Curator’s statement
Ioannina, located in northwestern Greece, is a captivating destination year-round, but it's especially popular in the winter and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Lake Pamvotida, one of Ioannina's top tourist attractions, often has a misty and ethereal quality, perfect for daytime walks and bike rides or enjoying a hot drink along one of its cafes.
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Where to stay in Ioannina, Greece
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Things to do in Ioannina, Greece
Lake Pamvotida: The lake is about 12 miles long, and there are several long sections along the lake that people can walk or ride their bikes with beautiful scenic views.
Visit the Island of Ioannina: Catch one of the boats that take visitors to this small island. You can spend a few hours eating at one of the restaurants, exploring historical buildings, shopping at their traditional shops and taking a walk all along the island.
Castle of Ioannina: This is one of the best preserved Byzantine castles in Greece. It includes various museums and historical artifacts and buildings with byzantine, Ottoman and Greek influences.
Cave of Perama: Just outside the city, this cave is a well-known tourist attraction which features stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Zagori Villages: You can take a day trip and explore the Zagori villages, well known for their natural landscapes, stone villages and traditional taverns.
Places to eat & drink in Ioannina, Greece
Balsamico: A traditional restaurant with a Mediterranean menu.
Bakalogatos: One of the most popular restaurants in Ioannina with great reviews. It serves Mediterranean and Greek food.
Metsovitiki Folia: A traditional steakhouse with delicious steaks and sides.
Thamon: An upscale restaurant with Greek gourmet dishes using high-quality local ingredients.
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Greece. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Visit Nafplio, The Historical City in Greece.