About Ioannina
The city was founded by the Byzantine Emperor in 527. As a result of the influence of Muslims, Christians and Jews in its history, the city hosts more than one cultural trace. It is now the capital and largest city of Epirus, northwest Greece, with its population of 120.000. Although Epirus is the most mountainous area in Greece, it is easy to reach Ioannina thanks to modern roads. It is possible to visit almost the entire city on foot. It is located 420 kilometers from Athens and 260 kilometers from Thessaloniki. Located by the Pamvotis Lake, the city is one of the most beautiful settlements in Greece. It looks like a small island, between its own castle in the inland and the panoramic view of the lake. It is a delightful place for visitors with its natural beauties, rich history, archaeological sites, nightlife and traditional Greek cuisine.
The Ottoman Veli Pasha Mosque, Aslan Mosque, the city castle, the Archeology Museum and the cafes and bars near the lake are among the top places to visit in the city. The village of Zitsa, just outside the city, famous for its white wine, and Dodoni, with its ancient ruins, are some of the places where tourists visit. You can find coffee, baklava, etc. in this small city, which is heavily influenced by Turkish culture. It is famous for gold, silver workmanship and handmade goods. You can buy these products as a gift or you can watch the artisans working at various workshops preparing the products. Ioannina Airport is located 5 kilometers from the city center and is usually serving domestic flights. From Athens you can get to Ioannina city center with a 50-minute flight. The closest international airport is the Thessaloniki International Airport, which is 260 kilometers away. From this airport you can reach Ioannina by a 3-hour car or bus journey.
