By Rania Margari
Ioannina: the capital of Epirus on the west of Greece is a beautiful town which can fulfill your expectations in the maximum.
If you are looking to Exile then some ideal suggestions would be to take a walk by the lake Pamvotis of Ioannina, a marvelous landscape which you will always treasure. Begin your walk from the new-built entertaining park “ODEON”, past a small park and keep on the path which is full of trees… a marvelous landscape, with the old castle on your left hand and the surrounding mountains to dominate the place. Enjoy the view of the picturesque island of Ioannina which is situated in the middle of the lake, sitting on one of the plenty fences or even at the famous cafeteria of Kira – Frosini to enjoy your coffee.
Right after you can choose to take a boat trip around the lake or go directly to the island in just 10 minutes time. How? Get on the small boats that sail from Molos by the lake every half an hour during summer time from 08:00 until 24:00 and every hour in winter from 08:00 until 22:00. The route will cost you around 1 euro and you can buy your tickets while on board. The island is inhabited by almost 100 families and you can walk all around it in just one hour. From the moment you will step your foot on the island you can feel the tranquility all over your body and soul so it’s a perfect place to go. Explore the narrow paved alleys and the few traditional houses of this picturesque island and taste the traditional sweets, they are delicious! Also you should try the traditional food of this place, frog legs and eels; don’t set your mind until you taste them yourself!
Do not leave from there before you pay a visit to the famous House of Ali – Pasha which is now a museum. There is an entrance ticket with a relatively small fee.
Express yourself by joining a tour in the natural beauties and go for kayaking or rafting in the fantastic rivers which are all around the city of Ioannina. There are plenty of activities to join. You could take part in a spectacular trek and explore one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe, Vikos. The crossing lasts around 5-7 hours and costs around 40euros per person (www.outdoorsgreece.com). If you prefer lakes then for the same price you could join the trek to the Dragon lakes but be aware that this will require that you are in a good physical condition. The astonishing view to river Aoos, mountain Smolikas and the extraordinary Gamila peak will compensate without any doubt for all your “trouble”.
