This is one of our favorite areas of Greece because of its varied terrain and relatively few tourists. Snow-covered mountains, the impressive Vikkos Gorge (near
Monodendri, known for its weaving), the Agia Paraskevi Monastery and the ruins of Dodona are the main draws to the region, which borders Albania. Its fishing villages are wonderfully picturesque. For a romantic getaway, visit
Papingo, a preserved and restored traditional village atop the Vikkos Gorge. And be sure to visit the mountain town of
Metsovon, home of a unique style of art and famous for its cheese.
The capital of Epirus is
Ioannina, a beautiful town on the shore of a large lake. The town has romantic old quarters, a good bazaar, museums, a citadel and a number of good restaurants. Worth a visit is the small island in the lake with a fishing village. A short drive from Ioannina is the ancient oracle of Dodona. The god Zeus was said to have resided there when he was not lounging on Mount Olympus. See the museum, the ancient ruins of the Oracle of Zeus (his priests conjured up prophecies from the sounds of the streams and sacred oak trees), the remains of the theater (there are sometimes performances there in July and August as part of the Epirotika Festival) and the ruins of the Sanctuary of Zeus (a sacred oak has been planted there). Greek dramas are frequently performed at the third-century-BC Dodona Theatre.
225 mi/360 km northwest of Athens.