Ioannina is a large and touristic mountainous region of Greece, although landlocked. It lies in north
Epirus, occupied mostly by the Pindus mountain range. The capital of Ioannina is the town of Ioannina on the shore of lake Pamvotis. The region is most famous for the area Zagori, also called Zagorochoria - it includes 46 villages with stone streets and houses in the typical for the region architecture.
Sights and interesting places to visit in the region are:
- The town of Ioannina with its medieval castle, Ottoman mosques, three museums (archeological, ethnographic and Byzantine).
- Ioannina island, which is in lake Pamvotis, reachable via small boats departing from Ioannina town on a regular schedule. The island houses a few monasteries and a tiny village with tavernas, cafes and shops for local products and souvenirs.
- The villages of Zagori and the National Park of Vikos-Aoos, formed around the gorges of
Vikos and Aoos. Vikos Gorge with the river Voidomatis running through it is a popular destination for ecotourism and rafting. Old stone bridges above the river can be seen near the villages of Kipi and
Konitsa.
- The Kipina Monastery close to the village of
Kalarites. The monastery is built within a high vertical rock and dates back to 13 century.
- The Ancient site of Dodona oracle near the village of
Dodoni. A big ancient theater can also be seen there.