Apart from being one of the biggest prefectures in Greece, Ioannina prefecture covers most of Epirus and is characterized by the special culture of the area. Capital of the prefecture is the city of Ioannina with its wide lake, characteristic castle and significant history.
The area is full of high mountains that are greatly graced by the songs of Epirus and magnificent rivers that flow between them.
Paths that cross the never-ending mountains, connect the villages that being built high up on the hillsides, will definitely attract your attention. No picture can capture the beauty of these inviting sceneries that will make you feel richer while admiring their beauty. They are known as Zagorochoria, villages on mountains of Pindos that offer shelter to all those that want to explore them. Despite the difficulties of living up on the mountain, these villages managed to flourish and brought up significant people. In the northern part of the prefecture and around the village of Konitsa there are the so called “mastorochoria” (=villages, where builders lived) from where skillful and experienced builders originate. These craftsmen built the stone bridges over the wild rivers of area and whole villages as well.
The visitors have lots of things to see in this wonderful area. While getting to know Ioannina prefecture you will definitely visit Dodoni, Ioannina, Zagorochoria – see as many as you can, each has something unique to offer – Metsovo, Konitsa, the villages of Tzoymerka and taste the great dishes and tsipouro in its stone squares you will meet in most villages.