In this mountainous region of Greece, you will find the most ancient and mystical ruins, a river that once lead to the gates of Hades, an oracle of the dead, a victorious Roman city and what remains of the Ottomans and their most notorious leader. This is the land of the ancient Greek tribes of the Molossians, Thesprotians and the Chaonians. This is also a land of endless coastline that lines a rugged landscape. In Epirus, you will find a rich ecosystem inhabited by endangered species. You will find hospitable and cosmopolitan Greeks with customs that date back thousands of years. The land of Epirus is complex and inspiring. A definite must for any visitor.
Epirus is located in north-western Greece and is bordered by the Greek regions of Macedonia, Thessaly and Central Greece. Albania is to the north-west. The Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf is situated south-west. The Pindus Mountain range borders the northern part of the region. The climate is mild, with excellent summers and the natural environment is tempting with its forests, rivers, and rich wetlands and numerous mountains, such as the Pindus Mountains.
Epirus is known for its dramatically diverse natural and man-made environment. From the dramatic Vikos Gorge to the cliff-hanging monasteries of Meteora, the region of Epirus continuing to inspire and amaze. There are amazing mountainous villages called the Zagorohoria, a cluster of 46 villages tucked into the totally unique in their architecture and history. Inland you will find the traditional village of Metsovo, where ladies clad in traditional outfits are always walking around the small village centre.
The area is renowned for its cuisine. There are picturesque and historic stone bridges all over the region and ancient mystical sites such as Dodona, Kassope, Acheron River and numerous Byzantine monuments and churches scattered about the region.
There are fine running water springs in the region, such as Louros and Zitsa, with rich minerals, and an endless coastline boasting excellent beaches, both sandy and pebbly.
The Ancient City of Nikopolis sprawls over the green landscape near the Ambracian Gulf and was once the city of Augustus, built to commemorate his victory over Antony and Cleopatra in the historic battle of Actium.
The large and busy international harbour of Igoumenitsa greets visitors from Europe and is a cosmopolitan centre. The picturesque port town of Parga, is probably the star of the region, with its amphitheatrical layout and island atmosphere. Parga is the most touristy of the region's cities and very attractive with its narrow and winding streets, cafés, fish tavernas, busy beaches, camping grounds, traditional rooms and modern hotels.
Parga is an excellent place to visit and is close to numerous beaches as well being only about 25 kilometres close to the ancient ruins of the Nekromanteio or Oracle of the Dead. It is also close to Acheron River where you can stroll through the waters, or swim or kayak as you journey towards the mythical gates to the underworld.
Parga is also close to Preveza, which makes another good place to stay, with its camping grounds near the beaches of Monolithi and Kanali, its busy and international port with numerous sailing ships anchoring daily as well as the numerous traditional fishing boats. Preveza has a lovely old section that dates back to the Ottomans and was the rather notorious setting for the suicide of one of Greece's major poet's, the brooding and melancholy Kostas Karyotakis. Other excellent places in the region include the resort of Lygia, Riza with its rocky beachfront, and all are within easy access of the island of Lefkada.
But it is the city of Ioannina that is the pride of the region. The biggest city in Epirus, it sits proudly over Lake Pamvotis and boasts a plethora of historical monuments, museums, a castle, an excellent night-life, excellent shopping and a unique cuisine. This is the city of Ali Pasha, of local delicacies like snails, of wines grown in difficult mountain terrain, of singular smoked cheeses, of evocative music and dances that tell stories, of dazzling history and architecture and some of the best hospitality in all of Greece.
