Sprawling between the Pindus Mountains and the Ionian Sea, Epirus is a rugged region in northwestern Greece. It centres around the attractive capital, Ioannina, and is traversed by the immense Vikos Gorge, with the island of Corfu just a stone’s throw across the water.
Things to do in Epirus
Vibrant Ioannina clusters around a historic core, which shows architectural influences reflecting Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Occupying the 17th-century Aslan Pasha Mosque is the Municipal Ethnographic Museum, where antique pottery, jewellery and costumes are on display. See the oldest Byzantine fortress in the country at the Ioannina Castle and stroll along the shores of sparkling Lake Pamvotida or hire a boat to visit its monastery-dotted island.
Encompassing more than 800 square metres in the east of Epirus is the National Park of Tzoumerka, Peristeri, Arachthos Gorge & Acheloos Valley. Its dramatic gorges and alpine meadows provide habitat for rare butterflies, wild goats and brown bears. A network of hiking trails leads between its traditional settlements and across historic stone bridges.
If you’re arriving by ferry to Epirus, Igoumenitsa will be your first port of call and is framed by sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe and participate in a range of watersports. Rent an umbrella and sun lounger at ever-popular Drepano and Makrigialos beaches or escape to the secluded pebbly cove of Korfu. At the mouth of the Thyamis River is Paralia Mbouka and its sprawling delta, which is a resting point for migratory birds.
Getting around Epirus
"King Pyrros" Ioannina National Airport is the main aviation gateway to Epirus and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to towns and cities across the region while ferries travel to Igoumenitsa from Italy and Corfu. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Epirus.