Why is Epirus considered one of the hidden gems during a trip to Greece? Let’s find out!
You can explore the ancient stone villages of Zagori.
Located in an area of great natural beauty and two natural parks, villages of Zagori were for centuries inaccessible, but that way helped them preserve their natural treasures. Highlights include the village of Papigo, which is located inside the Vikos-Aoos National Park and its famous rock pools, known as Kolymbethres. After that, visit the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi at Monodendri village, a 15th century Monastery that offers a stunning view of the Vikos gorge, which is located underneath it.
Hike the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world.
Vikos Gorge is considered the deepest Gorge in the world in relation to its width. The extremely steep walls of Vikos Gorge rise to a height of 1,040 meters in several places, providing breath-taking views of this unique natural phenomenon. Voidomatis River crosses Vikos Gorge and gives beautiful natural sceneries.Vikos Gorge is a popular destination for practicing many sports.
Immerse yourself in the history of Ioannina and its stunning lakeside castle.
The town of Ioannina is built next to lake Pamvotida, creating a beautiful scenery, which includes one of the few inhabited lake islands in Europe and the only one without a name! Take the boat to the small island, where you are going to visit the local history museum, full of stories about the famous Ottoman ruler of the area, Ali Pasha. After you return from the island, you can head over to Perama Cave, located just a few minutes from the town, being one of the most stunning horizontal caves in the Balkans.
Indulge in the local cuisine, known for its authenticity and flavor.
Whether you choose an haute cuisine restaurant or a traditional off the beaten track taverna, one thing’s for sure: you will be served the best of what’s available, to make sure you are entirely satisfied. Local cuisine mainly uses ingredients found on the mountain and depends mostly on stock farming products: milk, yogurt, cheese, goat and sheep meat.
Try the mouthwatering local pies in Zagorochoria villages, taste the local sausage, kontosouvli and smoked metsovone cheese in Metsovo town. And of course, you should combine everything with the famous white Zitsa wine, the robust red wines of Metsovo or a sip of the traditional spirit of tsipouro.
Visit Dodona, the largerst theater of Ancient Greece
The Theatre of Dodona, around 12 miles from Ioannina, is one of the sites on the Cultural Route of Epirus. At 72 feet in diameter, this was the largest theater of ancient Greece and could accommodate more than 15,000 people. It was built in the 3rd century BCE to reflect the power and grandeur of King Pyrrhus (who is, unfortunately, better known today for the term “pyrrhic victory”).
Ready to witness it by yourself?
Our carefully curated “Mainland Greece Escape” package covers most of the must-see experiences of Epirus:
Photos via Unsplash
