THE NATURE OF EPIRUS

PAMVOTIDA MEANS NOURISHING EVERYTHING

The Lake of Ioannina, the Pamvotida Lake, or the Lake of Lady Frosini is undoubtedly one place strongly interrelated to history and legends. This magical place has been a place of natural beauty since 10.000 B.C. and it is still one of the most alluring attractions in our city.

A lakeside stroll to the banks of the lake or admiring it from above is one of the first things a visitor enjoys during his stay in Ioannina. At Frontzu Politia you can enjoy your coffee, drink, or food with a view of the whole city and of course its jewel, Pamvotis Lake with a habitable island in the lake.

THE UNIQUE HABITABLE ISLAND WITHOUT A NAME IN PAMVOTIS LAKE

The Island of Lake Pamvotis is the only island without a name in the world. Many visitors have given it names such as "Lady Frosini'' or "Ali Pasha". The truth is that it does not have one. The Island in Pamvotis Lake with its monasteries, the house of Ali Pasha, the enchanting tour that one can do and admire nature and the city from a different perspective, are here for you to discover them.

THE AESTHETIC FOREST OF IOANNINA

It was created for aesthetic reasons in various areas of the city: on the island, opposite Mitsikeli, and of course on the hill of Agia Triada where Frontzu Politia is located.

Enjoy nature with the best view of Ioannina in less than a kilometre from the city centre.

WITH THE MOUNTAINS AROUND US...

The imposing Mitsikeli is visible from almost the entire city. The lake reflects the green mountains of the Pindus mountain range, which are located around the city, creating a unique bucolic landscape, which adorns, protects and "transfers" the citizens and visitors of Ioannina to distant times that have left their indelible marks on this unspoilt land.

PERAMA CAVE... IN THE HOUSE OF THE CHTHONIC GODS...

The term Chthonic stands for the adjective "subterranean", which describes deities or spirits of the underworld, especially in Ancient Greek mythology. The Cave of Perama: the residence of Pluto and Persephone. The cave of the city of Ioannina is 1,500,000 years old. It was created by the underground riverbed and is adorned with more than 19 kinds of stalactites and stalagmites. The Cave, the house of chthonic Deities is waiting for you to discover it!

THE LAKE OF VIROS... THE BLUE-GREEN LAKE...

Lake Biros is located in the springs of the river Louros. Deep turquoise waters in a pristine and untouched area. It is just 29 kilometres from Ioannina and it is waiting for you to help you relax and get rid of your problems in its cool waters. When we say cool, we mean really COOL!

METSOVO LAKE, THE LARGEST MOUNTAIN LAKE...

A unique route that will surely reward the traveller! The largest mountain lake in Metsovo, which was created by the Aoos hydroelectric dam, is located between two National Parks, Valia Calda and Vikos-Aoos.

It took seven dams to create this wonderful wetland, which is used to generate "green" electricity. Beech forests, streams, islets, and small natural lakes compose this wonderful scenery. Plan a day trip and enjoy the wildlife - natural or artificial - of Epirus.

LAKE ZARAVINA... THE LEGENDARY BOTTOMLESS LAKE...

Another wonderful lake of just 285 acres is located 11 kilometers from the village of Kalpaki, which is just 20 minutes from Ioannina. This is the fifth deepest lake in Greece and according to the legend it is bottomless and everything on its surface is dragged to the bottom. This wonderful landscape of Life and Well Being is being taken off by the oaks and other centenarian trees.

DRAKOLIMNI

Chase dragons with us or try to put an end to the conflict between them. According to the legend, two dragons, one of the Lake Tymfi (White) and another one of Smolika (Black) had a dispute with each other. This is why we can see scattered rocks of opposite colors. Observe the little "dragons" swimming in their waters!

THE RIVER ACHERON

The famous river Acheron is surrounded by mythology. According to the legend, Hermes was leading the dead to their last journey to Hades and Saint Donatos killed the dragon that poisoned its waters there. Just an hour and fifteen minutes from Ioannina! Be at the place where Orpheus tried to save his beloved Eurydice from the chthonic gods.

Despite its "tragic" reputation, the river Acheron is a magical landscape of nature where one can escape from Ioannina to enjoy alternative sports, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, paragliding, etc.

THE FOREST OF THE GREAT PEAKS, ΤΗΕ NATIONAL FOREST OF VIKOS-AOOS

The Forest of the great peaks is located in the northern area of Ioannina, Zagori. The Vikos-Aoos forest (an area of ​​122,250 acres) is a wonderful natural landscape that is deservedly included in the European network of Natura 2000 protected areas since it is a sensitive ecosystem of wonderful beauty full of green areas that cause awe. Take a tour and enjoy the wild beauty of the Nature of Epirus.