Read more...

Birdwatching in protected areas

Wildlife Expeditions

Explore the wildlife of some of the most pristine National Parks of Northern Greece, outstanding areas that are excellent destinations for bird, wildflower, butterfly and photography enthusiasts or for those who simply wish to unwind in the tranquillity of nature. This trip is for those who want to discover few of the region's best wildlife hotspots observing rare and endangered species, feel the insights of Thessaloniki long history and cosmopolitan life, and visit distinctive archaeological... Read more...



Volunteer & Education

Protected Areas Management

Protected Areas

Experience a truly rewarding Protected Area Management programme in the pristine National Parks of the Epirus Region. Working closely with Park’s staff and inspiring environmentalists, volunteers undertake various field work and office duties to assist in the implementation of the Parks’ day-to-day Management and conservation efforts. .. Read more...

Wildlife Surveys in Tzoumerka National Park

Wildlife Surveys

Participate in the monitoring and research of National Parks' abudant wildlife.In this project volunteers will be involved with the monitoring and research of the Parks’ rich wildlife. You will be working together with the Parks’ personell and other highly experienced scientists and you will learn a range of skills from those focused on research... Read more...

Monk Seal Pup

Autumn Eco-Navigation

An excellent opportunity for those wishing to engage in marine conservation projects and marine wildlife surveys while living and working on a sailing vessel. As a volunteer you will become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation, galley cooking duties, and vessel upkeep. You will participate in wildlife surveys ... Read more...

Butterfly on a wildflower

Nature Guides/Ecotourism

This is a great opportunity for those wishing to gain intense experience, knowledge and skills as Nature Guides and amateur nature & wildlife photographers. This intern programme offers the best in theoretical teaching and hands-on information and experience for participants who are keen to establish themselves as a professional Nature Guide or for the adventurous type wanting to gain ... Read more...

Solo & Group Adventure Travel
Home
News & Updates
Exploring Culture & Nature Treasures
Summer Adventures
Wildlife Expeditions
Volunteer/ Education
General Info
Uni & College Students
Gap Year
Placements & Interns
Volunteer/ Education
Student Programmes
Protected Areas
Wildlife Surveys
Autumn Eco-Navigation
Ecotourism
Destinations Tzoumerka Nat. Park
Pindos Nat. Park
Pamvotis Lake
Acherontas Nat.Park
Amvrakikos Nat. Park
Metsovo village
Ioannina city
Protected Areas
Zakynthos Nat.Park
Mount Aenos Park
Kerkini Lake
Axios-Aliakmonas Delta
Koroneia & Volvi Lakes
Prespa Nat. Park
Mount Olympus Park
Nestos-Vistonida Delta
Rodopi Mountain Range
About Us
General Info
Mission Statement
Activities
Why choose us?
Contact Us
GreenTraveller
Ioannina-Metsovo, Gr
Tel: +30 6945373088
Bus.Hours: 9:00am–5:00pm M-F, GMT +2
info@greentraveller.gr

Google