Ioannina, surrounded by mountains, and with Lake Pamvotida and the Castle adding to its unique charm, is the ideal destination for a fall getaway. New roads and infrastructure improvements have made it easier to access the city: only 4.5 hours from Athens and less than 3 hours from Thessaloniki. Despite the high cost of petrol and tolls, Ioannina offers affordable guesthouses and budget-friendly dining options.

A walk around Lake Pamvotida is the best way to start your visit. Turn right at the end of Karamanli Avenue and walk along the lakeside road until you reach the end of the walled old town. The plane trees have already shed their leaves, creating a fairy-tale scene by the water.

The second walk you should take is inside the Castle. According to historical records, it was built in 528 AD as part of the Byzantine Empire’s fortification preparations, but was largely restored by Ali Pasha in the late 18th century. The castle town contains numerous well-preserved buildings, including the Aslan Pasha Mosque, which houses Ioannina’s Municipal Ethnographic Museum. Artifacts from the city’s rich history may be found here, including oriental fabrics and furniture from Ali Pasha’s reign, as well as religious literature and costumes from Ioannina’s Jewish population.

The Byzantine Museum of Ioannina, located on the Itch-Kale Acropolis, features exhibits from all across Epirus, providing insights into the region’s art and history from the fourth to the nineteenth centuries.

One of Ioannina’s main advantages is its proximity to places of stunning natural beauty. You may travel to the central Zagori village of Aspraggeloi in around thirty minutes, the wine-producing town of Zitsa in forty minutes, or the archaeological site of Dodona in twenty-five minutes. Numerous excursion options are available, including tours of the Aoos Reservoir and the enchanting Valia Calda reserve.